How do you replace the defrost thermostat in this model

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
1

Please make sure to click on General above and select the correct appliance type first.

Brand:Frigidaire gallery
Model Number:grms2773af01
Main Symptom:ice build up on evaporator coils
What happens & when:

Error Code (if any):
Parts or tests already tried:replaced the defrost heater
Photos / video link:

2

Which set of evaporator coils are you working on. This is a dual system model with evaporators in both the fridge and freezer compartments. They are accessed by removing the cover at the back of the compartment

3

The upper one in the fridge not the freezer. The freezer isn’t giving any problems. The fridge part isn’t holding a temp when put back together and keeps building ice on the coils

4

( 5303918851 Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat Kit | Genuine Frigidaire OEM In Stock ) located on top of the evaporator in the fridge compartment

5

Ok… I ordered that from you guys yesterday and the heater showed up not the thermostat. Waiting for customer service to call me back about that but once I receive it how do I remove it and put the new one in?

6

For the Frigidaire GRMS2773AF01, part 5303918851 is the defrost bi-metal thermostat and wire harness assembly used in the evaporator/defrost circuit.

Tools Needed

  • 1/4" nut driver

  • Phillips screwdriver

  • Small flat-blade screwdriver (for harness clips)

  • Needle-nose pliers

  • Work gloves

  • Towel (to catch any frost/water)

Replacement Procedure

1. Disconnect Power

  • Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the breaker.

  • Remove food from the freezer section if necessary.

2. Access the Evaporator Cover

  • Remove freezer shelves and bins blocking access.

  • Remove screws securing the rear freezer evaporator cover using a 1/4" nut driver.

  • Carefully pull the panel forward.

3. Locate 5303918851

  • The thermostat is clipped to the evaporator tubing near the top of the evaporator coil.

  • Follow the wire harness back to its connector.

4. Remove the Old Assembly

  • Disconnect the wire harness connector.

  • Release any retaining clips or zip ties.

  • Unclip the thermostat from the evaporator tubing.

  • Remove the entire thermostat/harness assembly.

5. Install the New Assembly

  • Clip the new thermostat onto the same section of evaporator tubing.

  • Route the harness exactly as the original.

  • Secure with factory clips or ties.

  • Reconnect the harness connector firmly.

6. Reassemble

  • Reinstall the evaporator cover.

  • Reinstall shelves and bins.

  • Restore power.

7. Verify Operation

  • Allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.

  • Confirm the refrigerator and freezer are cooling normally and that frost is not accumulating excessively on the evaporator.

Technician Tip

Before replacing 5303918851, inspect the evaporator:

  • Heavy solid frost covering the coil often indicates a defrost-system issue, making the thermostat/harness a likely suspect.

  • Little or no frost may indicate a different problem (sealed system, fan, or control issue).

If you’re seeing a specific error code, frost pattern, or symptom (warm fresh-food section, freezer icing up, no ice production, etc.), I can walk you through confirming whether 5303918851 is actually the failed part before you replace it.

7

But if my freezer isn’t giving me any problems why do I have to mess around with the thermostat in the freezer when the fridge is the source of my issues

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Isn’t this the thermostat?

9

Yes I mis typed earlier you don’t have to do anything with your freezer

10

The one on the evaporator is the defrost control thermostat the one coming thru the cabinet at the upper right is the refrigerator temperature control thermostat

11

Ok… How do I remove it from that wall that the wire is going into

12

If you cannot access the wire connector to plug into most of them come with a set of butt connectors so you can splice the new one in