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HomeRepair HelpKelvinator Refrigerator RepairKelvinator Refrigerator not defrosting Repair
Kelvinator Refrigerator not defrosting
If your Kelvinator fridge is not defrosting, frost or ice build up on the evaporator coils is usually the first place to look: a door left open for hours can let moisture in and freeze, and small buildup often clears after a normal defrost cycle while heavier ice may require unplugging the unit for a day or gently melting it with a hair dryer. If door issues are not the cause, the defrost control board is the next most likely culprit; before replacing it, test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat for continuity. A stuck defrost timer can also prevent the cycle from starting, so manually advancing the timer to check whether the compressor turns off and the heater turns on is a quick diagnostic. Worn or twisted door gaskets that stop the door from sealing can let moisture in and cause repeat problems, and a failed defrost heater or defrost thermostat will keep frost accumulating. For parts and exact fit, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the replacement part for your specific refrigerator.
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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 Kelvinator refrigerator not defrosting?
Freezer is cold but fridge is warm. Could a defrost problem cause that?
How do I test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat?
Can I thaw the ice buildup myself or do I need a replacement part?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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