Refrigerator displays an alarm and beeps, temperature rising, heavy frost on back wall of freezer

Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator before accessing the evaporator area. Risk of electric shock and sharp edges.

• Visual signs: Thick, even frost on the entire rear freezer wall or behind it indicates defrost failure.
• Manual defrost: Unplug the unit and open doors. Allow 12–24 hours for complete defrost. Place towels to absorb water. This will temporarily restore airflow and cooling.
• Access evaporator: After defrosting, remove the inner rear freezer panel to expose the evaporator coil, defrost heater, and thermostat.
• Inspect components: Look for burnt or broken heater elements, loose wires, or a bulged/burnt defrost thermostat.
• Component replacement: If the heater is visibly damaged or the thermostat housing is cracked, replace the faulty part with an OEM equivalent. Ensure all connections are secure and insulated.
• Reassemble and test: Refit the panel, restore power, and monitor frost buildup over the next week. Frost should remain light and localized.
• If frost returns quickly: The control board may not be initiating defrost cycles correctly and should be tested by a professional.