Summit Evaporator Frost Block / Defrost System Failure

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

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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 or thermal fuse, Faulty defrost control on main board, Damaged evaporator thermistor

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator and prepare towels for melting ice.

Defrost the evaporator:

  • Empty the freezer and remove the rear interior panel.
  • Allow all ice to melt naturally or use a hair dryer on low, keeping it away from plastic parts and wiring.

Component checks:

  • Inspect the defrost heater at the base of the evaporator for breaks or burn marks.
  • Test the heater and defrost thermostat for continuity with a multimeter.

Repair: Replace any failed defrost components with Summit-compatible parts. After repair, reassemble panels and monitor for proper cooling and absence of new frost buildup.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Defrost Heater Assembly
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