85814409992 Genuine Defrost Heater for Electrolux Frost Free Fridges and Freezers, Evaporator Defrost Element, Also 1440999

Part 85814409992 is a genuine Electrolux defrost heater for frost free fridges and freezers, also known by the number 1440999. The heater sits against the evaporator coil and periodically melts away the frost that builds up as the fridge runs. When it fails, the coil ices over and cooling slowly drops off, usually starting in the fresh food section.

Frost free fridge icing up

Each defrost cycle, the controls switch the compressor off and power the heater for a short time. If the heater has gone open circuit, ice keeps building on the evaporator until air can no longer pass through it. The freezer may still feel cold while the fridge section gets warmer and warmer, and you may find a thick layer of frost behind the rear panel of the freezer. A manual defrost brings things back for a few days or weeks before the problem returns. Testing the heater for continuity with a multimeter confirms the fault.

Part details

• Genuine Electrolux part 85814409992
• Also listed as 1440999
• Defrost heater for frost free fridges and freezers
• Check the length and connectors against the old heater

Fitting a defrost heater

Unplug the fridge and move the food into an esky or another fridge. Remove the freezer's rear panel to reach the evaporator, and let any ice melt naturally rather than chipping at it, as a punctured coil is a costly repair. Clip the new heater in where the old one sat, reconnect it, and check the defrost thermostat and drain while everything is exposed.

Questions about this part

Should I replace the defrost thermostat too?

It's worth testing it while the panel is off. If the heater has failed and the thermostat is old or tests open circuit when cold, replacing both avoids opening up the freezer twice.