Magic Chef Evaporator Frost Buildup / Defrost Failure

Freezer cold but refrigerator section warm, ice buildup on freezer back wall.

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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

Failed defrost heater, Defective defrost thermostat, Faulty defrost control on main board, Blocked defrost drain causing ice accumulation

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator before removing freezer panels. Water may leak during defrost.

Steps:

  • Manual defrost: Remove food from the freezer, unplug the unit, and leave doors open until all ice on the back wall and evaporator melts. Use towels to absorb water.
  • Clear drain: Locate the defrost drain hole beneath the evaporator. Use warm water and a turkey baster to flush out ice and debris until water flows freely into the drain pan.
  • Test defrost components: With the evaporator exposed, test the defrost heater and thermostat for continuity as described in the E4 scenario. Replace any failed parts with Magic Chef-compatible components.
  • Reassemble and monitor: Reinstall panels and restore power. Monitor for several days to ensure frost does not rapidly return.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Defrost Heater and Defrost Thermostat
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