Freezer displays E8 and may not defrost; heavy frost accumulates on the evaporator and airflow is restricted.

Safety: Unplug the freezer. The defrost heater operates at mains voltage and is near sharp metal fins.

Procedure:

• 1. Manually defrost: Open the door and allow the unit to defrost with towels in place, or use a hair dryer on low setting at a safe distance (do not overheat plastic parts).
• 2. Access heater: Remove the inner rear panel to expose the evaporator and defrost heater, typically a metal or glass-encased element at the base or woven through the coil.
• 3. Test heater continuity: Disconnect heater leads and measure resistance with a multimeter. A typical heater will show low resistance (e.g., 20–200 Ω). If it reads open (OL), the heater or its thermal fuse is blown.
• 4. Check thermal fuse/thermostat: Many Toshiba freezers include a thermal fuse or defrost thermostat in series with the heater. Test for continuity; replace if open.
• 5. Inspect wiring and connectors: Look for burnt terminals or loose connections between heater assembly and main PCB.
• 6. PCB check: If heater and safety devices are good, the main PCB defrost relay or triac may be faulty and require board replacement.

Important: Always replace heater and thermal fuse/thermostat with Toshiba-specified parts to maintain correct wattage and safety.