How to replace a freezer defrost heater
This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the defrost heater in a freezer. The defrost heater melts frost and ice from the freezer's evaporator fins. If the defrost heater stops working, frost builds up on the evaporator and the freezer warms up. Replace the defrost heater with the manufacturer-approved replacement part if the heater no longer works.
Use this basic procedure to replace the defrost heater in Kenmore, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, GE, Crosley, Gibson and Kelvinator freezers.
Replacing a freezer defrost heater video.
Instructions
- 01.
Disconnect the electrical power
Unplug the freezer or shut off the circuit breaker for the freezer.
Tip: Move highly perishable food to a cooler or other cooled space. The freezer will be without power for about 45 minutes, which shouldn't affect most frozen foods. - 02.
Remove the evaporator cover
Remove the drawers and shelves from the freezer.
Remove the screws from the evaporator cover at the back of the freezer.
Pull the evaporator cover out of the freezer.
PHOTO: Remove the freezer drawers.
PHOTO: Remove the evaporator cover screws.
PHOTO: Pull out the evaporator cover.
- 03.
Remove the defrost heater
Remove the two aluminum straps at the bottom of the evaporator.
Remove the Styrofoam insulators from both sides of the evaporator.
Unplug the defrost heater wires.
Pull the defrost heater out.
Warning: The aluminum fins of the evaporator are sharp. Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
PHOTO: Remove the aluminum mounting straps.
PHOTO: Remove the styrofoam insulation blocks.
PHOTO: Unplug the defrost heater wires.
PHOTO: Pull the defrost heater out.
- 04.
Install the new defrost heater
Push the new defrost heater into the evaporator.
Reinstall the two aluminum straps and the Styrofoam insulators.
Connect the defrost heater wires.
PHOTO: Push the new defrost heater into place.
PHOTO: Reinstall the aluminum mounting straps.
PHOTO: Reinstall the styrofoam insulation blocks.
PHOTO: Plug in the defrost heater wires.
- 05.
Reinstall the evaporator cover
Position the evaporator cover on the back wall and reinstall the mounting screws.
Reinstall the drawers and shelves inside the freezer cabinet.
PHOTO: Reisntall the evaporator cover.
PHOTO: Reinstall the evaporator cover gasket.
- 06.
Restore electrical power
Plug in the freezer or turn on the house circuit breaker to restore power.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your freestanding freezers
Choose a symptom to see related freezer repairs.
Main causes: lack of power, bad compressor, refrigerant leak, bad thermistor, defrost system failure, dirty condenser co…
Main causes: burned out light bulb, bad door or lid switch, faulty LED light board, wiring failure, control system failu…
Main causes: compressor failure, no refrigerant, faulty sensor, control failure, broken defrost heater, bad defrost bi-m…
Main causes: damaged door or lid gasket, cracked cabinet liner, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, …
Main causes: dirty condenser coils, condenser fan failure, dirty bottom front grill, leaky door or lid gasket…
Main causes: excessive frost, bad defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal, control system failure, low refrigerant charge, …
Main causes: lack of power, control system failure, broken compressor start relay, locked up compressor, compressor moto…
Main causes: leaky door or lid gasket, broken defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat, defrost control failure, …
Repair guides for upright freezers
How to replace a freezer door switch
When the door switch fails, the freezer can’t detect that the door is closed. Follow the steps in this repair guide to r…
How to replace a freezer thermistor
When the thermistor can’t sense the freezer temperature, the freezer is colder or warmer than the set temperature. Follo…
How to replace a freezer evaporator fan
Air won’t circulate to cool the freezer properly when the evaporator fan fails. Follow these step-by-step instructions t…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your freestanding freezers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your freezer.
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…
Benefit from other people's experience by checking on these frequently asked questions about freezers.…