How to replace a refrigerator defrost heater

This step-by-step guide teaches you how to replace the defrost heater in your refrigerator. Find the official OEM replacement defrost heater that fits your appliance.

Before you begin to replace your defrost heater, make sure you disconnect the appliance's power supply. The easiest way to do this is to unplug the unit from the wall. Alternatively, you could trip the appropriate switch in the circuit breaker panel, or you could remove the appropriate fuse from your home's fuse box.

Consult with an appliance repair technician if you do not feel you have the skill or the ability to successfully complete this repair.

1. Locate your defrost heater. It can be located behind the back panel of the freezer section of your refrigerator, or under the floor of your refrigerator's freezer section. Defrost heaters are commonly located beneath a refrigerator's evaporator coils. You will have to remove any objects that are in your way such as the contents of the freezer, freezer shelves, icemaker parts, and the inside rear, back, or bottom panel.
2. The panel you need to remove may be held in place with either retainer clips or screws. Remove the screws or use a screwdriver to release the clips holding the panel in place. Some older refrigerators may require that you remove a plastic molding before you can gain access to the freezer floor. Exercise caution when removing the molding, as it does break fairly easily. You could try warming it with a warm, wet towel first.
3. Defrost heaters are available in one of three primary types: exposed metal rod, metal rod covered with aluminum tape, or a wire coil inside a glass tube. Each of these three types is tested in exactly the same way.
4. Before you can test your defrost heater, you have to remove it from your refrigerator. A defrost heater is connected by two wires, and the wires are connected with slip-on connectors. Firmly grasp these connectors and pull them off the terminals. You may need a pair of needle-nosed pliers to help you. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
5. In addition to the two wires, there may also be some clips or screws holding it in place. You will have to release any clips or remove any screws before the defrost heater can be removed. If your defrost heater has an outer glass tube, refraing from touching the glass with your bare fingers. It is possible for skin and/or oil from your fingers could cause the heater to burn hot. This could result in damage to your freezer and/or your heater. If you do happen to touch the glass with your bare fingers, clean it with rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth or paper towel.
6. Install the new defrost heater and reconnect its wires. Replace the access panel you may have had to remove. Restore power to your refrigerator.

For more information about refrigerator defrost heaters:

• How to test a defrost heater.
• Find the official OEM replacement defrost heater that fits your refrigerator.