LG Freezer Defrost Heater Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Is your LG refrigerator’s freezer not cooling properly or accumulating excess ice? The issue may lie with the defrost heater, a component responsible for melting frost buildup on the evaporator coils to maintain the correct temperature.

Before calling a repair technician, why not try replacing the defrost heater yourself? Let’s walk through the process together.

Why the Defrost Heater is Important for Your Freezer

The defrost heater is an integral part of your refrigerator’s cooling system. Here’s why:

• Prevents Ice Accumulation: Without a working defrost heater, frost and ice can quickly accumulate on the evaporator coils, obstructing airflow. This buildup can affect the cooling efficiency of the freezer, leading to warmer temperatures.
• Maintains Energy Efficiency: A malfunctioning defrost heater forces the refrigerator to work harder to maintain cold temperatures, which can increase energy consumption and utility bills.
• Preserves Food Quality: If the freezer is not functioning properly due to ice buildup, food can become partially thawed or improperly frozen. This can negatively impact both food quality and safety.
• Ensures Long-Term Functionality: Regularly maintaining the defrost heater and replacing it when necessary helps extend the lifespan of the refrigerator and freezer. Neglecting this part can cause additional damage to the appliance over time.

Common Symptoms of a Faulty Defrost Heater

Before jumping into the replacement process, it’s helpful to know the signs that point to a defective defrost heater. Here are a few symptoms you may notice:

• Excessive Frost Buildup: If you notice that ice is building up on the evaporator coils or on the back wall of the freezer, it could indicate a malfunctioning defrost heater.
• Freezer Not Cooling Properly: A lack of proper airflow due to frozen coils can lead to inconsistent temperatures in your freezer. If food is thawing or not freezing correctly, it might be time to inspect the defrost heater.
• Unusual Noises: Strange noises coming from the refrigerator may signal that the defrost heater is not functioning correctly and frost is accumulating where it shouldn’t be.
• Water Leakage: A defrost heater failure can cause excess ice to melt improperly, leading to water leaking from the fridge or freezer.
• Frost on the Floor of the Freezer: If you find frost collecting on the floor of the freezer, it could be a clear indication that the defrost heater isn’t doing its job.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Metal shears
• Plastic zip tie
• Replacement defrost heater 5300JK1005K (make sure it’s compatible with your refrigerator model)

Prioritize Safety

Before starting any DIY appliance repair, always keep safety in mind.

1. Power Off the Refrigerator: Unplug the fridge or switch off the circuit breaker to avoid any risk of electric shock.
2. Water Supply: If your fridge has any water-connected parts, such as an ice maker or water dispenser, turn off the water supply before beginning repairs. Have towels on hand to catch any remaining water when removing parts.
3. Allow Time to Cool: If the fridge has been recently in use, allow time for it to cool down before working on it.
4. Take Your Time: Avoid rushing through the process. Precision is key to both successful repairs and preventing injury.
5. Well-Lit Workspace: Work in an area with ample lighting so you can clearly see and access all components.
6. Clutter-Free Environment: Keep your work area free from distractions, obstacles, and remove any potential hazards. Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the work area.
7. Dry Hands and Workspace: Always work with dry hands and make sure the work area is free of moisture to avoid electrical accidents.
8. User Manual: Check the user manual for any specific installation instructions or safety guidelines for your fridge model.
9. Handle Parts with Care: When removing or replacing parts, be gentle to avoid damage to the refrigerator or personal injury.
10. Protect Your Hands: Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges and debris.
11. Avoid Touching Wires: If you need to touch any wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
12. Wear Protective Gear: Consider using safety glasses or a dust mask to protect your eyes and lungs from debris or harmful substances while working.

Read more: Replacing Your Top-Freezer Refrigerator’s Condenser Fan Motor

How to Replace the Refrigerator Defrost Heater

Here are the steps to replace the defrost heater in your refrigerator, ensuring the process is completed safely and effectively.

Remove Shelves and Rails

1. Open both refrigerator doors and pull out the freezer drawer completely.
2. Remove the upper and lower slide-out shelves or trays.
3. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to detach and remove the side rails carefully without breaking the tabs.
4. Unscrew the screws securing the rails on either side of the drawer with a Phillips screwdriver.

Disconnect Components and Removing the Cover Panel

5. Remove the screws holding the rail supports and slide the supports off.
6. Disconnect the door switch wires.
7. Unscrew and remove the upper left-side support and the air duct cover.
8. Use a putty knife to detach the air duct cover clips carefully.
9. Remove the right-side supports and rails by unscrewing the Phillips screws.
10. Locate the access panel at the back, pull out the large securing tabs carefully, and lower the panel.
11. Disconnect the three electrical plugs connected to the temperature sensor and other components.

Remove the Old Heater

12. Disconnect the power plug from the defrost heater assembly.
13. Detach the left side of the heater from the evaporator coil bracket using pliers.
14. Cut through the right-side bracket with metal shears and bend it out of the way with pliers.
15. Slide out the old defrost heater carefully.

Install the New Heater

16. Remove the bracket from the old heater and attach it to the new replacement part in the same central position.
17. Slightly lift the evaporator coil and slide the new heater into place between the coil rows.
18. Insert the new heater into the left bracket.
19. Use pliers to bend the right bracket over the heater to secure it.

Reconnect the Heater and Harness

20. Plug in the new heater connection until it clicks and locks.
21. Pull down the harness and tape it to provide slack.
22. Secure the harness to the nearby bracket with a zip tie for strain relief.

Replacing the Cover Panel and Plugs

23. Reconnect the three electrical plugs on the back access panel.
24. Carefully position the back access panel into place, pushing the bottom tabs in first.

Reinstall Rails, Shelves, and Doors

25. Reinstall the upper and lower rails, screwing them back into their original positions.
26. Replace the air duct cover and upper support bracket.
27. Fully extend the rails and reattach the freezer doors, securing them with screws.
28. Place the slide-out shelves and trays back in their original positions.

Finalize the Repair

29. Close the freezer doors and plug the refrigerator back in.
30. Allow a few hours for the fridge to cool down and check its functionality.

Read more: Freezer Too Cold: Top 5 Reasons & Fixes

What to Remember

And just like that, your LG freezer should be up and running again! It’s surprising what a little DIY can do when it comes to saving money and making your appliance last longer. There’s no need to stress when things go wrong, replacing the defrost heater is a simple task anyone can do with the right tools and a bit of patience. Just follow the steps carefully, stay safe, and your freezer will be back to normal soon.