Clip-On Bimetal Defrost Thermostat with Leads WP4387490

The evaporator coil was fully coated with ice. When all the ice melted the 2 leads on the old defrost thermostat (which was defective -- the gel was protruding over the top of the thermostat) were cut and the old thermostat removed. The leads from the new thermostat (bought from PartSelect) were re-attached to the wires that were previously cut and the defrost thermostat snapped back onto the evaporator coil.

Freezer was running for extremely long periods I noticed and not doing a great job of cooling the fridge.I assumed it was in need of a defrosting so I took the panel off to take a look.
The whole radiator was covered with ice.I could see the defrost thermostat was half way popped out of its casing at a 45 degree angle.
I just had to cut the 2 wires to the defrost thermostat and wire nut the new one in.Very easy fix as the part just clips on radiator.

I automatically assumed it was the defrost timer contcts or motor due to 2 previous experiences. After seeing troubleshooting guide in check out page of partselect.com site I tested the 2 other components and found defective defrost thermostat. Thanks to this guide I saved a lot of time and cost.

In the freezer section I disassembled the paneling and remeoved the old bi-metal by cutting the wires (make sure your cut has enough slack to do splicing). Then, stripped 1/4 inch of wire insulation from the wire and used a wire splice to connect the new bi-metal and after that I crimp the wire slice. After all of that, I reassembled the paneling plug in the refrigerator and presto!! (Unplugging the regfrigerator should be the first step). The paneling is easy to remove, all the tools that are required is 1/4" nut driver.

My problem was that the freezer was frosting up.
I have a no frost system so I decided to investigate.
I removed the panels inside the freezer compartment.
This took me about 5 minutes. After the ice had melted, I noticed that the clicks-on (bi-metal stat)
has the top push out at about a 45% angle.
After ordering a replacement, I pushed the top of the bi-metal down to where it's supposed to be.
Put the freezer back together and plugged it in. I needed the freezer while the part is being shipped.
The part arrived in about 3 days, which was very fast and a surprise to me.
The freezer was still working fine so I put the part in the drawer until I needed it.
That was in April 09 and it is still working. I have the part in case I need it.
I am very happy with the service I received from PartSelect and will recommend them to everyone.
David Daley