Description
Description
Restore proper defrost operation in your freezer compartment with this genuine OEM Defrost Heater Assembly (part number 218169802) from Frigidaire/Electrolux. This heater element is mounted on the evaporator coil and activates during the defrost cycle to melt away accumulated frost and ice, helping your refrigerator maintain airflow and cool properly. partselect.com+2applianceparts.lowes.com+2
Important: Please check with your maintenance technician to confirm that this is the correct part for your appliance’s full model number and that the failure is indeed due to a bad defrost heater (rather than a broken defrost thermostat, timer or blocked drain) before ordering.
Features & Benefits
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OEM-specified heater assembly designed for direct fit in compatible Frigidaire/Electrolux refrigerators — assures proper positioning and reliable performance. frigidaireapplianceparts.com+1
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U-shaped calrod heater element with leads pre-mounted for easy replacement when you gain access to the evaporator compartment. applianceparts.lowes.com+1
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Helps prevent ice build-up on evaporator coils, ensures consistent airflow from freezer to refrigerator sections, and restores normal cooling performance. ([PartSelect installation notes] partselect.com+1)
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Durable construction: Built with proper insulation and element specification to endure repeated defrost cycles, supporting long-term reliability.
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Straightforward installation (for qualified technician or experienced DIYer) — when matched properly, offers a cost-effective way to repair cooling problems without replacing major components.
Common Symptoms That Indicate Replacement
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Frost or ice buildup forming on the evaporator coil or behind the freezer back panel — the defrost heater may no longer activate. partselect.com+1
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Freezer may appear fine but the refrigerator compartment is warm — airflow blocked by iced-up evaporator. partselect.com
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The appliance runs continuously, or the compressor stays on long-term because the evaporator is unable to shed frost.
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Water pooling or not draining correctly due to blockage from melted ice, or needing manual defrosting more often than usual.
If you observe these symptoms, consult your maintenance technician to diagnose whether the defrost heater is indeed the cause before ordering.
Compatible (Partial) Model List
Below is a partial list of models documented to use part 218169802. Always verify your appliance’s full model number and confirm with your technician:
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Kenmore 253.50682000 – Refrigerator partselect.com+1
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Kenmore 253.50683000 – Refrigerator partselect.com
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Kenmore 253.57672790 – Refrigerator partselect.com
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Additional Kenmore models: 253.57677790, 253.58672890, 253.58677890, etc. partselect.com
Note: Because this part spans many models under Frigidaire/Electrolux/Kenmore, the list is not exhaustive — confirm full model number.
Cross Reference
This part replaces or is equivalent to the following numbers:
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AP2114071 amazon.com+1
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449957 frigidaireapplianceparts.com
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218657302 amazon.com+1
Compatibility Notes
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Ensure you match the full refrigerator model number, especially the letters and digits on the service tag; many models share similar outward appearance but may use different evaporator or defrost assemblies.
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Replacing the defrost heater may solve the symptom of ice buildup, but if the defrost thermostat, timer, or drain channel are blocked or malfunctioning, the issue may recur — verify all associated components.
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Disconnect power before servicing, and allow time for the sealed system pressure to equalize if you’ve just powered off the refrigerator.
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After replacement, monitor the first few defrost cycles or use a service mode (if available) to confirm that frost is cleared and airflow is restored.