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I have a Whirlpool ET8MTKXKQ00 refridgerator that came with the house when I bought it. Over the last 5 - 6 months I've been having issues with frost buildup in the freezer which if not manually defrosted will block the air diffuser with ice, causing the refridgerator to not be cold. I've looked at several threads on this site and others, and this thread in particular seems to have pointed me in the right direction as far as what the issue may be: http://forum.appliancepartspros...works-intermitantly.htmlBased on my findings the issue probably with the bimetal defrost, the thermostat, or the defrost control module/timer. If i unplug the refrigerator, wait a minute or so and then plug it back in it will start the defrost cycle, so I dont think its the bimetal defrost thermostat: Part Details - WHIRLPOOL Bimetal defrost, part number: AP3108454Turning the thermostat on and off will start & stop the compressor so I dont think its that either: Part Details - WHIRLPOOL Thermostat, part number: AP3084361The only thing left is the defrost control module: Part Details - WHIRLPOOL Contrl-box, part number: AP3854389could this be the cause of the problem? I also tried the whole electronic defrost control test mode thing but wasnt sure what I was supposed to be looking for. Can anyone help on this issue? Thanks in advance
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Rank: Member
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Thanks for your help guys. No really. One week, 53 views, and not ONE single response. Another satisfied customer. Sure glad I spent the time to register with this site and and create this post. You experts sure have it together around here.
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Sorry for the slow response. My excuse is my computer was in for repair. Your most probable problem is the adaptive defrost board AP3853127 behind the control panel. Go to web site www.applianceaid.com for info on manual defrost initiation, there are two procedures there, one should work.
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Rank: Member
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Thanks for your response. So all i have to do is replace that adaptive defrost board and it should resolve the defrost issues? I'm willing to take a chance on the part since its better than spending $600+ on a new unit.
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Yes, but try the web site manual defrost test. If it fails that confirms a bad board.
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Rank: Member
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Originally Posted by: richappy  Yes, but try the web site manual defrost test. If it fails that confirms a bad board. Well I tried the test and both seemed to fail. The defrost cycle only started if I unplugged the unit, waited 30 seconds or so and then plugged it back in with the thermostat turned ON. For testing purposes I was supposed to turn the thermostat OFF and then plug/unplug the unit but it didnt seem to manually start the defrost cycle. Does this mean that the board is indeed bad or did I do something wrong?
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Rank: Member
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Actually, after going to www.applianceaid.com for info on manual defrost initiation, I tried both methods again and one worked and one didn't: First Method (FAILED):
1. Turn the thermostat off for 15 seconds.
2. Turn the thermostat on for 5 seconds.
3. Turn the thermostat off for 15 seconds.
4. Turn the thermostat on for 5 seconds.
5. Turn the thermostat off for 15 seconds.
6. Turn the thermostat on for 5 seconds.
7. Turn the thermostat off.
Second Method (SUCCESSFUL):
1. Disconnect the refrigerator/freezer from the wall outlet for at least 30 seconds.
2. Turn the thermostat off.
3. Reconnect power to the refrigerator/freezer.
Does this mean that the adaptive defrost board is bad?
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Your adaptive defrost board is probably good, most probable problem the defrost thermostat clipped to the evaporator, also, check the heater, probably good.
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Rank: Member
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Originally Posted by: richappy Your adaptive defrost board is probably good, most probable problem the defrost thermostat clipped to the evaporator, also, check the heater, probably good. I see. So its probably this part here: Part Details - WHIRLPOOL Bimetal defrost, part number: AP3108454How would I check to see if this part is the problem? I'm almost sure the heater is good, since its been heating up to defrost the ice buildup on the unit.
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Rank: Advanced Member
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You might have an intermittent defrost thermostat, very common. In addition, your adaptive defrost board might be intermittent. You can try just replacing the defrost thermostat and see if that fixes it. If the defrost thermostat is bulged on the plastic top, that would confirm it's bad.
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