[Brian R1]

HELP?
I have anapproximate 15 to 20 year old Magic Chef Freezer, Model DNF17H, Serial #00044982BW9102. The condensor coils have belt up an even amount (all over) of frost (not ice). As a result, the temp in the freezer rose to about 28-30. I tuened the unit off, emptied it, got rid of the frost, turned it back on and the unit works fine (about 10 degrees). With in a month, back to the same problem again. After the 3rd or 4th time doing this, I found some info from this site and the internet.

I located the defrost timer, and advanced the timer one click. Nothing happens, the unit (compresser & fan) kept on running. I advance it some more clicks,nothing happened. Inside the freezer, if I turn the temp control down and can stop the compressor & fan. I decided to turn the timer again, after a few clicks, a much louder click happened and the unit turned off. I looked in the freezer after about five minutes and a observed the heater glowing red. I looked back about another five and saw no red. It appears the element was only hot for short period of time. Is that normal? I advanced the timer one click, and the compressor & fan fired back up

Is there a chance I only have a defective defrost timer? I am not an electrician or repair man, but I know I could replace that timer. The price for a timer is cheap. I would hate to purchase a new freezer if a simple repair would solve my problem. Or, do I need to replace the thermosat also. Could I be just throwing good money away?

Any help or suggestions would be great,

Brian
Abingdon, MD

[woodchuck]

The timer should turn the heater on every six hours for 21 minutes.That should be plenty of time to melt all the frost. If the heater doesn't stay on that long the defrost thermostat could be breaking the circuit. It prevents the heater from getting the coils too hot . Check the thermostat here. Refrigerator Repair Guide: How To Test the Defrost Thermostat - ACME HOW TO.com

If you need to advance the timer again just turn it until you hear the big click and you won't have to wait so long to observe it. If you're ready to leave the defrost mode just turn it till everything comes back on.

[Brian R1]

I believe I only need to replace the defrost timer and defrost thermostat and the Freezer should be good again.

I am trying to find part #045568-01 (defrost thermostat) for Magic Chef model #DNF17H.

Does anyone have any sugestions. The part is not being made anymore and I have called a couple 1-800 numbers with no luck.

I will take any numbers you think are worth calling.

thanks,
Brian

[woodchuck]

Here is a link to the parts of your fridge model DNF17H.