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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Refrigerator RepairKenmore Refrigerator not defrosting Repair
Kenmore Refrigerator not defrosting
If your Kenmore refrigerator is not defrosting, frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coil is the most likely cause and often starts simply from a door left open long enough for ice to form. After that, the usual suspects are a failed defrost control board or a defrost timer that will not advance into the defrost cycle. A poor door seal can let moist air in and speed ice build up, and if those items check out, the defrost heater assembly or the defrost thermostat may have failed and are not melting frost during the cycle. Start by clearing any obvious ice and checking for a gasket that won’t seal, then test the defrost heater and thermostat with a multimeter before swapping the control board or timer. If you need replacement parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see parts that fit your exact refrigerator and get the correct defrost heater, thermostat, control board, timer, or gasket for the repair. This approach addresses common refrigerator defrost problems and keeps the fridge and freezer running properly.
01 - Door left open
If the freezer or refrigerator door was left open for an extended period of time (more than 4 hours), frost or ice may have accumulated on the food, evaporator coil and evaporator fan motor, or around the door opening. Frost should go away after the door is closed and the refrigerator goes through a defrost cycle. More significant ice buildup may require the refrigerator to be unplugged for a day to allow the ice to melt, or a hair dryer may be able to be used to assist in melting the ice.
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02 - Kenmore Refrigerator Defrost Control Board
The defrost control board determines how often to run the defrost cycle. If the board fails, the refrigerator will not go into the defrost cycle. Before replacing the defrost control board, first test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat. If the defrost heater and defrost thermostat are working properly, the defrost control board is likely defective.
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03 - Kenmore Refrigerator Defrost Timer
The defrost timer turns on the defrost heater several times throughout the day to melt any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost timer is defective, it may not advance into the defrost cycle, or it may not send power to the defrost heater during the defrost cycle. To determine if the defrost timer is defective, slowly advance the dial into the defrost cycle. The compressor should turn off and the heater should turn on. If the timer does not send power to the defrost components or advance out of the defrost cycle within 30 minutes, this indicates that the defrost timer is not advancing. If ...
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04 - Kenmore Refrigerator Door Gasket
A twisted or worn gasket can keep the door from closing properly. Inspect the door gasket for kinks or twists. You can use a hair dryer to try smoothing out the kinks. If the door gasket is damaged it will need to be replaced.
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05 - Kenmore Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly
The defrost heater assembly turns on several times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, the defrost system will not work, and frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils. To determine if the defrost heater is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the defrost heater does not have continuity, replace it.
Common
06 - Kenmore Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat
The defrost thermostat monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils. When the coils drop below a set temperature, the thermostat contacts close to allow power to flow to the defrost heater during the defrost cycle. In the defrost cycle, the defrost heater melts away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost thermostat is defective, the thermostat contacts will not close. As a result, the thermostat won’t provide power to the defrost heater. To determine if the defrost thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the defrost thermostat does not have continuity...
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my refrigerator not defrosting?
Fridge not cooling but freezer works, could a defrost problem cause that?
Refrigerator door not closing properly — can a bad gasket cause defrosting problems?
Refrigerator not defrosting — how do I test the defrost heater or defrost thermostat with a multimeter?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right part?
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