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We have a whirlpool et1rhmxkq03. I have replaced defrost timer and thermostat. Defrost timer seems to stall and freezer thaws and the compressor stops running. I tap the control housing in the refr
The problem started when I discovered the food in the freezer completely thawed and the food in the refrigerator warm. I discovered information that the defrost timer could be the problem. I replaced the timer and the defrost thermostat. The unit worked fine for a couple of weeks and I then discovered the food in the freezer being partially thawed. I tapped the control housing in the refrigerator and the compressor started instantly. I suspect the defrost timer is stalling. What is the fix?
Re: We have a whirlpool et1rhmxkq03. I have replaced...
The problem is with the "thermostat" right next to the defrost timer. When you tap on the control, you are actually tweaking the thermostat and not the defrost timer. Here is the thermostat to order. Here is a diagram of the control box. The thermostat is number 13 and the defrost time is number 4.
Why were those parts changed? Was the compressor cycling on overload at the time? If so, you should have first replaced the relay/overload combination and the see what happened.
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this seems to be a major issue with whirlpool and kitchenaid multiple door refrigerators. The defrost timer device on the compressor does not function properly or fails and the cooling coils freeze up. Check the little fan that pulls air through the freezer coils to make sure it is running (that cools the refridg) if not running then it is bad and causing problem. Otherwise you have another bad defrost relay on the compressor. It's easy to change and cost about $25 at the parts store. I just defrost mine every six months or so since none of the ones I tried work very well. Its just a bad design that is still propagating in whirlpool devices.
hopefully you still got it plugged up to check a few things.... if so here we go...
1st is there any frost build up on the back wall of the freezer wall inside unit... if so then we know the compressor is still working and you got a defrost problem going on most likely one of these three parts /the heater has failed,the defrost thermostat has failed. or the defrost timer has failed... you can check the heater by gaining access to the back wall of freezer remove shelfs and the remove back panel of freezer there will be a heater down at bottom with a wire on each side make sure the unit is unplugged at this point and that you take a hair dryer and thaw ice test heater on each side with a meter checking for contuinity through heater to make sure no broke... the defrost thermostat is mounted to the coil in same area prior to thawing gain access to wires if there is ice around thermostat which is round and clips to coil has 2 wires again unit unplugged adn prior to thawing check for contuinity as if there is ice around it it should have closed... if both them are good you most likely have a bad defrost control/timer. if there is no ice on back panel is the fan in freezer section working when the door switch is closed listen ,is the fan in the back of unit working ,is the compressor running have you heard any clicking coming from back of unit if so that would indicate a bad compressor relay on will require to be replaces.... not much description in your post but hopefully one of these tips help you get a diagnoses. good luck
Hi and welcome to Fixya. Once the defrost cycle is started it deos not terminate until the 60 Deg. F thermostat closes and advances the defrost timer to start the compressor. If the 60 Deg F thermostat is not functioning correctly or intermittent the unit will continue in the defrost cycle by powering the defrost heating element. Essentially what it will do is act like a food defroster vs a freezer. This is not a difficult or expensive repair.
I would recommend that the defrost thermostat be tested for proper function. Personally I would just replace it and return the unit back to normal service.
Additionally it is possible that the defrost timer could be hanging or sticking in the defrost mode.
Should you call a technician to repair the unit I am sure he would recommend the replacement of both the Defrost timer and the 60 Deg F thermostat.
I would also recommend the same to you during in home repair service. Thanks again and hopefully you understand why it is performing as it currently is.
With the defrost timer being replaced already it sounds as if the repairman is not looking at the real problem. Unit works for 2 days then things start thawing. Hint Hint... it is not defrosting. There is a heating element inside the freezer section attached underneath the internal tubing that melts the ice every 6 to 8 hours via the defrost timer depending on the defrost timer installed. To prove that it is not defrosting..... just unplug the unit and place a stand fan blowing into the freezer for about 90 minutes. I would bet that once you plug it back in it wil work for 2 days and the problem once again repeats. With 2 calls on the same unit and you still have the same problem I would be calling the service people back and demand they fully troubleshoot the defrosting element and thermostat. Personally this is an unstatisfactory performance of an in home service by a repairman. With the exception of a new part if required, they should wave any labor and service call fees.
Check rear wall of freezer by feel for frost. Heavy, even frost indicates likely problem in the defrost system. Unplug unit. Defrost heater (in freezer behind rear wall panel), defrost thermostat (same area-must be checked at freezer temperature) or Defrost timer-located lower back outside of unit. Near compressor. Do continuity test on heater and defrost thermostat and if they show continuity (good), replace defrost timer. If not, replace the one that tests bad.
Defrost coils fully. Reassemble.
Please let me know if I have helped with comments and rating.
Refrigerator will work about 7-10 days after being defrosted until thick frost builds up again cutting off air flow to both compartments
If the evaporator coils behind the back panel of the freezer
are icing up because of auto defrost failure that will stop the circulation of
cold air and eventually affect the freezer too.
check defrost timer, defrost heater, defrost thermostat. In
most newer models the timer has been replaced by an electronic control board.
If the heater and thermostat are ok it’ll be the control.
You can turn the defrost timer till it clicks
and everything shuts down. The heater should now come on. If it does, replace
the timer. If it doesn't, check the heater and defrost thermostat. Turn the
timer again till everything starts back up to end the defrost cycle. How to check
everything http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/refrigerator/refrigerator.php
You have a defrost timer that has possibly slowed down because it is defective. I need you to time the defrost timer or turn the defrost timer inside the fresh food compartment until the refrigerator compressor stops running. It should remain off for about 20 minutes. If a lot longer and the refrigerator does not defrost regularly about 3 times a day then it needs to be replaced. Yes there could be something other than the timer, but if you need my help I'm here let me know, Thanks, Sea Breeze
Here is the Amana website with the manuals which should show you where the defrost timer etc. is located. Witht your model number and manual it will be a lot easer
Why were those parts changed? Was the compressor cycling on overload at the time? If so, you should have first replaced the relay/overload combination and the see what happened.
I would expect the defrost timer to stay in defrost 21 minutes. IT seems your timer is normal.
If turning the ref section temp colder made compressor come on, it could be that the thermostat is worn a little and just needs to stay on a little cooler setting. Check the freezer temp dial and It should be at just slightly more than 1/2 of available setting. If there is A B C you would want to be a little cooler than B about B and 1/4.
I hope this helps K S
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