Whirlpool fridge WRT519SZDW issue

[Kelly Tobias]

I’m getting ice buildup in the freezer but everything is spoiling in the fridge. Can’t afford to have someone look at it. Hoping to repair myself. Currently unplugged and defrosting. I can hear that it’s on but haven’t heard the “running” noise that kicks on and off. Someone told me it’s probably the fan. But I have learned enough to find that there are two. Yay. Literally grasping at straws. 

[MrApplianceMatt]

OK, what you're describing sounds like a defrost issue. Pull the grille off the front of the bottom of the fridge and look for the tech sheet. It may be glued under the fridge in an envelope. That should give you the steps to enter diagnostic mode and force defrost. Your most likely candidate for failure is the defrost bi-metal thermostat. Often this will be infiltrated with water, freeze, and fail. The next candidate for failure is the control board. There isn't a whole lot between the control and the defrost heater. Here is a link to the tech sheet if you can't find the one on the fridge. 

https://www.applianceblog.com/mainforums/attachments/w10669164-service-and-wiring-sheet-pdf.24712/