How to replace a refrigerator defrost control assembly
- June 5, 2024
- Kenmore
Table of Contents
How to replace a refrigerator defrost control assembly
This DIY repair guide shows how to replace the defrost control assembly in some LG and Kenmore refrigerators. The defrost control assembly, located next to the evaporator in the back of the freezer, monitors the evaporator’s temperature to protect it from overheating. It includes a defrost temperature sensor, a fuse and a wire harness. If the defrost temperature sensor isn’t working correctly, the evaporator overheats during the defrost cycle, which in turn blows the fuse. Less commonly, a shorted defrost heater or faulty wiring could blow the fuse. In both cases, the freezer won’t defrost and the electronic display panel shows an error code. Replace the defrost assembly with a manufacturer-approved replacement part if the defrost sensor fails or the fuse blows.
This repair procedure works for LG and Kenmore 795-series French door refrigerators. The procedure for accessing defrost components in the bottom freezer compartment is basically the same for many Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Samsung, Frigidaire, Electrolux and GE refrigerators.
Instructions
- Disconnect the electrical power and empty the freezer
Safely store any food that could deteriorate while the refrigerator is shut off. Then unplug the refrigerator or shut off the circuit breaker for the refrigerator.
Remove the shelves and baskets from the freezer compartment.
Tip: Refer to your owner’s manual for guidance on how to remove the baskets and shelves from the freezer.
PHOTO: Empty the freezer.
- Remove the ice maker
If your model has an ice maker in the bottom freezer, unplug the wire harness, remove the mounting screws and pull the ice maker assembly out of the freezer.
- Remove the freezer drawer and side rail assemblies
If you have a drawer freezer, remove the screws on the outside of the guide rails and pull the door up and out.
Remove the screws that secure the side rails to the freezer walls and lift the rail assemblies out of the freezer.
PHOTO: Remove the side rails.
- Remove the back panel
Remove the mounting screws that secure the inside back panel of the freezer compartment.
Before removing the back panel on some models, you must first open the access panel on the top left side and unplug the wire harness for the evaporator fan assembly. You might also have to release the cover of the temperature sensor on the right side and release the sensor from the cover before pulling the cover out.
Pull the bottom of the panel out slightly to release it and then remove the panel from the freezer compartment.
PHOTO: Remove the back panel.
- Remove the defrost control assembly
Unplug the wire harness from the defrost control assembly. Use pliers to release the defrost control assembly from the cable ties and pull it out of the freezer.
- Install the new defrost control assembly
Insert the new defrost control assembly and secure it with the cable ties. Plug in the wire harness.
- Reassemble the freezer
Work the panel back into place at the back of the freezer compartment and reinstall the mounting screws.
Reinstall the freezer door and side rail assemblies.
Plug the ice maker into the wire harness and reattach the ice maker to the side wall.
Reinstall the baskets and shelves in the freezer compartment.
PHOTO: Reinstall the back panel.
PHOTO: Reinstall the freezer shelf.
- Restore electrical power
Plug in the refrigerator or turn on the house circuit breaker to restore power.
Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.
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