How To Test Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat Top Full Guide 2023

It is important to test your refrigerator defrost heater thermostat before you buy it. So, How To Test Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat? How will the testing process affect the refrigerator?

It is possible to do this without hiring a professional. This problem is sure to raise thousands of questions.

The defrost thermostat test process is simple and efficient if you read the whole article. Publican Anker demonstrates how to test your refrigerator without missing any detail. The process is quick and easy enough to be a surprise.

What Does a Defrost Thermostat Do?

A defrost thermostat, also called a bi-metal thermostat, is part of a refrigerator or freezer that checks the temperature of the evaporator coil. Its primary function is to prevent the evaporator coil from freezing over.

When the evaporator coil temperature goes below a certain point, the defrost thermostat stops the compressor from cooling. Once the temperature rises above a set threshold, the thermostat resumes the cooling cycle.

How Do I Know If My Defrost Thermostat Is Bad?

The most common sign of a faulty defrost thermostat is an accumulation of ice in the freezer section. If there is ice on the walls or shelves of your freezer, it could mean that the defrost timer is not working right.

Also, if the fridge’s cooling system seems to have trouble keeping the temperature stable, it could be because the defrost control is broken.

Another way to test the defrost thermostat’s functionality is to check its resistance using a multimeter. A normal thermostat defrost refrigerator should have a resistance between 0 and 50 ohms.

If the resistance is outside this range, it could be a bad defrost thermostat symptom and needs to be replaced.

A broken defrost valve can sometimes stop the fridge from working at all. If your refrigerator stops freezing or starts making strange noises, it could be because the defrost thermostat is broken.

Where is the Defrost Thermostat Located?

The defrost thermostat is located in the refrigerator. It is usually located near the evaporator coils. The defrost thermostat is responsible for turning the defrost cycle on and off.

The defrost thermostat monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils whenever the refrigerator is on. If the coils are below freezing, the defrost thermostat turns on the defrost cycle.

The defrost cycle melts any frost that has built up on the coils. Once the coils are thawed, the defrost thermostat turns off the defrost cycle.

How To Test Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat

To test your refrigerator’s defrost, follow our step-by-step guide. After diagnosing the problem, we can provide the OEM replacement for your appliance.

Before you test your defrost’s functionality, disconnect its power supply. This is easiest done by unplugging the unit from your wall. You could also trip the appropriate switch on the circuit breaker panel or remove the fuse from the home’s fuse box.

If you are unsure if you have the skills or ability to complete the repair, consult an appliance repairing technician.

Find the defrost in your refrigerator. It may be under the refrigerator’s floor in freezer-on-top models. In other models, it might be at the back.

The defrost heater can be found on the side of a side-by-side refrigerator. The thermostat is wired together with the defrost heating element.

You’ll need to eliminate any obstructions, such as the contents and ice maker parts, freezer shelves, ice maker parts, and bottom or rear panels.

Retainer clips or screws may hold the panel in place. To remove the panels from their frames, either a screwdriver or screws loosen them.

You may need to remove the plastic molding from older refrigerators before accessing the freezer floor. It is important to be careful when removing the mold, as it can break easily. Warm it first with a warm, damp towel.

Two wires lead from the thermostat. These wires are connected to terminals using slip-on connectors. To release wires from terminals, gently pull on connectors. To help you, you may need needle-nosed scissors. Don’t pull on the wires.

A clip, screw, or clamp may hold it in place. Some models have both the thermostat and clamp as one unit. Other models have the thermostat clamped around the evaporator tube. Other models allow you to remove it by pressing the clip down and pulling it upwards.

Your multimeter should be set to R X 1 Ohms. Each multitester’s lead should be placed on a wire. If your thermostat is cold, your multitester should read zero.

Besides, this test should give an infinity reading if the temperature is between forty and ninety degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Replace a Fridge Thermostat

Unplug your refrigerator from the wall outlet.
Locate the thermostat using the owner’s manual for your refrigerator. Fridges/freezers are usually located at the back, while it is more common for under/over units to locate underneath the fridge.
Using a screwdriver, you can loosen the screws or pry out the holding clips and remove the cover panel from the thermostat. Put the cover aside.
Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently remove the wire connectors from the pin terminals or spade. Next, loosen the clip or mounting screw that holds in place and slide out of the evaporator tube.
Attach the new thermostat to your evaporator tube and the connecting wires to the terminals. Recover the panel cover, then plug the refrigerator in. To test the operation, adjust the temperature dial in the refrigerator.

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FAQs

How Do I Know If My Fridge Thermostat Is Working?

The fridge is getting unusually cold. Your thermostat may malfunction if you see frozen food in other compartments. If this happens, you should hire refrigeration repair near Sydney.

How Do I Test My Fridge Freezer Thermostat?

There are a few ways to check the thermostat on your fridge freezer to see if it works correctly. One way is to test the thermostat’s connection with a multimeter.

A second method is to place a chunk of ice in the freezer and time how long it takes to melt. If the thermostat is doing its job, the ice should melt more slowly than if it malfunctioned.

How To Test Defrost Thermostat With The Multimeter?

Your multitester should be set to R X 1 Ohms. Each multitester’s lead should be placed on a wire. If your thermostat is cold, your multitester should read zero.

If your thermostat is warm (between forty and ninety degrees Fahrenheit), this test should give you a zero reading.

What Happens When The Refrigerator Defrosts The Thermostat Goes Bad?

Failing to defrost heater termination can cause the heater to stop heating or a buildup of solid frost on the evaporator coil. This could lead to too high temperatures.

The thermostat contacts are usually closed and maintain continuity until the temperature reaches 140 degrees.

Can You Fix A Fridge Thermostat?

A simple hand tool can be used to replace the thermostat of a refrigerator. This is much cheaper than a call to a technician and a new refrigerator.

How Do You Test The Defrost Timer On A Refrigerator?

To test your refrigerator defrost thermostat, first disconnect the appliance’s power supply by unplugging it from the wall.

What Do The Numbers On A Defrost Thermostat Mean?

The numbers on a defrost thermostat indicate the temperature at which the thermostat will turn on the defrost cycle. The lower the number, the sooner the defrost cycle will start.

For example, if the thermostat is set to 5, the defrost cycle will start when the temperature inside the fridge hits 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Conclusion

Before you buy a fridge, the most important thing you can do is test it. After reading this article, you will most likely find all the tools and conditions necessary to test the refrigerator defrost.

You can ask any questions in the comments section. Publican Anker will answer your questions and add reviews to the article.

How To Test Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat: Top Full Guide 2023