Antarctic Star Defrost / Harvest Failure

Evaporator plate ices up excessively; thick frost buildup, ice does not release properly

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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

Faulty harvest heater (if equipped), incorrect hot gas valve operation, misreading evaporator sensor, scale buildup preventing release

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Unplug the unit before defrosting or working near the evaporator.

Steps:

  • Manual defrost: Turn off and unplug the ice maker. Allow all ice and frost to melt naturally or use a bowl of warm water placed inside (do not use sharp tools or hair dryers).
  • Clean evaporator: Remove mineral scale with a soft cloth and vinegar solution, then rinse.
  • Check sensor placement: Ensure the evaporator sensor is firmly attached to the plate so it can detect temperature correctly.
  • Test operation: After reassembly, run a cycle and observe whether ice releases cleanly. If not, a technician may need to check the hot gas valve or harvest heater circuit.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Evaporator Temperature Sensor
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