Dealing with a bad defrost thermostat can become troubling.
The defrost thermostat is solely responsible for regulating the temperature in the fridge. If it becomes dysfunctional, it’s common for the temperature to rise.
This is why it’s important to look at the most important bad defrost thermostat symptoms to know what to fix.
The most common bad defrost thermostat symptoms include excessive heating, erratic temperature control, and ineffective cooling. It’s also possible for a fire to break out if this is not fixed as soon as possible. To fix the issue, raise the temperature settings, clean the condenser coils, and unplug the appliance for two hours.
It’s not easy to handle a bad defrost thermostat but it can be done. This is an easy problem to fix once you know what’s going on and notice the symptoms.
Here is a guide on what to do when trying to fix a bad defrost thermostat.
Table of Contents
Best Multimeter To Test Defrost Thermostat (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
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How To Fix A Bad Defrost Thermostat
1. Check the Defrost Thermostat With Multimeter
The best place to start is with a defrost thermostat test.
You will want to get a read on whether or not the defrost thermostat is functioning as it is supposed to. A good starting point is to correlate the temperature setting with the actual temperature inside the fridge.
Is the fridge too warm right now?
If so, this means there is something wrong with the condenser or airflow in the fridge. This is often associated with the defrost thermostat.
Your goal now will be to move on to the next step and begin working on repairing a bad defrost thermostat.
The reason for it not working can vary.
Some tend to age out and that is common with older fridges while others simply break down due to a power surge or broken connection. Whatever the reason is, you have to fix the issue as it can become a fire hazard.
Do not let this issue prolong unnecessarily.
2. Clean the Condenser Coils
It is now time to look at the condenser coils.
This is a common issue that can cause the temperature to rise in a fridge. Your goal here is to access the condenser coils and begin cleaning them.
It is possible there is frost build-up on the coils and/or debris. You have to keep them as clean as possible for the airflow to be as consistent as you want it to be.
This is a common mistake that is made and it is not safe for you over the long haul.
3. Unplug the Appliance For Two Hours
Once you have cleaned everything, it’s time to reset the fridge.
To do this, you are going to unplug the appliance and let it sit for at least two hours. The reason for doing this is to let the temperature settle inside the fridge and make sure the thermostat also gets a restart.
Take your time and it’s okay to wait longer than two hours. However, two hours is a bare minimum for the restart phase.
During this period, you can inspect the rest of the fridge’s components. This can include anything that is visible both inside and outside the fridge.
Remember, debris can be everywhere, and wiping things down is a good way to bring the fridge back to how it used to be.
4. Plug and Test Temperature Again
The last step is to plug the fridge in and test the temperature.
If you don’t hear a buzzing noise, this means the thermostat has likely been fixed. It is the noise that is often a telltale sign something is wrong.
It’s a symptom you are going to notice with a faulty defrost thermostat in the fridge.
Look to slowly adjust the temperature in the fridge to see if it starts cooling down. If it does not, this means the thermostat has to be replaced.
Final Thoughts
These are the primary bad defrost thermostat symptoms to keep in mind.
Some of the bad defrost thermostat symptoms can include increasing warmth inside the fridge, ineffective cooling, and reduced airflow. It’s recommended to test the temperature settings by gradually changing it, cleaning the condenser coils, and unplugging the appliance for two hours to reset it.
This is the best way to make sure you fix the bad defrost thermostat.
Each fridge is different but the thermostat’s role is always going to be the same. It’s essential to take your time and go through the diagnostic process carefully.
This includes assessing the condenser coils, fan, and everything in between. If you require a defrost thermostat replacement then that is what you need to do for the fridge to get back to normal.
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