Bimetal Defrost Thermostat R0161088

Removed the old part and connected the wires to the new part. Two of the wires on the frig needed to be cut and connected to the new part using butt splices, which I had. Unit is over 20 years old and still working fine. Easy fix.

The repair was simple. Just like the video

Read on Internet that a warm freezer was caused by frost build up on the coils. Took of coil cover in freezer section and verified this. There were two possible sources, a bad Bimetal Defrost thermostat or a defrost timer. I did notice that the defrost thermostat top was bulging and suspected it was the problem. However, since my food was rotting, I did not have time to order the defrost timer if the thermostat was not the issue... so I purchased both parts. The only issue I had with installing is that the defrost thermostat wires ended up going through a tight sealed opening in that back wall with cooling lines. At the end of the new defrost thermostat there was a connector that would not fit through the opening. After taking off the back cover panels, I discovered that the wires were just hanging out the back unconnected with a label of "Factory Test". So, I just cut them and pulled the wire out. Then I did not bother to run the new defrost thermostat wires through and just tied them up with supplied zip tie. Problem was fixed... never needed to install the defrost timer kit.

Did diagnostic troubleshoot on web. Checked to make sure heater was defrosting ( it was ) .Checked evaporator fan was working ( it was ) . Determined the Thermostat was defective , removed stat and checked resistance it was shot. ordered new one reattached wiring with butt splices ( two wires ) .refrigerator works better than before had to turn it down . easy fix cost $42( incl. shipping ) compared to $?? for repair guy or new fridge .Wifes happy so Im happy life is cool again !!

First let me say the appliance guy said I needed to replace the whole freezer coils within the freezer part but the unit after using a hair dryer would work fine for two weeks then freeze up again. His conclusion of leaking refrigerant did not make sense, nor the noting of uneven freezing, so I figured I would take a chance on logic. The worst part was unloading the refrig and throwing away a boat load of food. Anyway once I removed the back panel that reveals where the defrost thermostat is I simply followed the wires by disconnecting the old and attaching the new until I got to the last two - brown and orange which actually go behind the defrost heater element and disappear below the fan. I cut both & used the adapter peice did a crimp - done. The timer took 5 minutes. Its working fine and cooling fabulously! I wanted to get past the two week point it is now in its 4th and doing fine. By he way the cams, thanks to your video took 10 minutes. Very satisfied and will recommend DIY because everyone else seems to want to retire on my dime!

I was not sure what the fix was on my refrig, so I ordered the defrost timer kit, bimetal defrost thermostat, and the evaporator heater(about 100.00 in parts)
I think my entire problem was the bimetal defrost thermostat, as it was somewhat bulged out on the plastic side.
The evaporator coils would freeze over--the evap. fan would not work and the cold water dispenser would not work. I did't have time to just replace one part at a time so I ordered all three parts that have to do with the defrosting of the evap. coils.
The parts worked and the refrig. is operating fine. Thanks to parts select for a super fast delivery(one day).

Remove sheet metal cover inside freezer lower half at back to expose the coils.
Cut the zip-tie holding the thermostat wires.
Un-clip bi-metal thermostat from metal coolant line. Disconnect the thermostat electrical connections (use pliers if difficult).
Connect the new thermostat wires.
Clip the new thermostat to the coolant line.
zip-tie the wires again.
replace the sheet metal cover.

It takes about 10 minutes for the thermostat to turn on the freezer fan after power-on if the freezer is room temperature.

I unplugged the unit, removed the freezer racks and removed the back panel to expose the evaporator. I removed the defrost thermostat, unplugged the wires, and installed the new thermostat. I replaced the panel and racks then removed the defrost timer kit by removing the two screws that fastened the cover to the refrigerator and the two screws that secured the timer to the cover. The timer is centered behind the front toe grille assembly. I installed the new timer, replaced the cover, and plugged the refrigerator in. It took several minutes for the defrost timer to advance before the evaporator fan would come on.

suspected the defrost heater, as fridge always tripped when defrost timer (orange knob behind bottom front grill) was at 3 o clock. Undid the freezer back plate, disconnected heater, rotated knob to 3 o'clock, no trip. ordered new heater and thermostat. can pull cooling coil outward(be gentle) Need needle nose plier to remove clips holding heater in place.
replaced heater, also thermostat for good measure.
Voila!!!

replaced the bimetal defrost thermostat & defrost timer and that seem to cure the problem found repair easy and parts were here n lest than two days very satisfied with prompt sening of parts an explanation how to repair. Thank-you!!!!