I have had ice buildup in the bottom of my freezer, and have defrosted several times and it comes back. From other information I found on the internet, it sounds like it could be the defrost timer. I have found a parts diagram which shows the defrost timer, but it doesn't show very well where it is actually located. Can someone tell me how to get at it, and is this the first thing I should be checking to solve the problem?

Yes, I see what you mean, I see it as well, its #7 here:


And its hard to tell actually if its inside the freezer or outside, usually it would be located either underneath your freezer, or in the very back of your freezer, near the compressor, pull your freezer out from the wall to check.

Turn it clockwise with a flathead screwdriver till it shuts down your freezer, then it will stay in defrost for about 20-30 minutes, and you should notice the defrost heater on underneath your evaporator coils inside your freezer behind the back panel.

Here's the defrost timer for your model, it will be either white or black in color:
Manufacturer's Number: 4357124

4357124

Jake

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Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

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Thank you for the response Jake. I found it. If looking at the back of the freezer, it is the lower left corner, and the "screw" was easiely accessible.

The defrost heater definately came on and defrosted the coils. So if that is working correctly, is it possible that the drain is just freezing up? Could it be I have the freezer set too cold, a bad design by Whirlpool or any suggestions for checking something else?

Here are two photos, can you see how the ice is building up where it is supposed to go down the drain tube?

Good photos, yes its just the drain thats clogged up. You'll need to defrost all the ice around the drain, then clear the drain hole itself of ice, you can use a hair dryer or hot water to help defrost the ice.

I use a evaporator cooler spider snake:
http://www.azpartsmaster.com/Products/Cooler-Spider-Snake__CLR4690.aspx

They are used basically in Arizona to clean out the water pump tubes that run to the cooler pads.

I don't know if they would sell them in your area, but if you go to your local hardware store, they should have something similar to run down your drain to clean it completely out.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances