Maytag
Defrost System Failure – Evaporator Icing
Thick sheet of ice forms on the evaporator cover or back wall; airflow is restricted.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Failed defrost heater, Open defrost thermostat, Defective defrost timer (mechanical models), Control board not initiating defrost
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the freezer. Do not chip ice with sharp tools.
- Manual defrost: Allow the unit to thaw completely to restore airflow temporarily.
- Test heater and thermostat: Access the evaporator and test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat for continuity. Replace any open components.
- Check defrost timer: On mechanical models, locate the defrost timer and manually advance it with a screwdriver to see if it enters defrost. Replace if it does not advance on its own.
- Control board: On electronic models, if components are good, replace the electronic control board.
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
Required Part
Defrost Heater
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