Your coupon for will be reflected when you check out!
✖
Your coupon for
✖
Hello!
You're visiting the PartSelect site in U.S.
Would you like to shop on the Canadian site?
Stay on this site
Go to Canadian site
✖
Model Number Locations
1Select Category Type
Select Category Type
2Select Product Type
Select Product Type
3Select {MODEL} Type
Select {MODEL} Type
Sample Model Number Tags
Model numbers can be made up of numbers (1005400, for example) or a combination of letters and numbers (LAT1000AAE). The model number will most likely appear on either a paper sticker or a metal plate. Your appliance's model number tag may look similar to the sample model number tags shown here (model number highlighted in yellow):
This is a bimetal defrost thermostat for your refrigerator. It stops the fridge from overheating during the defrost cycle by protecting the evaporator. This clip-on thermostat will sense the temperature increase in the evaporator during the defrost process, and will cycle the defrost heater off after the ice or frost is melted. The most common reasons for needing to replace this part are if your unit is leaking, has inconsistent temperatures (too hot or too cold), you are seeing buildup of ice, or your appliance is running too long.
How Buying OEM Parts Can Save You Time and Money
Why buy the real thing?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Simply put, this means that the company who made your appliance is also supplying the replacement part for it.
Keep searches simple. Use keywords, e.g. "leaking", "pump", "broken" or "fit".
Sorry, we couldn't find any existing reviews that matched. Try using some different or simpler keywords.
★★★★★
★★★★★
JULIAN G - August 21, 2018
Verified Purchase
Expecting!! To work Great!! So far
Very easy to install!!! I just installed this weekend in it working great... I putt some ice cream and it is great !!
★★★★★
★★★★★
Geralyn J - March 11, 2020
Verified Purchase
Easy repair.
Everything is working. Followed a YouTube to install.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Adrienne H - July 22, 2021
Verified Purchase
Great part: Worked just how I expected it
The part was exactly what I needed but did not arrive as early as expected.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Scott M - February 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
Instant Repairman and Percentages Make it Easy
I plugged in my model number into Instant Repairman, I did not have an ice maker, so the next highest percentage was the bi-metal defrost thermostat. I almost also picked the second highest percentage part to save on shipping, but decided to trust the recommended part by Instant Repairman. The actual installation only took about 10 minutes. The moving of the freezer to get access, and defrosting of the frozen water that has accumulated made it into a 60 minute partially active job. The video provided was pretty accurate and I felt it took longer to watch the video than to do the the repair (stopping and starting the video included). Now, everything is working perfectly, I salvaged a 16 year old fridge, spent less than $27 and I am very satisfied with the whole process. Frankly, I have done business with PartSelect before concerning other appliances and it is because Instant Repairman, prices and service are so good. So far I have repaired a double oven, dryer, and two refrigerators.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Wiley R - May 30, 2019
Verified Purchase
Replace part
The part was easy to replace and is working well. Thank you W.R.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Patrick C - April 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
part came quickly easy install
this was the easier repair i could have imagined
★★★★★
★★★★★
Lynn D - January 9, 2019
Verified Purchase
Easy repair, good part, worked like it was supposed to
Good part, good service and quick delivery
★★★★★
★★★★★
John C - August 3, 2020
Verified Purchase
Easy repair, Great part. Worked as expected.
Pert works fine. Came fast.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Kenneth B - June 7, 2019
Verified Purchase
Easy to install.
This part solved my leak in the freezer. Your part made this a reasonably cost fix.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Michael R D - August 8, 2020
Verified Purchase
Easy repair
Fast shipping and the correct part fixed our fridge
< Prev
1
2
Next >
Customer Repair Stories
Average Repair Rating: 3.6 / 5.0, 25 reviews.
What's this?
Sort by:
< Prev
1
2
3
Next >
Search filter:
Clear Filter
Your search term must have 3 or more characters.
Keep searches simple. Use keywords, e.g. "leaking", "pump", "broken" or "fit".
Sorry, we couldn't find any existing installation instruction that matched.
Ice buildup in freezer causing leaking water into fridge section
In my case the defrost thermostat was not the problem. Not worth going through the hassle of checking the thermostat as I would have had to cut it out and test it in another freezer (while the food that was in the freezer was being stored elsewhere). I just ended up buying it and replacing it. So, like I said the defrost thermostat was NO
... Read moreT the issue. I ended up getting a drain tube heater strap, and have been keeping my eye on the fridge. It hasn't been long enough to say the strap fixed the problem, but all indications are pointing to that being the case.
Read less
Diane from Brighton, MI
Difficulty Level:
Very Easy
Total Repair Time:
30 - 60 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver, Pliers
2 of 2 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
Was this instruction helpful to you?
Thank you for voting!
The frig was running too long. the frig was warm the freezer cold
Check for Video if any, watch 2X. The parts may look different (but not this time) Unplug.Defrost timer-dropped the control panel in the frig. the defrost timer sits right in the middle switch it out.Turn the timer to be set on the on cycle. Wasn't sure if the Bimetal thermostat was bad too so for a little over $20. I changed that too.-
... Read morein the freezer- remove the metal panel and fan cover. its clipped on to the element tubing on the right. cut the wire. Splice the wire to connect the new one then cover with wire nuts. replace cover, plug in. use frig thermometer to verify temperature.
Freezer was working but fridge was barely cooling. Look further into how to test thermostat.
I just replaced my defrost thermostat after using the place-in-ice-water method, and I think it may not have been necessary. My timeline: my fridge was not getting cold enough. I realized it the day before going on a trip. I vacuumed the (very dusty) coils at the bottom, and the next morning the fridge seemed colder, but I thought I s
... Read morehould order parts just in case. I ordered a heater and a thermostat. The fridge seemed to be operating normally when I returned from my trip, but I had the parts, so I thought I'd go ahead and dismantle the freezer and test the existing parts. My intention was to return both parts if the old ones passed the tests. I opened up the back of the freezer and there was no ice on the fins. I thought, great, the existing heater works! I cut out the thermostat, placed it in ice water, and didn't get continuity. So I decided to go ahead and put in the new thermostat. Because I'm not experienced with using a multimeter, I thought I'd test the new thermostat to see how the test should work. To my surprise, the new thermostat also failed the test! Stumped, I thought I might as well install the new thermostat, since I had opened the package and couldn't return it. Further internet research suggests the place-in-ice-water method of testing is not adequate. One YouTube video by Parts Dr says to place the part in a working freezer. I froze my old thermostat and tested it; still no continuity. This thermostat may not be typical, though. The video discussed the temperature ratings on thermostats. The temperature rating on both (old and new) thermostats is L8.9-16.7C. That converts to 48-63 degrees fahrenheit, which obviously are not freezing temperatures. I'm not convinced I needed a new thermostat, but I trusted the videos I consulted earlier. I cleaned the fridge thoroughly, so at least now I have a nice clean fridge to show for my efforts.
Drain clogging causing water to leak bottom of fridge
After watching videos how to replace went very easy.removed ice maker cut wires replaced switch put back together now working ok so far.
Ted C from DSRT HOT SPGS, CA
Difficulty Level:
Really Easy
Total Repair Time:
15 - 30 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver
2 of 2 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
Was this instruction helpful to you?
Thank you for voting!
Water In Bottom Of Refrigerator
Basically, I read all of the remarks from other people that had the same problem , I replaced both the timer and thr defrost(bi metal) thermostat as the thermostat had a ohmic value when closed that I was not comfortable with. The unit is now up and running and defrosting as it's supposed to do. I could not get those pushdown clips that
... Read more hold the timer unit , I ended up breaking them off at the plastic post but there was enough of the plastic post showing that a bit of hotmelt glue was able to hold the timer secure.
Ice buildup on the bottom of the freezer, water dripping into the refrigerator
After unplugging the refrigerator, I used a hairdryer to melt the ice sufficiently to be able to remove the freezer rear panel with a nutdriver. I also removed the ice-maker for easier access to the components behind the panel, using a nutdriver. Once the panel was removed I melted more ice at the bottom of the evaporator housing. Afte
... Read morer partially melting the ice in the drain tube, I poured hot water down the drain tube until it cleared, signaled by the sound of the water dripping into the drain pan. I next removed the clip-on Bimetal thermostat from the copper line going into the evaporator and snipped the two wires to remove it. I installed the replacement thermostat with crimp-style connectors and pull-tested them. I also replaced the timer board that is located below the freezer, below the top shelf, using a nutdriver. I replaced the circuit board as a precaution that the thermostat may not have caused the problem. I didn't change the heater inside the freezer as it checked out to have the same resistance as a new one. I tested the removed thermostat using a glass of ice water but it remained in the open condition, using an ohmmeter. (I later checked that thermostat after the freezer was running and it did close, and returned it to the open position by heating it under the hot water faucet. I suspect that it didn't work properly, or the timer control board was faulty). After re-installing the back panel and ice-maker and plugging the refrigerator into the power receptacle, it worked very well, and has done so since the repair.
Read less
Craig from Rockledge, FL
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Total Repair Time:
More than 2 hours
Tools:
Nutdriver
8 of 9 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
Was this instruction helpful to you?
Thank you for voting!
Water was dripping from the freezer into the non-frozen area, and the non-frozen area was not cooling
I first disconnected the power cord and then removed all the panels and disconnected the Defrost Heater at the quick-disconnect, and cut the wires on the Defrost Themostat. (The Defrost Thermostat had been replaced about 10 years ago when the Defrost Heater was replaced.) One of the reasons it took longer than 15 minutes was because ther
... Read moree was a buildup of ice in the freezer section. I then soldered the wires and covered them with a plastic sleeve and wrapped them in electrical tape. After replacing all the panels and re-connecting the power cord, I restarted the refrigerator. After one week, there is no water dripping from the freezer and everything is working properly. Your diagnosis of the problem was exactly right. Thanks for the info.
Ask our experts a question about this part and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
16 questions answered by our experts.
Sort by:
< Prev
1
2
Next >
Search filter:
Clear Filter
Your search term must have 3 or more characters.
Keep searches simple. Use keywords, e.g. "leaking", "pump", "broken" or "fit".
Sorry, we couldn't find any existing answers that matched.Try using some different or simpler keywords, or submit your new question by using the "Ask a Question" button above!
Thomas
October 19, 2017
How to test the defrost bimetal if is working or not?
Hi Thomas , Thank you for the question. You can tested the bi-metal defrost thermostat with a ohm meter. When the bimetal is cold it should show zero resistance or closed. If not, the bimetal is bad and needs replacing. You can also tested with the bimetal being warm/hot, by using a cup with hot water and dipping the bimetal in the hot water.The ohm meter should show open circuit. If not, the bimetal is bad and needs replacing. Hope this helps!
54 people found this helpful.
Was this helpful?
Thank you for voting!
Jeff
February 6, 2018
What is the upper/limit temperature that opens the defrost heater safety switch ? What is the range ?
For model number JCB2389GRS
Hi Jeff, Thank you for the question. The thermostat Limit is rated at L43-27*F. Hope this helps!
18 people found this helpful.
Was this helpful?
Thank you for voting!
Ken
September 7, 2017
At what temperature does the switch on the thermostat close?
For model number WP4387503
Hi Ken,
Thank you for the question. The thermostat closes at 18°.
Hope this helps!
15 people found this helpful.
Was this helpful?
Thank you for voting!
Miguel
November 27, 2018
Hello my name is miguel i have a question about my refrigerator freeze the drain of the freezer that goes down i have to defrost once a month what i can do or what part i should change
For model number ET8WTMXKQ07
Hello Miguel, thank you for your question. I would recommend you remove the rear wall of the freezer compartment to access the defrost drain. It is faster to use a screwdriver and hair dryer by standing the screwdriver up over the frozen drain and heating the screwdriver shaft to thaw the drain. Just blowing the hair dryer is not as effective and will take 15 or 20 minutes longer to accomplish the same thing. Once the drain is clear, pour a cup of hot water through it to clear any residual ice. I like to use a piece of weed eater line about 10 feet long to chase the drain. This ensures that there are no foreign objects in the drain. You should then put about 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in the drain to prevent bacteria from forming. Make sure the area is clear in the freezer so that the hole is not covered, and that the drain tube is not kinked. You may want to replace the tube just to be safe. The part number is PS331122. I hope this helps!
What temp dose this part close and what temp dose it open? I need one to open below 37'f and close around 20'f. Do have one that meets my needs?
Hi Chelsey,
Thank you for your question. This bimetal defrost thermostat has a limit of 48 degrees Fahrenheit. For more information on the correct part for your appliance, we will need your model number. I hope this helps. Thank you and have a great day!
5 people found this helpful.
Was this helpful?
Thank you for voting!
Vernon
June 5, 2019
Ice is building up in the bottom of my freezer and on the inside of the aluminum tray inside at bottom of the back wall. I've removed everything and cleaned all the ice, put it back together ensuring i have good air flow (done this a couple of times). Within a few hours ice is starting build up again. Does this sound like the defrost thermostat is bad and needs replacing?
For model number Whirlpool ET1CHKXKQ04
Hello Vernon, thank you for writing. You will want to consider either the Defrost Timer part PS11723171, this Bimetal Defrost Thermostat part PS11742474, or the Defrost Heater part PS11740357. We hope this helps.
5 people found this helpful.
Was this helpful?
Thank you for voting!
Alessica
February 28, 2019
Will part #4387503 work with this fridge?
For model number ET6WSKXKQ00
Hi Alessica,
Thank you for your question. No, this part is not listed under your model number. The part number listed under your model number for the defrost thermostat with wiring harness is PS11739158. I hope this helps. Thank you and have a great day!
4 people found this helpful.
Was this helpful?
Thank you for voting!
Peter
October 9, 2019
Ok freezer is cold and the refrigerator is warm. Took off the back cover of freezer and the evaporator was iced up. Went inside the refrigerator to the timer and put a screwdriver in and turned it till it clicked and the compressor stopped running. I went up to the freezer to see if the heating rod was getting hot and it was. I got a hair dyer and got ice off while I did I heard the timer click and the refrigerator started running. Got it all deiced. I went to the refrigerator to turn the timer again and it clicked and went off. I went to check the heating rod it was not hot, yet it did just work before and got hot now its not. Is it the timer or the bi-metal thermostat? The heating rod worked before. Any answers please? Help!
For model number ETICHMXKT03
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your question. If the refrigerator is warm, the timer and the bi-metal defrost thermostat are just some of the parts that you will need to check to see what is causing the issue. Here is a link from our website that you may reference on what parts to check, https://www.partselect.com/AdvancedModelSymptoms.aspx?ModelNum=ET1CHMXKT03&mfgModelNum=&fkMfgID=3&ost=ETICHMXKTO3&ModelMasterID=342909&PID=10. I hope this helps. Thank you and have a great day!
4 people found this helpful.
Was this helpful?
Thank you for voting!
Chris Coleman
September 16, 2019
Hi. I replaced the bi-metal thermostat due to ice buildup in the freezer compartment.After a few days or so ice buildup occurred again. next i replaced the defroster heating element, there appears to be frost building up again. my question is if ice buildup happens again are there any other parts to try to rectify that problem?
thanks,
chris
For model number GR2SHKXKL02
Hello Chris, thank you for your question. Yes, we would recommend replacing the PartSelect Number: PS11740238 Adaptive Defrost Control Board. This board turns the defrost cycle on and off to keep the unit frost free. It sounds like the control isn't working properly. I hope this helps!
2 people found this helpful.
Was this helpful?
Thank you for voting!
PETE
April 17, 2024
BOTH THE FREEZER (-10DEGREES) AND THE REFRIG (30 DEGREES) ARE TOO COLD AND CAN'T BE ADJUSTED WARMER USING THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL. IS THE WP4387503 DEFROST THERMOSTAT THE MOST LIKELY PROBLEM?
For model number ET20DMXAW00
Hello Pete, thank you for your inquiry. According to our research, the issue is most probably with the temperature control thermostat, part number PS316579. We would recommend checking it to solve the problem. It regulates the temperature in the refrigerator. We hope this helps.
