Bobsappliancerepairs.com
HOME
CONTACT US
OUR MISSION
PRESS RELEASES
MFG NUMBERS
WASHERS
DRYERS
OVENS
REFRIGERATORS
DISHWASHERS
MICROWAVES
GARBAGE DISPOSALS
ICE MAKERS
RANGE/STOVE
VCR's
DEHUMIDIFIERS
WATER HEATERS
WE SERVICE
Servicing the Philadelphia & Delaware County Areas
©2006 Bobsrepairs.com™, Inc. All rights reserved.
Legal Notices and Disclaimer
TRASH COMPACTORS
RANGE HOODS
COUPONS & PROMOTIONS
Family owned and operated
Refrigerator Tips
Washer Tips
Microwave Tips
Air conditioner Tips
Oven Tips
Dishwasher Tips
Dryer Tips
Repair Tips in General
FRIENDS
Leaking Dishwasher
BOBS TIPS
Maytag/Neptune Class Action
Part Views & Simple Repairs
BOBS HELP GUIDE
APPLIANCE FUN
ALL ABOUT BOB'S
Locate your Model Number
List of Error Codes
Myths about Appliances
TESTIMONIALS
BOBS BLOG
FREQUENTLY ASKED
WHO WE ARE
BRANDS WE SERVICE
WHERE WE SERVICE
WHAT WE DO
SAVE MONEY
Puzzler
Appliance Fun
Jokes

Before testing the defrost timer, unplug the refrigerator to avoid an electrical shock hazard.

The defrost timer controls the defrost cycle of the appliance. The timer runs continuously and roughly every six hours, shuts off power to the cooling system and sends power to the defrost heater. As the timer advances the heating element shuts off and power is restored to the cooling system. If the timer does not advance, the appliance will be stuck either in defrost or refrigerate mode, resulting in, respectively, warming or frost build-up.


The defrost timer is usually found behind the front grill of the freezer. It may also be found behind a cover plate inside the freezer, in the temperature control console, or behind the freezer near the compressor. The timer is usually held in place with one or more screws. Remove the screws and gently pull the timer out far enough to disconnect the wiring connector.

The connector can be removed by firmly pulling and rocking it left and right. It is not necessary to note the position of the wires because the connector plug is keyed so that it can be replaced in only one way.

Test the timer for continuity using a multitester. Set the multitester to the ohms setting X1. The timer has four terminals. Locate the common terminal, it should be labeled "3" or "C". If the terminals are not labeled, determine which terminal coincides with the white wire in the connector plug.


Once you have located the common terminal, touch one probe to it. Touch the other probe to each of the three remaining terminals. The multitester should display a reading of zero or near to zero ohms (which indicates continuity) for one pair of the terminals and possibly two pairs. The third pair of terminals should show no continuity (infinity).

Locate the timer switch and turn it clockwise until you hear it click. Now retest the timer as you did above. One pair of terminals should indicate continuity (possibly two pairs). At least one pair should give a reading of infinity. Note however, one of the pairs that showed continuity in the first test should now read infinity and one pair that read infinity should now show continuity. If the defrost timer does not pass these tests, it is likely that it should be replaced.