DescriptionThis video provides step-by-step repair instructions for replacing the defrost heater on a Frigidaire refrigerator. The most common reason for replacing the heater is if the freezer is icing over.
All of the information for this refrigerator heater replacement video is applicable to the following brands:
Arctic Air, Crosley, Electrolux, Frigidaire, Gibson, Kelvinator, Tappan, Westinghouse
Tools needed: 3/8" socket, phillips head screwdriver, #2 square drive bit, 1/4" socket or nut driver
Step-By-Step Instructions1
Before you replace the defrost heater assembly in your refrigerator’s freezer compartment be sure to unplug the power cord.
2
Open the freezer drawer and use a 3/8th inch socket to unthread the screws securing the front drawer panel to the drawer rails.
3
Set the front drawer panel aside.
5
Release the retaining clips and you can slide out the basket frame.
6
Pull out the drawer retaining clips so you can lift out the drawer assembly.
7
Use a phillips-head screwdriver or a number two square drive bit to unthread the screw securing the roller support bar.
8
Detach the bar and set it aside.
9
Unthread the screw securing one of the drawer slide rail assemblies.
10
Pull the assembly forward to detach it.
11
Lift off the air deflector.
12
Next, unthread the three screws securing the evaporator fan cover.
14
Remove the screws securing the rear panel.
15
Release the icemaker wire connecter from the panel.
16
Pull the panel out then detach the two grounding wires to fully remove the panel.
17
Unthread the screws securing the fan motor housing.
18
Disconnect the wire connecter so you can remove the housing and fan motor.
19
We recommend placing tape over the drain hole to prevent the loss of any screws.
20
Use a quarter-inch socket or nut driver to unthread the screws securing the evaporator assembly to the rear panel.
21
Disconnect the two wire connecters and detach the wires from the evaporator assembly.
22
Release the retaining straps.
23
Carefully pull the old heater assembly free of the evaporator – this may require some effort.
24
Install the new defrost heater assembly by positioning it on the evaporator.
25
Secure the retaining straps.
26
Attach the wires to the evaporator and connect the wire connecters.
27
Fully reposition the evaporator assembly and rethread the screws to secure.
28
Remove the tape from the drain hole.
29
Reinstall the evaporator fan motor housing by first reconnecting the wire connecter then align the housing tabs on the evaporator and rethread the screws to secure.
30
Reinstall the rear panel by first snapping the icemaker wire connecter into the slot on the panel.
31
Reattach the two grounding wires.
32
Fully reposition the panel then thread and tighten the screws to secure.
33
Replace the evaporator fan cover and secure it with the screws.
34
Realign the air deflector by inserting the tabs into the top vent slots.
35
Realign the drawer slide rail assembly on the mounting studs and push back.
36
Thread and tighten the screw to secure.
37
Reposition the roller support bar and secure it with the screw.
38
With the slide rails pulled out, set the drawer assembly on the rails and insert the retaining clips to secure the drawer.
39
Realign the basket frame on the support rails and push back until the frame snaps into place.
40
Pull the frame forward and realign the basket in the frame.
41
Reinstall the front drawer panel by hooking the mounting studs on the front of the drawer rails.
42
Thread and tighten the screws to secure.
43
With the repair completed plug the power cord back in and your refrigerator should be ready for use.