E18
Ikea
Defrost / De-Ice Heater or Hot Gas Circuit Failure
E18 error, defrost or de-ice cycle fails, heavy ice buildup on evaporator plate
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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, failed defrost thermostat, defective hot gas valve, control board defrost relay failure
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the ice maker and allow ice to melt before working near the evaporator. Use towels to catch water.
- Manual defrost: Remove the ice bin and leave the door open to let ice melt naturally. Do not use sharp tools or high heat to remove ice.
- Test defrost heater (if equipped): Access the heater element near or behind the evaporator plate. Measure resistance; an open circuit indicates a failed heater. Replace the defrost heater assembly.
- Check defrost thermostat: The thermostat is usually clipped to the evaporator. Test continuity when cold; replace if it does not close at low temperatures.
- Inspect hot gas valve: For systems using hot gas defrost, test the solenoid coil and ensure the valve is not stuck. Replace if defective.
- Control board relay: If heater and thermostat are good but never receive power, the board’s defrost relay may be faulty. Replace the main control board.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Defrost Heater
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