How to Properly Cancel a Fridge Defrost: A Comprehensive Guide

Older refrigerators have evolved over the years, but the art of manually canceling a defrost is a skill that still holds importance. This guide will walk you through the steps to interrupt the defrost cycle without causing any damage to your appliance.

Understanding the Defrost Cycle

When an older refrigerator's defrost process is activated, it initiates a cycle to remove ice buildup from the freezer. This is managed by an electro-mechanical defrost timer, which is approximately the size of a cigarette package. The timer usually features a tubular knob or a large screwdriver slot, and it controls the defrost cycle's start and end times.

Locating the Defrost Timer

The first step in canceling a defrost is identifying the timer itself. The most common locations for this component include:

In the top right-hand corner of the fridge compartment Behind a panel on the exterior of the refrigerator Underneath the freezer section, where it can be accessed from the back bottom of the unit

When the defrost timer is not immediately visible, it is crucial to check behind the panels, as the knob aperture may be covered by a plastic plug. Some models have a more accessible design, but others might require you to open the back or side panels.

Canceling the Defrost Cycle

Once you've located the defrost timer, the next step is to interrupt the defrost cycle:

Locate the timer and slowly advance the knob or screwdriver slot to move past the defrost setting. This should be done very carefully, click by click, to avoid any sudden changes. Listen for or feel a stronger click. This indicates that the defrost cycle has been successfully canceled.

It's important to note that if the refrigerator is extremely cold, the compressor might not start immediately after the defrost timer is canceled. This is because the temperature sensor may need a moment to return to a normal operating range.

Alternative Methods to Cancel Defrost

There are alternative ways to terminate a defrost cycle, although these methods are not recommended:

Disconnecting one of the wires from the defrost timer motor or the heater/defrost termination thermostat. While this will forcefully end the defrost cycle, it can damage the thermostat or timer, leading to future issues.

Therefore, manual intervention through the defrost timer is the safest and most effective method.

Prevention is Key

To avoid the need for manual cancellation of defrost, ensure that your refrigerator's evaporator coils are cleaned regularly and that it is level and properly installed. A well-maintained refrigerator will minimize the frequency of defrost cycles.

Conclusion

Properly canceling a defrost cycle in an older refrigerator is a skill that can save you time and effort. By following the steps outlined above, you can safely interrupt the defrost process without causing any harm to your appliance. Regular maintenance and proper installation are key to minimizing the need for manual defrost interventions.