Panasonic
Freezer Evaporator Frosted Over / Defrost Failure
Freezer not freezing properly, ice cream soft, but refrigerator section seems normal
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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 or thermal fuse, Defective defrost control on main PCB, Door gasket leak causing excess frost
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the refrigerator before defrosting or accessing heater components.
- Step 1 – Inspect for frost: Look at the rear freezer panel. Bulging or heavy frost indicates ice buildup behind the panel.
- Step 2 – Manual defrost: Remove food, open the door, and allow the freezer to defrost completely. Use towels to absorb water. Do not use sharp tools to chip ice.
- Step 3 – Check gasket: Inspect the freezer door gasket for gaps or tears. Replace if it does not seal evenly.
- Step 4 – Test defrost components: After removing the rear panel, test the defrost heater and thermostat for continuity. Replace any open components with Panasonic parts.
- Step 5 – If problem recurs: The main PCB may not be initiating defrost cycles and may require replacement by a technician.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Defrost Heater Assembly
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