E14
KitchenAid Defrost Heater / Defrost Circuit Fault

Wine cooler shows E14 and interior temperature overshoots setpoint or cycles erratically

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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 element, Failed defrost thermostat or thermal fuse, Defective defrost relay on main control board, Wiring failure in defrost circuit

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Unplug the unit before testing the heater or thermostat. The heater can be sharp and hot after operation.

E14 indicates a defrost system malfunction.

  • Step 1 – Inspect evaporator: Remove the interior rear panel and check for heavy frost or ice covering the evaporator coil.
  • Step 2 – Test heater: With the unit unplugged, disconnect the defrost heater leads and measure resistance. An open circuit indicates a failed heater.
  • Step 3 – Check defrost thermostat: Locate the thermostat or thermal fuse clipped to the evaporator tubing. Test for continuity when the thermostat is cold (frosted). No continuity indicates a failed thermostat or fuse.
  • Step 4 – Replace failed components: Replace the defrost heater and/or thermostat as needed, using KitchenAid-approved parts. Ensure they are securely clipped to the evaporator.
  • Step 5 – Control board: If heater and thermostat are good but defrost never occurs and E14 persists, the main control board defrost relay or logic may be defective and should be replaced by a technician.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Defrost Heater and Defrost Thermostat
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