Chosen Solution
So it appears that I’m dealing with either a broken defrost heater, or a broken defrost thermostat in my Frigidaire. I’ve found both parts online. After reading all this info, it appears to me that there is a way to check if they are functioning using a multi-meter, though I don’t understand how to do so. I have a multi-meter, could anyone give me some guidance on how to check these parts? For reference, here’s the links to the two replacement parts: https://bit.ly/3g8V7zA https://bit.ly/3h8XxQ2
Hi @Dan Warden, Not quite sure if I understand. You do not know how to use a multimeter, is this correct? If so if it has a user manual read it to find out how to use the Ohmmeter function to read resistance values before performing any tests or ask someone who knows and who can show you. Once you understand then you have to use the multimeter in the Ohms mode and to measure the resistance of the components. Here’s a video that shows how to test the bi-metal defrost thermostat. With the defrost heater you need to disconnect the heater from the wiring harness and then connect the Ohmmeter test leads across the two heater wires at the connector plug , not the wires going back to the control board etc. You should get a resistance measurement of between 25-50 Ohms. If there is no measurement reading, try changing the scale on the meter to read higher values of resistance. If there is no reading at all then the heater is open circuit i.e. faulty. Be safety aware when removing the components for testing as they operate at main voltage supply potential. Disconnect the power from the refrigerator when removing any components and/or when testing if testing the components in situ. Never use an Ohmmeter when there is power connected to the circuit. If you need to do “live’“ testing use the Voltmeter function of the multimeter.
