E4
Whirlpool
Defrost Heater or Defrost Circuit Failure
Freezer displays E4; unit may not defrost properly or may over-defrost
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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
Open defrost heater element, Failed defrost thermostat/bi-metal, Burned defrost relay on control board, Damaged wiring in defrost circuit
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Disconnect power before testing heater or thermostat. The defrost heater operates at line voltage.
- Access evaporator and heater: Remove interior rear panel to expose the evaporator and heater assembly (usually at the bottom or woven through the coil).
- Check heater continuity: Disconnect heater leads and test with a multimeter. A good heater typically shows low resistance (e.g., 20–100 Ω). If open (OL), replace the heater.
- Test defrost thermostat/bi-metal: With the evaporator cold (below freezing), the thermostat should show continuity. If it is open when cold, replace it.
- Inspect wiring and connectors: Look for burnt connectors or melted insulation near the heater. Repair with high-temperature rated connectors.
- Control board check: If heater and thermostat test good, the defrost relay or triac on the control board may have failed. Inspect for burn marks and replace the board if necessary.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Defrost Heater
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