Defrost Heater problem

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
,
1

Hi, about 2 weeks ago my refrigerator stopped blowing air while the freezer kept on working. I opened the back panel and found that the coils were covered with ice. I tested the defrost thermostat and defrost heater for continuity and they are both good. I do not believe that the problem is with the defrost adapter either because the fridge does shut off periodically on its own. I feel that the problem is with the defrost heater because it never turns on, even when I put the fridge into defrost manually. Any help is appreciated.
I attached a picture of my heater.

3

Here are your parts
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/modelsearch.aspx?model=MSD2651HEW

Since the defrost heater is 0 ohms when frozen and the defrost heater is about 30 ohms, I would say that the most likely culprit is the adaptive defrost board (item 12 in section 06).

Note: I am assuming that the above is what you got when you tested the parts.

Just because the unit shuts off during defrost does not mean that the board also connected power to the defrost thermostat/heater combo.

You could double check this by measuring for 120 volts across the heater/thermostat combo when you force a defrost.
If there is n o voltage then it is not the heater.

4

I pulled out the defrost board, I just want to make sure that this part is the culprit before I order it. Is there any way to test it with my meter?

5

See the attachment for the tech sheet

Is there any way to test it with my meter?
The evaporator coils must be frozen for the following test re: the defrost heater must be closed.

At the adaptive defrost board connector if:
Pin 1 (white) to Pin 7 (orange is about 30 ohms and Pin 1 (white) to pin 4 (brown) is also 30 ohms then the board must be bad as that is the only component left in the defrost circuit.

6

I replaced the defrost board a few days ago and the fridge has been strong ever since. I appreciate the help denman

7

You are welcome.

I am glad to hear that you are up and running.

And thanks for getting back to us. Now when others search for a similar problem they will see what actually worked instead of just suggestions about what could be the cause.