Defroster get red hot - Kenmore Freezer 20.6 cu. ft. Manual Defrost Upright Freezer

Check the defrost timer. Turn the small slotted knob on the side with a screw driver until the unit turns off. this will force it into a defrost check the defrost heater strip if it is getting hot then replace the defrost timer if not then check with a volt meter to make sure your getting power to heat strip. If you are getting power to heat strip but it is not heating up then replace the heat strip. also before you force it into a defrost check the defrost termination switch with a meter make sure you have power going to it and through it. It will be mounted on the evaporator coil a round therm o disk with 2 wires on it should be a red and pink one. If you have power going to it and not through it then replace it. This cuts power to defrost time if it gets to hot at coil during defrost.

there is an element in there for self-defrosting, if you have a self-defrosting model. It heats up like an oven element ( not nearly as hot) to get rid of frost build up.

That is normal. The fridge went into a defrost mode. The red and heat is the defrost heater melting away the ice build up on the evaporator coil. The fridge will automatically do this every so many hours. This usually last about 20 minutes or so . Here is a link for replacing a defrost heater http://appliancehelponline.com/defrostheatervideo.html

Sounds like defrost heater. When it glows it's in defrost mode to melt the frost on evap. Keeps freezer frost free.

red alarm light is telling you that the feezer is too hot
(above 18c)it should go out when powered up and back to normal temp.

is the compressor running if not check the defrost timer

yes, it does this, it is in defrost cycle.

This normal operation. Happens twice a day to defrost the freezer coils. Last about 20 minutes.

Go to www.truemfg.com and it will take you to their web site. They have a 24 hour, ask a tech a question. I could not find any wiring diagram on your particular unit but maybe they can help you via their tech hot line.

Good luck and hope this helps.

John,
What you are hearing is popping caused by thermal expansion inside the evaporator enclosure during its' defrost cycle.
Depending on your make and model, it'll go into defrost every 8 to 12 hours of compressor "run time". That is, the defrost timer "monitors" how long the compressor runs and after it accumulates the pre-set "run time", the timer then shuts the compressor off and initiates its' programmed defrost routine. This routine lasts for 20-30 minutes, or until the defrost thermostat opens.
The defrost routine sends 120 volts to a heating element in the evaporator compartment which gets red hot. This sudden temperature change (from below freezing to warm) causes the cabinet to expand slightly. That's when you hear the "Pop".

I hope this helps, John. Thanks for using FixYa, and don't forget to rate my answer.

SG