The defrost heater is similar to the burners on an electric stove. It's located just beneath the cooling coils, which are concealed behind a panel in the freezer compartment. The heater gets hot. And, because it's close to the cooling coils, any ice or frost build-up melts.
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Troubleshooting
This part fixes the following symptoms:
Fridge too warm | Freezer not defrosting
This part works with the following products:
Refrigerator.
This part works with the following products:
Whirlpool, Roper, Kenmore, Estate.
Part# WP2263749 replaces these:
AP6006902, 2166031, 2176942, 2263749
Questions and Answers
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Terry Sanders
December 6, 2017
Frezzer frezzes up and fridge doesn't get cold. I removed the defrost heater element and checked continuity and it read 30. Is that the problem?
For model number ET8GTMXKQ00
Hi Terry,
Thank you for your question. There are some parts that you will need to check to see which one is causing the issue. You will need to check the capacitor, the push-on-start relay, the evaporator fan motor, the fan blade, the bi-metal defrost thermostat, the defrost heater, the refrigerator defrost board, the temperature control board, the fresh food door gasket and the relay start combination. I hope this helps. Thank you and have a great day!
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Bob
May 29, 2019
The back of my freezer gets frozen and causes frost build up in the freezer as well as blocks the air vents to the fridge. Defrost timer replaced, and the unit does cycle on and off. If the defrost heater does not resolve it what else could it be? Evap motor, fan, cap, relays all appear in order.
For model number RT14DKXKQ01
Hello Bob, Thank you for the question. I suggest testing the Defrost Thermostat, PartSelect Number PS11739158. The best way to do this is to remove the thermostat from the refrigerator so you can control the temperature of the sensor. You can let the sensor warm up to room temperature. With the sensor warmed up to room temperature the sensor should read approximately 6.2K Ohms at 68°F. With the thermistor submerged is a glass full of ice water, the sensor should be very close to 32°F which should read approximately 16.3K Ohms. If the values that you are getting are far off from these readings, then the sensor is bad and should be replaced. Hope this helps!
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John
May 31, 2019
Does this part only come on if the freezer is below a certain temperature? E.G., if i have a fully defrosted fridge, and move my defrost timer so that the compressor kicks off and the defrost cycle should kick on, should this heater immediately begin transferring heat? Or does there need to be ice conditions present?
For model number RT14DKXKQ01
Hello John, thank you for writing. The Defrost Heater heats the Evaporator Coil for short periods of time to melt the frost that has formed on it. The Defrost Timer controls whether either the Compressor or Defrost Heater are on, but ensuring that they are not both on at the same time. We hope this answers your question.
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Victor
April 5, 2023
Evaporator coils have been freezing over, this is 3rd time in couple months. At first I thot ice build up was due to door seal not sealing good enough, or door not closing properly. After removing seal n soaking in hot water n a thorough cleaning. This was not cause of ice buildup. Wondering after a complete ice removal from coils. How long would ice build back up to close off refrigerator ports n what wud your professional diagnosis be defrost timer, defrost heater, or thermostat sensor? 2 weeks of normal temps in freezer n fridge compartments before fridge started to rise significantly above normal temps.
For model number ET17JKXJWOO
Hi Victor, thank you for reaching out. According to our research, we would recommend you check the defrost thermostat, part number PS11739158. We hope this sorts out your problem!
Replacing your Whirlpool Refrigerator Heater, Defrost
Customer Repair Stories
Average Repair Rating: 3.4 / 5.0, 2 reviews.
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Fridge wont defrost
Freezer freezes and wont defrost. Ice clogs up the coils and the fridge gets hot. Repairman said it was the timer so I replaced that and it didnt fix it. Ordered defrost heater and installed and it is still not fixed. 150$ so far. Should have thrown it away like the repairman suggested.
james from Mcdonough, GA
Difficulty Level:
Very Difficult
Total Repair Time:
15 - 30 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver
23 of 41 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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Freezer wasen't cooling refrigerator
Removed the old defrost heater screws and connected the new one. I have 46 apartment units here and have had about 15 defrost heater's replaced by service repair person at a very expensive cost. To my surprise it was extremly easy and a lot less in cost.
Joann from ATCHISON, KS
Difficulty Level:
Really Easy
Total Repair Time:
15 - 30 mins
Tools:
Screw drivers
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
★★★★★
★★★★★
3 Reviews
4.3
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★★★★★
★★★★★
Clayson L - January 27, 2021
Verified Purchase
Great experience
The part was delivered quickly and was a perfect match. The video provided showing the steps necessary to replace it was of great benefit and something I have not seen from other providers.
Great job guys!!
★★★★★
★★★★★
CURTIS C - September 29, 2019
Verified Purchase
Not Quite Right
This part must be model specific. Didn't quite fit without some modification to the machine. Not simply plug and play.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Andrea L - August 30, 2019
Verified Purchase
Easy Repair - Great Part
The part was in great condition. It was easy to fix and the fridge is now in working order.
With the Fix app, you can quickly and easily find information on your appliance, along with videos and articles to help you fix it.
"Like magic. I took a picture of the model number on my refrigerator, and the app identified it right away … Very convenient. I'm impressed." ★★★★★ - Clever Jeff
★★★★★
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