Whirlpool W60106-35 Refrigerator Defrost Heater Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and correct installation, operation, and maintenance of your Whirlpool WP60106-35 Refrigerator Defrost Heater. This genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part is designed to melt frost from the evaporator fins during the automatic defrost cycle of your refrigerator.

Please read these instructions thoroughly before beginning any work on your appliance.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: Before attempting any repairs or installation, always disconnect the refrigerator from its power source to prevent electric shock or injury.

• Unplug the Refrigerator: Ensure the appliance is completely disconnected from the electrical outlet.
• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and potential hazards.
• Food Storage: Safely store any food that could deteriorate while the power is off and the refrigerator is undergoing service.
• Professional Assistance: If you are unsure about any step, consult a qualified appliance technician.
• Genuine Parts: Use only genuine OEM parts to ensure proper fit and function.

3. Compatibility

The WP60106-35 defrost heater is compatible with various refrigerator models from the following brands:

• Admiral
• Maytag
• Magic Chef
• Crosley
• Jenn-Air
• Norge

This part is a manufacturer substitution and may differ in appearance from prior parts, but it is a functional equivalent to parts including 60106-35, 60106-14, 60106-2, 60106-20, 60106-26, and 60106-29.

Specific compatible models include, but are not limited to: AT19M8A, CDNT18V9A/CC48A, RB19KN-4A/BG64B, RB19KN-4A/BG64A, RB19EY-2AL/7C07B, RB19KY-2A/BG58C, RB19KY-2A/BG58B, CNT21V8A/BC74A, RB19KY-2A/BG58A, NNT219KA/BC80B, NNT219KA/BC80A, RB21FN-3A/8C73A, RB19KN-4A/BG64C, RTD1900AAL/CH59B, CNTI19V6/AC52A, NNT196DV/4C77A, RTD1900AAL/CH59A, RB184PDA/DG43A, CNT19T6A/8A16A, NNT218G/5E67A, GT17X8FA, NR580/AF56B, RB18KA-4BW/BG46A, NNT196J/8A29A, NT19HX/9D03A, RB18EY-3AWL/5B47B, RB19HA-1AL/8C69B, AT19M8V, AT21M8V/DA67A, RTC1900CAE/DH55B.

4. Installation Instructions

The following steps outline the general procedure for replacing a refrigerator defrost heater. Specific steps may vary slightly depending on your refrigerator model. Always refer to your appliance's service manual for detailed instructions.

Required Tools:

• Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
• Nut driver set
• Work gloves

Procedure:

1. Disconnect Power: Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. This is a critical safety step.
2. Empty Refrigerator/Freezer: Remove all food items from the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Store perishable items in a cooler.
3. Access Evaporator Cover: Locate and remove the screws holding the freezer's rear panel or evaporator cover in place. Carefully detach the cover, which may require disconnecting wire harnesses for fans or lights.
4. Locate Defrost Heater: The defrost heater is typically located at the bottom of the evaporator coil, often secured by clips or screws. It may appear as a glass tube or a metal rod.
5. Disconnect Wiring: Carefully disconnect the electrical wires leading to the old defrost heater. Note their position for reinstallation.
6. Remove Old Heater: Unclip or unscrew the old defrost heater from its mounting brackets.
7. Install New Heater: Position the new Whirlpool WP60106-35 defrost heater in the same location as the old one. Secure it with the clips or screws.
8. Connect Wiring: Reconnect the electrical wires to the new defrost heater, ensuring a secure connection.
9. Replace Evaporator Cover: Reattach the evaporator cover and any disconnected wire harnesses. Secure it with the screws.
10. Restore Power: Plug the refrigerator back into the electrical outlet.
11. Test Operation: Monitor the refrigerator for proper cooling and defrost cycle operation over the next 24 hours.

Image 1: Whirlpool WP60106-35 Refrigerator Defrost Heater. This image shows the genuine OEM defrost heater, a critical component for preventing ice buildup on the evaporator coils.

5. Operation

The defrost heater operates as part of your refrigerator's automatic defrost system. Periodically, the refrigerator's control board will initiate a defrost cycle. During this cycle:

• The compressor and evaporator fan temporarily shut off.
• The defrost heater activates, generating heat to melt any frost that has accumulated on the evaporator fins.
• Melted water drains through a defrost drain tube to a drain pan, where it evaporates.
• Once the evaporator coil reaches a specific temperature (monitored by a defrost thermostat or thermistor), the heater deactivates, and the normal cooling cycle resumes.

This process is essential for maintaining efficient cooling and preventing excessive ice buildup, which can restrict airflow and reduce cooling performance.

6. Maintenance

While the defrost heater itself requires no routine maintenance, ensuring the overall defrost system functions correctly is important for your refrigerator's longevity and efficiency:

• Keep Defrost Drain Clear: Periodically check and clear the defrost drain tube of any debris or ice to prevent water from backing up and freezing in the freezer compartment.
• Monitor Frost Buildup: If you notice excessive frost buildup on the freezer's rear panel or evaporator coils, it may indicate an issue with the defrost system, including the heater, defrost thermostat, or control board.
• Clean Condenser Coils: Regularly clean the condenser coils (usually located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator) to ensure efficient operation of the entire cooling system.

7. Troubleshooting

If your refrigerator is experiencing issues related to defrosting, consider the following common problems and potential solutions:

• Excessive Frost Buildup in Freezer:
  • Possible Cause: Faulty defrost heater, defrost thermostat, or defrost timer/control board.
  • Action: Inspect the defrost heater for continuity using a multimeter. If no continuity, replace the heater. Also, check the defrost thermostat and timer/control board.
• Refrigerator Not Cooling (Freezer is Fine):
  • Possible Cause: Excessive frost buildup on the evaporator coils (due to a defrost system failure) can block airflow to the refrigerator compartment.
  • Action: Check the defrost heater and other defrost components. If the evaporator coils are completely iced over, manually defrost the refrigerator and then address the faulty defrost component.
• Water Leaking Inside Refrigerator/Freezer:
  • Possible Cause: Clogged defrost drain tube.
  • Action: Clear the defrost drain tube. While not directly a heater issue, a functioning heater produces water that needs to drain properly.

Always ensure the refrigerator is unplugged before performing any diagnostic tests or repairs.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information regarding your Whirlpool WP60106-35 Refrigerator Defrost Heater, please refer to the documentation provided with your original appliance or contact Whirlpool customer support directly. Genuine OEM parts typically carry a manufacturer's warranty against defects.

If you require further assistance with installation, troubleshooting, or have questions about your appliance, please contact a certified appliance technician or Whirlpool's official customer service channels.