Description
What it is
The defrost termination (bi-metal) thermostat wired in series with the defrost heater. It is closed while the evaporator is cold and opens once the coil has warmed to its set point, ending the defrost cycle. If it fails closed the freezer over-defrosts and food starts to thaw; if it fails open the evaporator ices over and the fridge stops cooling even though the compressor is running.
Specification
Opens at 140 F, closes at 110 F — a 30 F differential, the rating for this part number. Contacts rated 10 A at 120 V / 5 A at 250 V. Body roughly 1 in across, about 10 in overall including the leads. The thermostat you remove should be stamped with its rating — compare it before you order.
Why a 6-pack
The part is inexpensive; the job is not. You have to empty the freezer and pull the evaporator cover to reach it. Six thermostats cover a second fridge, a garage or rental unit, or a spare set so the next failure is a same-day fix instead of another wait for parts.
Fits
GE side-by-side refrigerators and the equivalent Hotpoint models.
Replaces
WR50X10068 and the superseded numbers 1170024, WR50X10015, WR50X10017, WR50X10018, WR50X10028, WR50X10051, WR50X10052, WR50X10053, WR50X10054, WR50X10074, WR50X10075, WR50X10079. Also sold under the trade cross-references AP3884317, PS1017716, AH1017716 and EA1017716.
Fitting
Unplug the refrigerator first. Remove the evaporator cover inside the freezer, unclip the old thermostat from the coil and note the wire order, then join the new leads. Refit the cover, plug back in and confirm that the defrost cycle terminates — the coil should be clear of ice after a day.
Before you order
Send us the model number from the rating plate inside the fridge and we will confirm the fit before you buy. If it does not fit, we replace it.
Trademark notice
GE, Hotpoint and the part numbers listed are trademarks of their respective owners. This listing is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of them. Part numbers are given only to identify the part this product replaces.
