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U-Line Refrigerator not defrosting

If your U-Line refrigerator is not defrosting, the most likely cause is simple ice build up after a door was left open long enough for frost to form on the evaporator coil or fan. Close the door and let the unit run through a defrost cycle; heavy ice may need the fridge unplugged for a day or careful warming with a hair dryer to clear. If ice returns or the unit never enters a defrost cycle, a failed defrost control board is the next suspect, but test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat first before replacing the board. A bad defrost timer can also prevent the heater from running, so advance the timer to check whether the compressor shuts off and the heater comes on. A twisted or worn door gasket that keeps the door from sealing can cause repeated icing. Finally, a defective defrost heater assembly or defrost thermostat will stop the system from melting frost. For fridge not defrosting or refrigerator defrost problems, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts and repair guides for your unit.

01 - Door left open

If the freezer or refrigerator door was left open for an extended period of time (more than 4 hours), frost or ice may have accumulated on the food, evaporator coil and evaporator fan motor, or around the door opening. Frost should go away after the door is closed and the refrigerator goes through a defrost cycle. More significant ice buildup may require the refrigerator to be unplugged for a day to allow the ice to melt, or a hair dryer may be able to be used to assist in melting the ice.
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02 - U-Line Refrigerator Defrost Timer

The defrost timer turns on the defrost heater several times throughout the day to melt any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost timer is defective, it may not advance into the defrost cycle, or it may not send power to the defrost heater during the defrost cycle. To determine if the defrost timer is defective, slowly advance the dial into the defrost cycle. The compressor should turn off and the heater should turn on. If the timer does not send power to the defrost components or advance out of the defrost cycle within 30 minutes, this indicates that the defrost timer is not advancing. If ...the defrost timer is not advancing, replace it.
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03 - U-Line Refrigerator Defrost Control Board

The defrost control board determines how often to run the defrost cycle. If the board fails, the refrigerator will not go into the defrost cycle. Before replacing the defrost control board, first test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat. If the defrost heater and defrost thermostat are working properly, the defrost control board is likely defective.
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04 - U-Line Refrigerator Door Gasket

A twisted or worn gasket can keep the door from closing properly. Inspect the door gasket for kinks or twists. You can use a hair dryer to try smoothing out the kinks. If the door gasket is damaged it will need to be replaced.
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05 - U-Line Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly

The defrost heater assembly turns on several times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, the defrost system will not work, and frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils. To determine if the defrost heater is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the defrost heater does not have continuity, replace it.
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06 - U-Line Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat

The defrost thermostat monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils. When the coils drop below a set temperature, the thermostat contacts close to allow power to flow to the defrost heater during the defrost cycle. In the defrost cycle, the defrost heater melts away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost thermostat is defective, the thermostat contacts will not close. As a result, the thermostat won’t provide power to the defrost heater. To determine if the defrost thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the defrost thermostat does not have continuity... when it reaches the low temperature of its operating range, replace it.
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07 - U-Line Refrigerator Thermistor

A thermistor monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils. If the coils are below a set temperature, the thermistor will alert the defrost control to allow power to flow to the defrost heater during the defrost cycle. In the defrost cycle, the defrost heater melts away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the thermistor is defective, the defrost control will not be alerted to allow voltage to be sent to the defrost heater.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my U-Line refrigerator not defrosting?
Freezer is cold but fridge is warm—could a defrost problem cause that?
How do I test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat?
Can a bad door gasket cause my refrigerator to keep icing up?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement defrost part?