Hi,

I am having a problem identifying the defrost timer part number for my Whirlpool #ED5PHEXNB00 side-by-side and hoping somebody can help.

I am hearing a clicking and/or popping noise and it happens right after it sounds like something is trying to turn itself on. It is intermittent. It is definitely coming from the left hand side(freezer side as you face the front). I was told that this is probably the defrost timer and/or heating element.

Thanks much in advance for the help.

Best Regards,

jbintenn

Thanks for the reply.

I failed to mention that we also noticed a very strong odor (like an electronic compononent burn smell or excessively hot component smell) that filled our kitchen just before we started noticing this intermittent clicking and/or popping sound.

And that is why I believe something is not quite right with the unit even though, yes, everything for now appears to be working okay. Ice Cream has appeared to be softer than normal lately, though, but the fridge seems to be cooling normally.

So again, I can put my ear right in front of where you change out the water filter in front of the fridge at the bottom and distinctively hear the sound of what sounds like something trying to turn itself on followed by a pronounced clicking or popping sound and then it gets quiet again. Then after a few minutes, it will do it again....and again....and again...until it will finally stop for awhile only to start all over again. This intermittent cycle keeps occuring everyday.

Does this unit have a defrost timer (the electronic version) and would it be located towards the front left? If so, what is the part number?

There is nothing in the parts manual that says "Defrost Timer" and I am having trouble identifying it. Is this it?

Part #AP4981918

(Please see attached pic.)

Anyway, the defrost timer is what I have been led to believe is the culprit so that will be the first thing I will try and replace unless I hear different from the experts on this forum. :)

Thanks again very much for your help.

jbintenn

Well it took longer than I had planned to get to my issue. Turns out that once I really got my hands dirty to take a look, the clicking/popping sound was coming from the right rear of the unit.....where the compressor is located.

Anyway, I took off the overload/relay switch unit on the compressor and did the smell and shake test. Sure enough one of the relays inside had fried. I had found the culprit.

Unfortunately I did not order the correct 'overload kit' and have since found that my unit is called a Starting device kit. Got it ordered just now so will be replacing that unit and should be good to go.

jbintenn