How to Repair the Frigidaire Refrigerator Defroster Timer

Frigidaire refrigerators are available in side-by-side, top-mount, French door and bottom-mount models. Each model has an automatic defrost system that automatically removes ice and frost from the evaporator coils, which are located behind the rear panel of the freezer. The defrost system consists of a defrost heater, defrost thermostat and defrost timer. The defrost timer is located in the control housing of the refrigerator and controls the defrost system. If the defrost timer malfunctions, the defrost heater will not turn on, causing the temperature of the refrigerator to rise. In this instance, you must replace the defrost timer.

Hex-style screwdriver
Phillips-style screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet.
- 2
  Open the refrigerator door and then remove the top shelf from the freezer.
- 3
  Remove the hex-style screws from the control panel, 2 in the front and 2 in the rear.
- 4
  Lower the control panel and then disconnect the wire connector by depressing the tabs on the sides of the connector and pulling it off of the terminal.
- 5
  Remove the two Phillips screws securing the defrost timer to the control housing.
- 6
  Pull the wire harness off of the defrost timer terminals. Discard the old defrost timer.
- 7
  Connect the wire connector to the terminals on the bottom of the new defrost timer and and then install the timer into the control panel using the screws that were removed from the old timer.
- 8
  Reassemble the refrigerator by reversing the steps taken to disassemble it.
- 9
  Restore power to the refrigerator.

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Refrigerators