How can i check to see if the defrost is working in my whirlpool refrigerator model number ET1CHMXKQ03. Initially water started leaking into the fridge from the freezer, i looked and saw everything iced over. at that time the defrost was working because i saw the element glowing. i thought i fixed the ice problem but its back again but this time i dont see the element glow.

There are three main components in a defrost circuit, the heater, the thermostat and the control device(either a timer or and ADC board). One of these are not working.

What is the correct model number for your refrigerator?
If using the auto model number listing here on Fixya it will cause a wrong diagnosis. It is nearly impossible to help answer what may be happening without the correct model number. I am here should you need me, Thanks John Tripp Appliance 911
If you only have a refrigerator leaking then click HERE

most likely it will be the defrost thermostat,you also have a timer down at the bottom right side i think where the condenser coil is.that also can be bad.it would be a good idea to change out the t-stat anyway so if your meter isn't working you can unplug the machine,cut the two wires going to the t-stat,wire them together,turn your timer to defrost with a regular screw driver,stick the driver blade into the middle of timer or you can turn this one by hand,turn it until the timer clicks and the evap fan motor stops,if the heater comes on you have a bad t-stat.call your local parts store,give them the model number and they will give you the part number.

Your refrigerator defrost on the average about every 8 hours so the water that accumulates during defrost has to go somewhere right? You have a defrost drain blockage.
We need to see if the water is overflowing the condensate drain tray or if the blockage is in the turn the drain leads down back of your refrigerator. Much more on this page=> Leaking Refrigerators! Not all blocke drains act the same when your refrigerator leaks so please ask should you have questions. Please provide the model number found around the fresh food section door frame. Kenmore model numbers look like this example=> 321.1234567 If you run into any problems along the way of repair please let me know, Thanks, Sea Breeze

There is a leak or damage of the pipe leading from the evaporator downwards.The defrosted water is leaking out of the tubing to the bottom,replace this tubing or check the leak on the collecting tray under the evaporator.

Because I don't know the Sears or your GE model number I will give you a link to solutions to this problem.
kitchenaid-top-mount-refrigerators/">http://fixitnow.com/wp/2009/05/26/the-permanent-cure-for-repeatedly-freezing-condensate-drains-in-whirlpool-roper-kitchenaid-top-mount-refrigerators/

http://appliancejunk.com/forums/index.php?topic=22.msg46#msg46

http://servicepartstec.blogspot.com/

If this helps you, please rate me, Thanks, Sea Breeze

It sounds like the line you found is for draining the water from the defrost cycle. It should drain the water from melting the ice into the pan at the bottom so it will evaporate. Sounds like its being clogged is the cause of the water in your fridge.

check first if there is water coming in the ice maker.

check the water solenoid at the back of the fridge. check the water line if there is water coming to the solenoid.
if you have filters installed, check the water coming out of the filter. it could be clogged.

tnx 4 using fixya,

drcool

for reallybsq
problem could be door seals not sealing completely and hence excessive ice formed on evaporator and excess water when it melts. however, i have found this problem many times with large larder fridges and really found no cure.

for guest.
towards the bottom of the back wall, there is a gulley with a drain hole in the middle. this drain is blocked. clear it with something flexible and make sure water flows away freely

pull the funnel tube out of the back wall and clean the drain that goes out the back wall of the refrig section