whirlpool defrost problem

[joebee]

whirlpool fridge ET1CHEXSB01

 

Drain line got clogged with ice and water backed up. I cleared the drain. I checked heater (29.5 ohms) and plugged fridge back in. I wasnt sure if the defost cycle was working and assumed I needed thermostat and defrost control board.

Next morning i check coils and there is only normal amount of frost and the drain hole is clear. Unit is cooling in both freezer and fresh food section and it appears OK.  When I plugged it in after my inspection, it immediately went to defrost cycle, could hear the familar sizzle and I see the drain is flowing freely to pan.

 If it went into a defrost cycle like I describe, can I rule out that a component has not failed and/or is intermittent (heater, thermostat or defrost control board)? Would the heater still work in this manner if the thermostat or control board was bad?

 

 

 

 

[Scottekarate]

Your defrost cycle should last around 25 minutes and then a few minutes of "dwell" time for any remaining condensate too drain off. Then you should hear the evaporator fan kick in with the compressor and condenser fan. If the problem is intermittent, I would look real hard at the defrost control. 

Edited October 26, 2019 by Scottekarate
Bad grammer