How to check a refrigerator's defrost timer.

This is how to do a bench on a residential refigerator/freezer defrost timer.

[@realscotthogue]

A rare combination of appliance knowledge, electrical knowledge, ability to explain and convey the practical meaning and function of a device that somehow confuses most repair people, let alone the home owner. Excellent job. Before he is through he is a friend you want over for soda and chips. Get this man a cabinet post!

[@21footxpress]

Thank you very much

[@mayorb3366]

I will echo Scott's post. The caliber of your video FAR exceeds those released by even the manufacturers themselves. There's a huge difference between someone who has years of hands on experience explaining something, and the guy from the marketing department reading a script. Rock on, buddy!!

[@doubleaurn]

Hey man, thanks a lot. Some people suggested you becoming an instructor. I agree 100%. You are clear, direct and to the point, and thorough. It is rare to find tutorials on youtube at this level of excellence. God has blessed you with a gift man. Thanks for the help.

[@boogerwhopper]

This is absolutely THE best and informative video on the web pertaining to the Defrost Timer! Thank you soooooo much for the simplicity and teaching! Of course the gears/ motor could be seized but this lays out the entire electric to component loop PERFECTLY. Frank

[@MarkShapiroMusic]

Thank you for explaining this in a nice clear, concise way, that a hundred other people here weren't able to do. You're the man!

[@KimSooAcu]

This helped me determine my timer was fine, and I identified the thermostat as faulty as a result - I have no electrical experience, but did own a multimeter. THANK you!!

[@randymarcell]

Wow. I knew iI had to advance it clockwise 'til it clicked, but didn't know what to advance. One source said use a quarter, but you did without effort by hand.Thanx for showing me the simplicity of it all

[@SemperShock]

Wow what a great tutorial!! My trainer on my job isn't close to a teacher as you are. Thank you for making this part a lot clearer in my head. God Bless.

[@originalhotrodder4337]

Excellent description of how the timer works and great instructions on how to test it. Thank you!

[@21footxpress]

thank you very much

[@monkey505boy]

I just wanted to see why everyone thinks you explained it well. You did. Simple language, very direct. You're good.

[@orley104]

I found the timer on the back and turned it by mistake and freaked thinking I changed the settings or some thing bad. Found this site and wow I read most of the posts as it was great to hear so much great feedback. Well done man. Well done and thanks.

[@dandaman2226]

Excellent explanation of the domestic refrigerator defrost timer! Including the schematic and demonstration. I'm an hvac tech and learned something. ....i wasn't aware the timer motor had a capicator. Thanks man. Great job!

[@21footxpress]

Thank you very much

[@kurtcampbell2425]

Thanks for the video tip on defrost timers. Very simple and to the point. Now time to troubleshoot and see if this could be my problem...

[@tonycaine5930]

This brother is DA MAN!!! He knows his thang. Thank you my man for this video.

[@ryanberry8974]

was slow getting to the clicking part but the last part summed it all up, and the drawing + continuity test was very effective and should be done more often. Everyone may have different ways to make learning easier, but if your showing a real scenario test along with a step-by-step drawing, that's about as easy as it gets. Hopefully everyone starts to use this style of educating. Too many times Ive walked up to a unit, removed a panel and quickly realized that the technician before me was as smart as a rock. You should be able to leave your complete info on the unit after touching it. CONFIDENTLY knowing what you did, and can be explained if needed. So I tip my hat to you sir, well done lol

[@geraldd2109]

Yes, thank you! Simple explanation, short, concise presentation with visual sketch & proper tool use.

[@tekman2000]

Thank you VERY much for taking the time to make this video. It helped me finish my diagnoses of my personal refrigerator that quit last week. (smile)

[@zxrtz]

Best troubleshooting/test video on these timers I have seen!

[@21footxpress]

Thank you!

[@MountainNetworker]

Thank you for this - best explanation I have heard yet!

[@21footxpress]

Thanks for the compliment.

[@MA7-6585]

Excellent explanation, even I can understand this.

[@dasawdustgirl2943]

You should have definitely been one of my electrical engineering teachers. Great vid and thanks for the awesome explanation as well as the schematic.

[@South_City]

Great video. You took something that could be a bit confusing and explained it in a way that anyone could understand.

[@mickhua9113]

couldn't have made it any more simpler. Thank you

[@miltonorsammiepate4332]

I truly think the young man for teaching me how to test a timer in the refrigerator. I have thank God for the knowledge that he have a team in the knowledge he allow me to obtain from his learning this is Sammy pate went to CDC school to learn but they didn't teach me that

[@21footxpress]

Awesome. Glad I could help

[@osiwel35]

You really need to consider becoming an instructor. You are really that good. Please post more videos.

[@aapweslaco]

Don't worry about negative comments. No matter how much imformation you give, not everyone is "mechanically inclined" or willing to get their hands dirty. These videos will help people that are already eager to learn. Keep up the good work!

[@sonofnok2153]

Wow! Nobody has ever explained defrost Timer like this. THANKS!

[@karlt10]

Thank you! Perfect, plain English explanation I found. Test 2 failed on my timer- new one ordered 5 minutes ago.

[@jasonvorhees7688]

Thanks so much man. Just started commercial refrigeration 6 months ago and am dealing with pretty much just bigger versions of that timer. This helped a lot

[@BLK1997ECLIPSEGSX]

Thanks for the video! Using it, I was able to test the Defrost timer and prove that it was good, I then tested the heater with a multimeter and it read 36 ohms. I then narrowed it down by testing the Bi-Metal Thermostat in a glass of ice water and it remained open, when it should have been closed. Jumped a wire to bypass it temp and clicked the timer to defrost and voila it was heating as it should! New Bi-Metal Thermostat ordered for $17 shipped off Amazon! Saved money over buying a new refrig.

[@danseman1]

You are a very good teacher. Your diagram and was way you used it was exceptional. I hope you keep doing the videos. I will be looking for them. Thank you very much.

[@TheHarkiratkeith]

This guy is explains like a Pro great job , look forward for more videos like this God Bless

[@randyarjbiz7731]

Great, clear video on how to check the timer. Thanks!

[@friendofthedevil]

This was so helpful! The part about changing the ohms range to be higher was very helpful - no other videos mentioned this. Totally new to electronics but I think this means 2000ohms range (instead of 200ohms) is the right one to use on multimeter? That's what gave me an (I think) accurate reading. If anyone sees this - does that sound like correct range setting for testing this defrost timer?

[@risabe]

Thanks! Your videos have helped my husband in so many home repairs. He is a budding electronics repairman and he enjoys watching your work. :)

[@1cont]

Excellent explanation. Thank you this will save the guy with a little know-how and some ambition a lot of money on a service call. Thanks again. I just love sharing information.

[@LifeMissionStudio]

Your video rocks! Many of the books and online tutorials are wrong. Very helpful! Thank you!

[@repetemyname842]

Great video, clear and concise, straight to the point. Thanks.

[@ronaldclark8187]

Good one. Proper terminology and explanation.

[@prasub]

Great explanation! I found it very useful when troubleshooting mine. I found that the connection (capacitor) between 1 and 3 had blown up thereby failing continuity between 1 and 4 on compressor mode. While on defrost, the continuity failed between 1 and 2. Thanks a lot!

[@squidben5780]

excellent explanation and demonstration !!!! have to check mine tomorrow

[@frederickmendler9665]

Thanks for this! 9 years ago you posted this and it's a gift that keeps on giving. You helped me immensely today and I learned a lot. Even got a multi-meter I have been holding off on just to duplicate your testing method.

[@ThomasDwyer187]

Good, logical explanation of the defrost system principles - which is the foundation of diagnostics. thank you for the good video.

[@21footxpress]

Thank you

[@dougspair]

..a lot of these 'know it alls' can learn a lot from you..!

[@hrfong]

Thanks for the helpful video. Got to do some work on my fridge and this helped explain the workings of the timer immensely .

[@stavrosgazis5824]

Very very good. Well done, Sir!

[@21footxpress]

Thank you very much

[@schuholzjohn3625]

This is a good test for the defrost timer - unfortunately you can still test the defrost timer like this and the timer can be bad. What you didn't mention is the fact that the defrost timer can get stuck when turning and therefore the defrost timer will no longer work the way it was designed to. The timer gets stuck when the timer motor gets weak and can no longer turn the gears when the contacts need to be switched. If you check and test all the refrigerator components and they test good with the unit still frosting up - best to replace the defrost timer as this is the problem.

[@daveshanton485]

Dude, u rock! Thx for the simple explanation.

[@swinter217]

Excellent job on this video. I am certainly not very good with electrical but was able to understand your instruction. Thanks

[@flubbernuget]

Nice video and work explaining the function for the Defrost Timer and Timer Motor. Keep the videos coming.

[@21footxpress]

Thank you

[@swayfn298]

Amazing video, I've been doing repairs for a while now and I must tell you.. this is very good info, and it is well explained, easy to undestand for the diy and techs out there.... congrats.

[@21footxpress]

Thanks

[@billtmore]

excellent I know I have a bad defrost thermometer after I replace that if I still have defrost issues I will check the timer per your great video!

[@120280]

You are doing a great job, I went to a vocational school as well but I don't care if people try to learn something. Besides when people who do not get a proper training see this they will realize they need a tech. Keep up the good work and shake'em haters off!!

[@mr2000jp]

thanks for the good explanation , this helped a lot

[@muhammadharun-or-rashid9393]

thank brother for your best explanation & easy circuit

[@3trompudasbellas]

Thanks for the video. I always forget which points are which, but i can always check this video and remember. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I like how nice your schematic drawing is. It reminds me when I was in trade school and all our schematic drawings had to be straight.

[@9BallGuru]

Thanks so much for this video! I am going crazy trying to troubleshoot a refrigerator, and this really helped narrow down the problem.

[@mikelovetere4719]

Short and sweet...Thanks bro..

[@watzonda2b]

Thanks for the explanation.....fixed my Frigidaire brand refrigerator today (04/12/2017) by replacing this very part.

[@larryinmotion]

excellent video - explains the function of the timer very well after researching and thinking my compressor was toast it became clear that the timer stopped working. Got stuck in defrost mode and fridge would no start. Ignore the guys that say the compressor is toast when it rattles when your shake it - fake news lol

[@acprinceiv]

Excellent post sir. Clear and concise. Well done.

[@chuyortiz5]

great teacher tahnk you. dont let negative comments from posting more videos.

[@floydturbo2]

Thank you for posting this. I never knew how to test these. You explained it very well.

[@21footxpress]

I have heard excellence,gifted and talented, These are all powerful words. And I thank you all very much.

[@SmokeScreensEmerge]

Keep up the good work.... Your explanation was precise and easy to follow. Thank you even though it's been years since you posted. My timer is good.... :)

[@21footxpress]

Thanks. I need to make new videos. Never thought these would be so popular.

[@christopherpaul2938]

this guy knows his shit, damn

[@jameslongo4601]

Very good video explained very well.😀

[@AlexMessenger1]

This was very helpful and saved me lots of time. Thanx.

[@arjunsarki705]

thank you

[@myzicky]

frigidaire freezer door was not shut tight over night then no ice was being made and fridge side got warmer it is 12 years old but was in great condition did search online decided to get new defrost heater, thermostat and timer love your timer info..thanks ..its been only 4 hours we have fingers crossed.

[@yuriybohdanov1850]

this guy saved me $785 (I ordered a new fridge, will cancel now)

[@kerreckt]

excellent stuff....thanks...you know your trade when you can teach it and you are a great teacher

[@804PMatt]

Love your videos sir! Hope you can keep them coming. Just some ideas but I would like to see one sequencers and relays. Thanks again!

[@chewydeejay]

good video mate explained everything very well

[@briantheophiwilliams]

great video, very easy to understand, thanx a ton

[@svetlanadimitrova6937]

GOOD SCHEMATICS.Thank you

[@filibertolopez5030]

i like to repair(even when i dont know much) things , i was searching for this and it is good explanation , fine job thanks.

[@artisticmomentum6660]

Excellent job! Thanks for explaining this so well.

[@Djkyle65]

Thanks for posting some of the best videos i have seen on the internet

[@lluther9282]

Excellent job dude! It made it easy to test.

[@rodkarpf8406]

Thanks for the great video. This wasn't the problem with my fridge (this time!) but sure helped with the troubleshooting

[@hilarycutter]

your fridge cycles on heat for two long. Try to shorten the heat cycle. Wow, this guy is an amazing instructor. I want him.....

[@richmondhillsangat]

Very Nicely explained with Diagram !

[@kurtobe]

Great instructional video I feel empowered to "bodly go" to get it done. Thanks

[@atnband]

Your explanations are the best! Thanks again!

[@MrJIMBOB57]

nicely done...clear, concise, understandable...BRAVO!

[@21footxpress]

The reading from 1 - 3 will be very high. Make sur that your meter can check thounsands of ohms. The coil will be near 12k ohms. You never make an ohm check with the unit plugged in. Unplug it and remove the timer.

[@ribatww]

Can I connect a battery to 1 and 3 and try to listen to clock ticking and how many volts do you think I should be using if I dont have a Multi-meter with advance functions like yours? Thank you for your great explanation.

[@DTraneNC]

very good video. i learned something today

[@DannyboyUpstate]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@jimbola77]

very nice thanx for sharing u helped me out a lot!!!

[@Tezcatlipoca2006]

Excellent explanation. Thanks!

[@anthonygabriel3154]

Excellent job, well explained.

[@romeomai]

Great explanation, more pls

[@moorefamfun]

Wonderful. Thanks for making it so simple.

[@ldiazmdiaz]

Why does the timer motor gets weak to turn to heater mode ...is it dirty or the winding fails or is the gear causing it to bind due to too much tensions (mechanically that is) or could the three contact tension be lessen.

[@wrxsavvy]

good job dude! nice explanation!

[@stuartmotorsports]

Thank you for that excellent lesson!

[@BelieveDo]

Thanks for posting! I appreciate your knowledge & experience.

[@21footxpress]

Thank you. And you're welcome.

[@Orrphan]

nice and simple explanation. thanks

[@SIIPDC]

Man your'e THE MAN!!! Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@stevenbench47]

Well done my brother very well said and not a lot of gibberish like other DIY videos that may confuse me.

[@rroobbeerrttmmee]

Great video, clear and easy to follow. Thank you..

[@missionbay732]

you are a good teacher