253.60602416 Kenmore refrigerator not defrosting

[Jonesyapp]

Model Number

253.60602416

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

1-5 years

Model number 253.60602416
Serial number BA65022545
I cannot get the customer's refrigerator to defrost. The defrost thermostat and defrost heater both ohmed out with good continuity. I went ahead and replaced the defrost switch with a new one anyway the second time I was there. This model does not have a defrost timer, rather a control board underneath the fridge.

I've went through two brand new boards, part number 5303918686, a Frigidaire part:
5303918686 18 Sc Side Control



Am I missing something? This is the first fridge with this type of control board I've worked on. Thank you!

 

[Jake]

Ok, this model looks like it has a evaporator thermistor and a safety defrost thermostat. Did you replace the evaporator thermistor too? It should be mounted on the top of your evaporator coil. In fact it would be better to take a photo of your evaporator coil and upload it here, so I can see it too.

Here is the evaporator thermistor for your model: Thermistor Kit 5303918645

Here's the safety defrost thermostat for your model: Thermostat 5303918638

 

[Jonesyapp]

I did replace the defrost thermostat although it checked good. I put it in manual defrost and it does not send voltage to the defrost thermostat. I didn't see a thermistor

 

[Jonesyapp]

I see it now, thank you!

 

[Jake]

Ok, you see the evaporator thermistor now?

That should fix it then, let us know how it goes.

Remember to unplug your refrigerator first before replacing it, and do a manual defrost of your evaporator coil with a heat gun or hair dryer or steamer to clear all the frost/ice from the evaporator coil.

 

[Jonesyapp]

Yes. I should have known, since it didn't have a regular cold control thermostat. I fought the GE models with the control board in the back, I had the best luck with just replacing both parts. Since it's easy to ohm out the defrost thermostat and heater. Out of curiosity what is that thermistor supposed to check at for ohms of resistance when cold?

 

[Jake]

Out of curiosity what is that thermistor supposed to check at for ohms of resistance when cold?

I'm not sure on this model, I don't have the tech. data sheet to tell me what it should ohm out at.

All refrigerators come with tech data sheet's, you can look for yours behind the bottom kickplate or behind the machine.