Maytag Refrigerator MFT2976AEW00 ice build up on evaporator coil top section

[bluebig]

Model Number

MFT2976AEW00

Brand

Maytag

Age

More than 10 years

I bought a home that came with a Maytag refrigerator. After a couple weeks I noticed a very loud noise coming from the refrigerator and it turns out the evaporator fan was hitting ice formed on the top section of the evaporator coils. I thawed it out but within about a week's time, I have ice build up again and the noise is increasing daily. I know the evaporator fan is working but I am not sure what is causing the the ice build up. I am also not sure how old this refrigerator really is but it looks like its at least 10 years old. It works ok, no issues other than this. Can someone help guide me to debug this issue? I cannot keep taking off the shelves every week to have this thing defrosted. It takes approximately 24-36 hours for it to go back to cooling at the peak temperature.

Edit: It appears that my picture was posted upside down.

Added complete model number

 

[Jake]

Your missing 2 digits at the end of your model number, we need those first. Read it from the model number tag located inside the refrigerator section on the upper walls or ceiling.

Here's the results I get:
MFT2976AEW01
MFT2976AEW02
MFT2976AEW03

 

[bluebig]

Hi Jake the complete model number is MFT2976AEW00

 

[Jake]

Thanks!

Are you referring to your FREEZER EVAPORATOR inside the freezer? From your upside down photo of it, that's what it looks like to me.

This model uses a normal defrost thermostat, so its either that defrost thermostat or defrost heater or main control board, if both defrost thermostat and defrost heater ohm test good, then its definitely the main control board that is the cause, through process of elimination.

Lets first ohm test that defrost thermostat--->Make sure the defrost thermostat is covered in frost before you ohm test it. Normal would be 0 -1 ohm while its frosty or in ice water. Make sure you disconnect power to the refrigerator before ohm testing!

If its not frosty, Watch this video: https://www.repairclinic.com/Repair...rmostat-Testing-Troubleshooting-Repair-Clinic

Leave it in the ice water for at least 5 minutes before ohm testing it.

The defrost thermostat on this model only comes with the evaporator fan motor.

Here it is below, its the black round part with the metal clip on it.

Evaporator Fan Motor WPW10514110


Let us know what you find.

 

[Jake]

If the defrost thermostat ohms good, then next ohm test the defrost heater. Make sure you disconnect power to the refrigerator before ohm testing!

Here's the defrost heater for your model:
Heater WPW10166768


Here's the video to ohm test it:

If the defrost heater ohms good, then the main control board is the culprit:
Cntl-ELEK,GF2 Io,xxl Bm, WPW10581606