Replacing defrost heater

[LV]

I have a 1993 Kenmore Side by Side Refrigerator model #106.9535781. A week ago the freezer unit began to freeze over and stopped cooling. I checked the thermostat and it was bad so I replaced it. It still did not work. I then checked the defrost heater. It was also bad . Thus lies the problem. I see no way of getting this heater out from behind the evaporator coils. Can you tell me how to replace this defrost heater.


thanks

[Dan O.]

quote:I see no way of getting this heater out from behind the evaporator coils

I don't know about your specific model but in most refrigerators the defrost heater is not mounted *behind* the evaporator but inside of it (at least around the edges). They usually just slide into place from one side (usually the bottom on the "U" shape last) to come to rest in grooves in the evaporator coil which holds it in place.

I'm afraid without seeing it myself, I could not say how to approach removing or installing on in yours. Sorry

Dan O.
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[BonesandFeathers]

Don't know how you checked the def/heater. But:I would look at the def/timer and def stat before I attacked the heater.
You should be able to move the def timer into def mode (then watch it to make sure it climbs out of defrost, after 20 minutes or so) and be able to check for appropriate voltages, after you ohmed out the heater and the def stat..
Let me know how this goes and we will replace the heater if it's absolutely necesary
Paul

[JCA1]

I'm not sure about your model but on my refig. I remove the plastic cover and the defrost heater is just inside there wrapped around the evap. It has two brackets made onto it, that hold it in. I have to remove the ice tray. light and bracket and other stuff to get it out. The one thing I really remember is it's a major pain in the rear and I've had to do it twice in 8 years.