How to Check a Defrost Thermostat
- 1. Move the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug the power cord from the wall receptacle.
- 2. Locate and access the defrost thermostat. ...
- 3. Pull the defrost thermostat free of its retainer clip and remove the electrical wires from its terminal. ...
- 4. Set the function selector switch on the digital multimeter to its R x 1 scale. ...
How do you test a bimetal defrost thermostat?
How to Check a Defrost Thermostat
- Move the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug the power cord from the wall receptacle.
- Locate and access the defrost thermostat. In side-by-side refrigerator-freezers, the thermostat usually is at the back of the compartment.
- Pull the defrost thermostat free of its retainer clip and remove the electrical wires from its terminal.
How to test a thermostat on a hot water system?
- Move to the thermostat terminals and check if it is supplied with power. ...
- Disable the lower thermostat by rotating its dial to the least setting. ...
- Place the prongs of the multimeter on the terminal 1 and blue wire of the heating element. ...
- If the tool reads 240V that means there is power on the setup. ...
- Move to the lower thermostat on the heater. ...
How to test a refrigerator thermostat [detailed guide]?
HOW TO TEST A REFRIGERATOR THERMOSTAT [DETAILED GUIDE ... From refrigeratorsreviewed.com. 2021-02-09 · Turn the refrigerator and freezer controls to OFF and 0 inside the refrigerator. Then, plug the refrigerator back into the wall outlet. Set the refrigerator ….
How to test a GE refrigerator thermistor sensor?
Testing A Refrigerator Thermistor On A GE Refrigerator
- Evaporator Thermistor. The evaporator thermistor is the one attached to the top of the evaporator coils in the freezer (see picture below).
- Freezer Thermistor. We will start with the freezer thermistors. Disconnect the J1 plug and start the test. ...
- Fresh Food Thermistors. Next lets test the fresh food thermistors. Disconnect the J1 plug and start the test. ...
Is a defrost thermostat normally open or closed?
The defrost thermostat should be in the closed position when cold. Check to be sure the thermostat is opening at the correct temperature by placing it in water and slowly heating the water. Defrost thermostats are designed to open between 40 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you diagnose a bad defrost thermostat?
0:112:11Defrost Thermostat Testing, Troubleshooting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf your appliance's thermostat has a closing temperature of 30 degrees fahrenheit or above you canMoreIf your appliance's thermostat has a closing temperature of 30 degrees fahrenheit or above you can easily test the part for continuity by using a multimeter.
What happens when defrost thermostat fails?
If the thermostat is defective it may not be able to sense the temperature of coils and then won't turn on the defrost heater. If the defrost heater doesn't turn on, the refrigerator will never start the defrost cycle and will eventually stop cooling.
How do you test a freezer thermostat with a multimeter?
0:050:50How to check a faulty thermostat using a multimeter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I've turned the dial to the lowest ohm rating a working thermostat should have a reading of zeroMoreAnd I've turned the dial to the lowest ohm rating a working thermostat should have a reading of zero or as close to zero as. Possible. This thermostat is reading zero one meaning it's fine.
What temp does defrost thermostat close?
Defrost Thermostat Specifications. This limiter thermostat cuts out when the temperature inside your refrigerator reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit and kicks back in when the internal temperature drops to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I know if my freezer thermostat is working?
If food freezes inside the fridge or its compartments, the cause may be a faulty thermostat. You can use an appliance thermometer to check the thermostat, or try increasing the temperature a couple of degrees. Then wait a day to check whether the food has become unfrozen.
What causes your defrost to stop working?
When a front defroster stops working, it's usually a faulty switch or blend door if air comes out of the other vents or a bad blower motor if no air comes out of the vents.
What controls the defrost cycle on a refrigerator?
The refrigerator fresh food section defrosts automatically by means of a thermostat affixed to the evaporator coils every time the unit cycles off (usually every 20-30 minutes).
How do you force a defrost cycle?
To run a forced defrost cycle open the refrigerator door or doors if your refrigerator is a french door model. Then hold down the door switch or switches, the display should go blank. Next press the refrigerator temperature (-) button 3 times in 10 seconds and release the door switches.
How does a freezer defrost thermostat work?
How do Defrost Thermostats Work?Time – the defrost thermostat activates at specific time intervals, regardless of the level of frost.Temperature – the defrost thermostat measure the temperature of the evaporator, activating once it reaches a set point to warm and defrost the evaporator.More items...
How do you test a defrost heater with a multimeter?
1:122:04Fridge Not Defrosting? Defrost Heater Testing, Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow use a probe to touch one of the components terminals and the second probe to touch the otherMoreNow use a probe to touch one of the components terminals and the second probe to touch the other terminal. If the meter reading shows a result between 0 and 50 ohms of resistance.
How do I reset my freezer thermostat?
1:132:36Refrigerator Troubleshooting, Hard Reset, and Liquid ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplugMoreIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplug your unit from the wall for 30 to 45. Minutes then plug the unit back in this will reset the unit.
How do I know if my thermostat is bad in my refrigerator?
To check the present condition of the thermostat of your refrigerator, you can raise a degree and wait for the machine to turn on automatically. If the thermostat fails to start, it might be there are some technical breakdowns inside your refrigerator.
How do you troubleshoot a defrost heater?
2:044:52Troubleshooting Defrost System Problems in Refrigerators - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll need to check the continuity. Through the defrost heater circuit from the electronic. ControlMoreYou'll need to check the continuity. Through the defrost heater circuit from the electronic. Control board to check the defrost heater circuit.
What happens when the thermostat opens on a defrost heater?
The thermostat is wired in series with the defrost heater, and when the thermostat opens, the heater shuts off. You will have to remove any objects that are in your way such as the contents of the freezer, freezer shelves, icemaker parts, and the inside rear, back, or bottom panel.
How to check if a thermostat is cold?
Place each of the multitester's leads on a thermostat wire. When your thermostat is cold, it should produce a reading of zero on your multitester. If it is warm (anywhere from forty to ninety degrees Fahrenheit), then this test should produce a reading of infinity. If the results you receive from your test differ from the ones presented here, then you will need to replace your defrost thermostat.
How to test a defrost thermostat?
Before you begin to test your defrost thermostat, make sure you disconnect the appliance's power supply. The easiest way to do this is to unplug the unit from the wall. Alternatively, you could trip the appropriate switch in the circuit breaker panel, or you could remove the appropriate fuse from your home's fuse box.
What to do if you don't feel you have the skill or ability to complete a repair?
Consult with an appliance repair technician if you do not feel you have the skill or the ability to successfully complete this repair.
Can you remove plastic molding from a refrigerator?
Some older refrigerators may require that you remove a plastic molding before you can gain access to the freezer floor. Exercise caution when removing the molding, as it does break fairly easily. You could try warming it with a warm, wet towel first. There are two wires leading from the thermostat.
How to remove wires from thermostat?
Pull the defrost thermostat free of its retainer clip and remove the electrical wires from its terminal. In most cases, the wires are connected with push-on terminals. In high-end appliances, the wires may be secured with screws. In the latter case, remove the screws by turning them counterclockwise.
What is a defrost thermostat?
The defrost thermostat, a bi-metallic switch, controls the temperature rise in the freezer compartment during the defrost cycle. Once the temperature reaches a preset level, the defrost thermostat opens, shutting off electric current to the defroster heating elements, much as your home's heating thermostat shuts down the furnace once ...
What happens if your thermostat is not working?
A malfunctioning thermostat can keep the defrost heating elements from turning on or keep them on too long, causing heat damage or even a fire.
How to remove thermostat plates?
The plates covering the thermostat may be held in place by screws or clips. To remove the plates, remove the screws or release the clips with a small screwdriver. In the case of a molding, use care not to crack it when removing it.
What does 0.000 mean on a thermostat?
The LCD on the meter will display “0.000” if the cold thermostat is in the closed position. The defrost thermostat should be in the closed position when cold. Check to be sure the thermostat is opening at the correct temperature by placing it in water and slowly heating the water.
How to test a multimeter with a red jack?
Set the function selector switch on the digital multimeter to its R x 1 scale. Plug the red test lead into the red jack, marked "VmA" -- volts milliamperes. Plug the black test lead into the black jack marked "COM." Attach the test probes to the terminals on the thermostat.
Where is the thermostat on a refrigerator?
In side-by-side refrigerator-freezers, the thermostat usually is at the back of the compartment. With top-mounted freezers, the thermostat usually is under the compartment's floor plate or behind a molding at the front edge of the floor plate. With bottom-mounted freezers, the thermostat usually is under the compartment's roof plate.
How to check if a bi metal switch is good?
Attach one lead to each of the wire ends, to test the bi-metal switch. If the meter reads zero on a digital Voltage meter, or if the needle moves to the right on standard Voltage meter, then your bi-metal switch is good. (If the bi-metal is still cold) If the meter reads one on a digital voltage meter, or the needle does not move on a standard voltage meter, then the bi-metal switch is bad and it will need to be replaced.
Can you reinstall an icemaker after testing a defrost switch?
Once you have completed testing the defrost bi-metal switch, put the evaporator panel back on and you also need to reinstall the icemaker (If applicable) You have completed the job!
Do you need to defrost a bimetal switch?
Note: Do not totally defrost the evaporator coils. You need the defrost bi-metal switch to stay cold. It needs to be cold in order for you to test it. The defrost bi-metal switch contact is closed when it is cold, and open when it is warm. You will find the defrost bi-metal switch fastened to the top right, or left corner of the evaporator coil.
Do you need to defrost a thermostat after removing the evaporator panel?
After the evaporator panel is removed, you will need to defrost the evaporator as well so that you can locate the defrost thermostat.
