821730P Genuine Defrost Heater Kit 230V for Fisher & Paykel Fridges E442BRXFD E442BLXFD E440TRT E440TLX E413TRE E406B

Fisher & Paykel E series fridges with an icing problem often need this genuine defrost heater kit, part 821730P. It is rated 230V and cross references to 818975P. Nearly 50 models are on file across the E406, E413, E440 and E442 ranges. Examples are the E406B, the E413TRE, the E440TLX and E440TRT, and the E442BLXFD and E442BRXFD.

Fisher & Paykel fridge iced up and warm? Check the defrost heater

Every few hours a frost free fridge pauses cooling and powers the defrost heater, which melts the frost that collects on the evaporator coil behind the freezer panel. If the heater burns out, that frost keeps building into solid ice. Airflow to the fridge section is choked off, so the fridge runs warm while the freezer may still feel cold. You might also hear the fan catching on ice or see frost through the vents. A heater with no continuity on a multimeter confirms the fault.

Part details

• Genuine Fisher & Paykel part 821730P
• Also known as 818975P
• Defrost heater kit, 230V
• Listed for E406, E413, E440 and E442 series fridges

Fitting the defrost heater

Unplug the fridge and move the food to an esky or another freezer. Remove the rear panel in the freezer to expose the evaporator, then let any remaining ice melt fully rather than chipping at it, as a punctured coil is a costly repair. Note how the old heater is clipped and wired, fit the new one the same way, and refit the panel before restoring power.

Questions about this part

Can I test the old heater before ordering?

Yes. With the fridge unplugged, disconnect the heater and measure it with a multimeter on the resistance setting. An open circuit reading means the element has failed. A normal reading suggests checking the defrost timer, control or thermostat instead.