Your LG refrigerator may struggle to keep food cold when the defrost control assembly is failing. This part regulates the defrost cycle and prevents ice from building up on the evaporator coil. When it stops working, both the refrigerator and freezer compartments can become warmer than normal.
Fortunately, this repair can be handled at home with a few common tools and some patience. Follow this guide to bring your appliance back to proper working condition.
Signs of a Faulty Defrost Control Assembly
Knowing when this component has failed can save time in diagnosing cooling issues:
- Food in the fridge spoils faster than usual.
- The freezer section does not stay cold enough to keep items frozen solid.
- Frost or ice buildup appears on the evaporator coil or freezer walls.
- The refrigerator cycles on and off more often than normal.
- Unusual clicking sounds or no sound at all from the control assembly.
- The fan continues running without proper cooling.
- Ice buildup causes air circulation problems inside the fridge.
What You’ll Need
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Putty knife
- Side cutters
- 3 plastic zip ties
- Replacement defrost control assembly (part number 6615JB2005N). Always confirm it matches your LG model.
Safety First
Safety should always come before the repair itself. Keep these tips in mind:
- Power off the refrigerator and unplug it, or switch off the circuit breaker before beginning. This prevents the risk of electric shock.
- Let the appliance cool if it has been running recently.
- Take your time and work carefully to reduce the chance of injury.
- Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see what you are doing.
- Keep the workspace clear of clutter, children, and pets.
- Do not work with wet hands. Make sure the appliance and area are completely dry.
- Refer to the user manual for any instructions specific to your refrigerator model.
- Handle all parts gently to avoid damage.
- Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- Avoid touching wires or terminals directly. Use non-conductive tools or insulated gloves if needed.
- Consider wearing safety glasses or a dust mask when working with debris, dust, or chemicals.
How to Replace an LG Refrigerator Defrost Control Assembly
Here are the steps to remove the old defrost control assembly and install a new one in your LG refrigerator.
Step 1. Remove the Freezer Door
- Fully open both fridge and freezer doors.
- Remove the upper and lower slide-out trays from the freezer compartment and set them aside.
- Detach the side rails from the freezer cabinet by prying the locking tabs loose with a flat-blade screwdriver and lifting the rails off.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the top hinge cover.
- Lift the freezer door upward to release the hinge hooks and pull the door forward to detach the rear mounting hooks. Set the door aside.
Step 2. Remove Interior Components
- Disconnect the left side rail assembly connector plug and remove the three Phillips screws securing the assembly, then take it out carefully.
- Remove the upper freezer tray left side support and air duct cover by unscrewing the Phillips screws and releasing the locking tabs.
- Detach the right side rail support bracket using the same process.
Step 3. Detach the Evaporator Cover Panel
- Release the locking tabs on the evaporator cover panel and carefully pull the panel off the rear wall.
- Disconnect the wire connectors for the temperature sensor and defrost control by pressing the locking tabs and pulling firmly.
Step 4. Remove the Defrost Control Assembly
- Take note of the position of all wires before disconnecting further.
- Cut the plastic zip ties bundling the wire harnesses.
- Remove the fuse above the defrost heater tube.
- Locate the defrost control assembly on the right side, press the locking tab, unplug it, and remove the assembly from the refrigerator.
Step 5. Install the New Defrost Control Assembly
- Position the new defrost control assembly in the same orientation as the old one.
- Plug the electrical connector into the defrost control mount.
- Rebundle the wiring with zip ties in the original arrangement.
- Reinstall the fuse.
Step 6. Reassemble the Freezer
- Reattach all wire connectors in their proper locations.
- Reinstall the evaporator cover panel and snap it back into place.
- Replace the right and left side rail supports with Phillips screws.
- Reattach the air duct cover and upper tray support bracket.
- Slide the freezer door back onto the hinge mounts, secure it with the screws, and replace the hinge cover.
- Reinstall the freezer door rails by snapping their locking tabs into the mounting clips.
- Slide the upper and lower freezer trays back into position.
Tips for a Smooth DIY Repair
Preparation and organization can make this project much easier:
- Read through the entire repair process before starting so you know what to expect.
- Take photos of wiring connections before disconnecting anything.
- Keep screws and small parts in labeled containers or bags.
- Use a magnetized screwdriver to avoid dropping screws inside the appliance.
- Check the replacement part carefully before installation to confirm it is identical.
- Test the refrigerator after replacement by running it for several hours before restocking food.
- Keep the old part until you verify the new one works correctly.
- Have a helper nearby if you need assistance moving the fridge or handling panels.
To Wrap Things Up
A faulty defrost control assembly may sound like a big problem, but with the right part and a little care you can get your LG refrigerator running like it should again. Taking the time to spot the signs early and following a clear step-by-step process saves you the hassle of spoiled food and costly service calls. Once the repair is done and the fridge is cooling properly, you’ll know that a reliable kitchen appliance is back on your side.