Our refrigerator wasn't defrosting so I pulled the plug, emptied it, and opened up the back panel of the freezer to defrost it by hand.

The obvious issue I found was where the wiring harness entered the upper heater the 'tyvek tubing' covering the spade connector on the left side was completely melted away leaving charred remains and the PVC melted off the wire maybe a half inch from the connector. The heater connector itself also showed signs of melting as well although the heater tests OK (has continuity).



The real problem is in replacing the defroster wiring harness as it shows as discontinued and out of stock everywhere I checked.

If I cannot buy a replacement harness my only option seems to be to repair the existing one.

1) Does anyone have an working method to replace and properly protect the burned connector?

2) What typically causes this type of overheating at the connector, water leaking in?

3) With the heater showing some melting where the connector goes in should it be replaced even though it tests ok?

4) Can the defroster heater assembly and harness be replaced with one from a different model?

The unit is working great right now (-20 at initial setting) but I'm sure the ice will build up and impact the temps over the next couple weeks. Any help would be appreciated!
- Bob