How to Test Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat & How it Works!

A refrigerator defrost thermostat is a crucial part of proper operation of your fridge. When your defrost thermostat goes bad, it can lead to your refrigerator not cooling correctly and causing your food to spoil, as well as a causing potential fire hazard. This video shows you how to test your defrost thermostat, as well as how it works in your refrigerator.

To Support Flashback502, please send donations to:
Or
Fan Mail, Products & Donations:
Flashback502
Po Box 20201
Louisville, KY 40250

[CalamityAndy]

This video explained it so much better than any of the other top videos. They all said "IF CONTINUITY, WORKS OK" but there could be more than one problem with a thermostat.

[jondickson]

Thank you sir. Very helpful. I never understand why videos like this get dislikes. If someone is trying to help you save money by doing it yourself, then they deserve recognition. To the 68 that disliked this video, enjoy paying the mechanic $200 dollars just to look at it. Thanks again.

[Mr]

Defrost thermostat turns on the defrost heater not the evaporator but very good video my friend

[kerryfeeney]

This video was sooo helpful. It's the only video I watched that talked about visible signs that your thermostat is defective. Thank you!

[krazyhorse]

This video helped so much. My thermostat was blown almost in half from the failure that it had. The part is around $25 - 30 ish with tax at the parts store. Ordering online is probably cheaper but trying to fix it immediately instead of waiting a day or two for the part to come in.

[bengrubb]

After a new computer board new heater element...and 2 more months of defrosting...(it would last 2-3 weeks) .finally traced the wires to this silver thing???? thermostat??? Your vid was awesome my thermostat blew its' only into it for $150 so far--- now I have a $2000 fridge again thanks!

[randymarcell]

Thanks for the explanation. I think you meant evaporator heater instead of evaporator. When the the temp lowers because of frost and time, the thermostat closes and the heater next to the evaporator (coil) comes on. The evaporator heater melts the frost and ice. Then the thermostat warms up too and opens losing continuity and shuts off the heater. Right?

[cosmicblack]

Just wanted to say thanks for making such a thorough vid. I have a working knowledge of electronics from doing computer repairs, and this made it so I didn't have to have an expensive repair visit. $30 and done!

[sandrayounger]

Best explanation of these things I have ever seen!

[leonardsolis]

Thank you, I was wondering what that was. Its
what our refrigerator is doing.

[stewartbruce]

Dear Flashback,
You are certainly a master instructor in the you tube classroom. I will follow your testing procedure, and hope to solve my problem. I installed two timers to no avail, and there is always a frost buildup on the evaporator. Another sign that you are a gift to all us students; you reply to all the comments. Thank you, and blessings from New Rochelle N.Y.

[jaybajan]

This is why i love youtube videos. I came here looking for an answer to my problem with my freezer not defrosting and the fridge not getting cold. This video allowed me to know whats my issue with the fridge not working correctly. Thank you for the video.

[satlaming]

Thank you Sir, your video is very helpful and informative. Your instructions were clear and easy to understand. What you shared is going to save many people money and trouble. People like you make a better world. Please keep up the good work. Best regards, Laming

[Tanya-mwdc]

OMG...thank you for being so damn thorough. I watched numerous videos and yours is, by far, the best. I clipped the wires, wrapped it around the multimeter, like in your video, and it beeped when I sprayed it with compressed air and the beep stopped at 54F (according to instructions about the numbers on the device). It was supposed to stop beeping at 59F, just a few off. It was truly a magical thing for me how it worked exactly like you said it would. Thank you.

I check the compressor with the multimeter, and that works and I changed the old relay, after testing it. The refrigerator/freezer still won’t get down to the right temperature. What else could I try?

[ar]

Thank you brother. You’re videos are very helpful

[luisfer]

Thanks bro! Simple and excellent explanation. I learned something new by your video. Great!

[colombo]

I had to cut mine out like the one in your video and it's at room temp and it's beeping, so glad for your video because now i know that is a bad defrost thermostat, ordered a replacement hope it works, thank you

[johnharris]

Thorough explanation, excellent video!!!

[WiiSmHr]

Good job describing defrost failed condition and then showed the actual multimeter test. Bonus is physical examination of the thermostat/thermodisc itself.

[rais]

Excellent attention to detail in explanation. Very well done sir!