Maytag Side-by-side refrigerator Parts — Browse All Models

What to do when you see excessive frost build-up in the freezer of your Maytag side-by-side refrigerator

If frost is building up in the freezer, check first for a break in the door gasket that could be letting in warm, moist air. If the gasket seems sound, a malfunction somewhere in the automatic defrost system could be the culprit. A failed defrost timer or a bad electronic control board may not initiate the automatic defrost cycle, causing excessive frost buildup on the back wall inside the freezer. A faulty defrost sensor can prevent the defrost heater from turning on the defrost cycle. See how to check the defrost sensor and other components in the defrost system in our refrigerator won't cool troubleshooting video.

Top Maytag side-by-side refrigerator parts that need to be replaced

• Electronic control board. The electronic control board controls the major electro-mechanical components in the refrigerator. When the electronic control board senses that the compressor needs to run to cool the refrigerator, it sends voltage to the compressor and fans. It then receives input from temperature sensors to monitor the temperatures inside the refrigerator and freezer sections. With this information, the electronic control board controls cooling and the defrost cycle.
• Defrost heater. The refrigerator defrost heater melts frost from the freezer’s evaporator fins. Replace the defrost heater if it doesn't heat when activated.
• Diffuser. The diffuser—or air damper—in a refrigerator controls cold-air flow from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment.
• Defrost bi-metal thermostat. The defrost bi-metal thermostat is a safety device attached to the evaporator coil. The defrost bi-metal thermostat shuts off the refrigerator defrost heater if the heater gets hot enough to damage the evaporator.
• Door gasket. The refrigerator door gasket is a flexible seal that attaches to the outer edge of the refrigerator door to form an airtight seal around the door opening when the door is closed. The door gasket prevents warm, moist air from leaking into the refrigerator compartment.