E20
Whirlpool Defrost Overheat Protection Fault

Freezer displays E20; may indicate defrost overheat or safety trip

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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

Defrost heater stuck on, Shorted defrost relay on control board, Failed defrost thermostat stuck closed, Wiring short bypassing thermostat

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the freezer immediately if you suspect overheating. Risk of fire if left energized.

  • Inspect evaporator area: After cooling, remove the rear interior panel and check for signs of melting or scorching near the heater.
  • Test defrost thermostat: At room temperature, most defrost thermostats should be open. If it shows continuity when warm, replace it.
  • Check heater control: With the unit unplugged, verify that the heater is not directly shorted to line through damaged wiring. Repair any shorts.
  • Control board relay: Inspect the defrost relay on the main board. If welded closed or burnt, replace the control board.
  • Verify operation: After repairs, monitor a full defrost cycle to ensure heater turns off properly.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Defrost Thermostat and Main Control Board
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