
This refrigerator repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for replacing the defrost sensor in a side-by-side refrigerator. The defrost sensor—also called a defrost bi-metal thermostat—shuts off the defrost heater if the heater gets hot enough to damage the evaporator.
If the refrigerator defrost sensor fails:
The heating element doesn't turn on.
Frost builds up on the evaporator and clogs air passages through the evaporator.
Cooling air fails to reach the refrigerator compartment resulting in warm temperatures in the refrigerator.
If your refrigerator defrost sensor isn't allowing the defrost heater to turn on, replace the defrost sensor with the manufacturer-approved replacement part.
Use this repair procedure on Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Bosch and Samsung side-by-side refrigerators.