{"product_id":"wpw10165425-refrigerator-genuine-defrost-thermostat","title":"WPW10165425 Refrigerator Genuine OEM Defrost Thermostat","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .epd-wrap { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px !important; color: #1e293b; max-width: 860px; margin: 0 auto; line-height: 1.6; }\n  .epd-wrap * { font-size: 16px !important; box-sizing: border-box; }\n  .epd-title { font-size: 22px !important; font-weight: 700; color: #4338ca; margin: 0 0 18px 0; }\n  .epd-section-title { font-size: 18px !important; font-weight: 700; color: #1e293b; margin: 28px 0 10px 0; border-bottom: 2px solid #c7d2fe; padding-bottom: 6px; }\n  .epd-card { background: #eef2ff; border: 1px solid #c7d2fe; border-radius: 8px; padding: 18px 20px; margin: 18px 0; }\n  .epd-card-title { font-weight: 700; color: #4338ca; margin: 0 0 8px 0; }\n  .epd-qa { border-left: 4px solid #4338ca; padding: 12px 16px; background: #eef2ff; margin: 18px 0; border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; }\n  .epd-qa-title { font-weight: 700; color: #4338ca; margin: 0 0 6px 0; }\n  .epd-compat-grid { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; margin-top: 10px; }\n  .epd-compat-tag { background: #4338ca; color: #fff; border-radius: 6px; padding: 4px 12px; font-weight: 600; }\n  .epd-features { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; }\n  .epd-features li { padding: 5px 0 5px 22px; position: relative; }\n  .epd-features li::before { content: \"✓\"; position: absolute; left: 0; color: #4338ca; font-weight: 700; }\n  .epd-specs-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 10px 0; }\n  .epd-specs-table td { padding: 9px 12px; border: 1px solid #cbd5e1; vertical-align: top; }\n  .epd-specs-table td:first-child { font-weight: 600; background: #f1f5f9; width: 38%; }\n  .epd-specs-table tr:nth-child(even) { background: #f8fafc; }\n  .epd-specs-table tr:nth-child(even) td:first-child { background: #e9eef4; }\n  .epd-warning { background: #fef9c3; border: 1px solid #fde047; border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 18px; margin: 22px 0; }\n  .epd-warning-title { font-weight: 700; color: #854d0e; margin: 0 0 6px 0; }\n  .epd-faq-item { border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 14px 0; }\n  .epd-faq-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .epd-faq-q { font-weight: 700; color: #4338ca; margin: 0 0 6px 0; }\n  .epd-faq-a { margin: 0; }\n  .epd-badges { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; margin: 24px 0 8px 0; }\n  .epd-badge { background: #eef2ff; border: 1px solid #c7d2fe; color: #4338ca; border-radius: 20px; padding: 6px 16px; font-weight: 600; }\n  .epd-xref { font-family: monospace; font-size: 16px !important; background: #f1f5f9; border: 1px solid #cbd5e1; border-radius: 6px; padding: 10px 14px; color: #334155; line-height: 1.8; }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"epd-wrap\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-title\"\u003eGenuine OEM WPW10165425 Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003eA refrigerator's automatic defrost system has three components: the defrost timer or adaptive defrost control board that starts each defrost cycle, the defrost heater that generates heat to melt frost off the evaporator coils, and the defrost thermostat that shuts the heater off when the job is done. The WPW10165425 is the genuine OEM thermostat in this system — manufactured by Whirlpool and used across their full range of brands including Kenmore, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Amana. It clips onto the evaporator tubing inside the freezer and monitors coil temperature during each defrost cycle, opening the heater circuit at approximately 42°F to prevent the freezer from overheating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003eWhen any one of the three defrost components fails, the symptom looks the same at first — frost builds on the evaporator and the refrigerator warms up. But the diagnostic path is different for each. A failed thermostat shows no continuity at room temperature. A failed heater also shows no continuity but at any temperature. A failed timer or control board will show good continuity on both the thermostat and heater but the defrost cycle never initiates. Checking all three in order — thermostat, then heater, then timer — is the fastest way to isolate which part has failed and avoid replacing parts that are still good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-qa\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-qa-title\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#4338ca\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" style=\"vertical-align:-2px;margin-right:4px;\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14.7 6.3a1 1 0 0 0 0 1.4l1.6 1.6a1 1 0 0 0 1.4 0l3.77-3.77a6 6 0 0 1-7.94 7.94l-6.91 6.91a2.12 2.12 0 0 1-3-3l6.91-6.91a6 6 0 0 1 7.94-7.94l-3.76 3.76z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e Will This Fix Your Refrigerator?\u003c\/div\u003e\n    Replace this thermostat if the evaporator coils are iced over and the thermostat reads open (no continuity) at room temperature. Part Number: \u003cstrong\u003eWPW10165425\u003c\/strong\u003e — genuine OEM Whirlpool defrost thermostat. \u003cem\u003eDiagnostic order: test thermostat first, then heater, then timer\/control board.\u003c\/em\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-section-title\"\u003eCommon Symptoms This Part Fixes\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cul class=\"epd-features\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eEvaporator coils packed with frost from top to bottom\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFresh food compartment running warm while the compressor cycles normally\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRefrigerator running nonstop without reaching the set temperature\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDefrost heater does not activate during the defrost cycle\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThick ice sheet on the back wall inside the freezer\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLittle or no cold airflow from the freezer vents into the fridge section\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-section-title\"\u003eReplaces These Part Numbers\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-xref\"\u003eWPW10165425, W10165425, 126393249SP, 12639324SP, 1455131, OEM18048204, AP6016065, AWP49598, PD00003442, PS11749348\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-section-title\"\u003eCompatible With\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-card\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-card-title\"\u003eCompatible Brands\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-compat-grid\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"epd-compat-tag\"\u003eWhirlpool\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"epd-compat-tag\"\u003eKenmore\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"epd-compat-tag\"\u003eKitchenAid\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"epd-compat-tag\"\u003eMaytag\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"epd-compat-tag\"\u003eAmana\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"epd-compat-tag\"\u003eJenn-Air\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"epd-compat-tag\"\u003eAdmiral\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"epd-compat-tag\"\u003eRoper\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"epd-compat-tag\"\u003eMagic Chef\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"epd-compat-tag\"\u003eNorge\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin-top: 14px;\"\u003eFits side-by-side, top-freezer, and bottom-freezer refrigerators built by Whirlpool and sold under any of the brands above. Whirlpool manufactures appliances for all of these brand names using shared components, so the same thermostat fits across the full range. Kenmore models built by Whirlpool typically have model numbers starting with 106. Always verify your specific model number before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-section-title\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cul class=\"epd-features\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eGenuine OEM Whirlpool defrost thermostat — factory original part\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBimetal type — clips directly onto the evaporator tubing\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eL42-30F temperature rating — opens at ~42°F, closes at ~30°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e5-1\/4\" orange wire and 25\" brown wire with 1\/2\" mounting clip\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eShuts off the defrost heater at the correct temperature to prevent freezer overheating\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInstallation approximately 1–2 hours with nutdriver and screwdrivers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-section-title\"\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003ctable class=\"epd-specs-table\"\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePart Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWPW10165425\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePart Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRefrigerator Bimetal Defrost Thermostat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGenuine OEM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhirlpool\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature Rating\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eL42-30F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWire Leads\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5-1\/4\" orange wire, 25\" brown wire\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/2\" clip (clips onto evaporator tubing)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible Brands\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhirlpool, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Roper, Magic Chef, Norge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-warning\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-warning-title\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"#854d0e\" stroke=\"none\" style=\"vertical-align:-2px;margin-right:4px;\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2L1 21h22L12 2zm0 4l7.53 13H4.47L12 6zm-1 5v4h2v-4h-2zm0 6v2h2v-2h-2z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e Safety Warning\u003c\/div\u003e\n    Unplug the refrigerator before starting this repair. The thermostat is located on the evaporator coils behind the back panel inside the freezer. Remove all food and shelves, then remove the screws holding the back panel. If ice is holding the panel in place, let it melt naturally or use a hair dryer on low heat — do not use a sharp tool to chip ice off the evaporator coils, as puncturing a tube destroys the sealed refrigerant system. Disconnect the wire leads from the old thermostat, release the clip from the evaporator tubing, and remove it. Clip the new thermostat onto the same tube in the same position and reconnect both wires. Reassemble the back panel, restore power, and let the refrigerator run through a complete defrost cycle to confirm the heater activates and shuts off as expected.\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-section-title\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-item\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-q\"\u003eHow do I tell which defrost component has failed — thermostat, heater, or timer?\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-a\"\u003eUnplug the refrigerator and access the evaporator behind the freezer back panel. Test the thermostat first — at room temperature it should show continuity. If it reads open, the thermostat is the failed part. If the thermostat tests good, check the defrost heater for continuity (typically 20–40 ohms). If the heater reads open, replace the heater. If both test good, the defrost timer or adaptive defrost control board is not initiating the cycle and should be checked or replaced.\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-item\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-q\"\u003eMy refrigerator has an adaptive defrost control board instead of a mechanical timer. Does this thermostat still apply?\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-a\"\u003eYes. The thermostat is a separate component from the defrost timer or control board. Whether your refrigerator uses a mechanical timer that runs the defrost cycle on a fixed schedule or an adaptive defrost control board that varies the cycle based on usage patterns, the thermostat does the same job in both — it clips onto the evaporator and shuts off the heater when the coils reach the cutoff temperature. The same thermostat works with either system.\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-item\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-q\"\u003eCan I advance the defrost timer manually to test the defrost system?\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-a\"\u003eOn refrigerators with a mechanical defrost timer, yes. The timer usually has a small slot or notch that can be turned with a flathead screwdriver to manually advance it into the defrost cycle. If the heater turns on when you advance the timer, the timer itself may be failing to advance on its own. On models with an adaptive defrost control board, there is no manual advance — you would need to test the board's output with a multimeter or replace it to rule it out.\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-item\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-q\"\u003eIs WPW10165425 the same as W10165425?\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-a\"\u003eYes. Whirlpool added the WP prefix to many of their part numbers in a numbering update. WPW10165425 is the current number and W10165425 is the earlier version — they refer to the identical thermostat. If your parts diagram or old thermostat shows either number, this is the correct replacement.\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-item\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-q\"\u003eHow often does a defrost thermostat need to be replaced?\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"epd-faq-a\"\u003eThere is no scheduled replacement interval. The bimetal disc inside the thermostat is a mechanical component that wears over time as it flexes through thousands of defrost cycles. Most thermostats last 10–15 years or more, but they can fail sooner. Replace it only when it tests open at room temperature or the refrigerator shows symptoms of a defrost failure.\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"epd-badges\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"epd-badge\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#4338ca\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" style=\"vertical-align:-2px;margin-right:3px;\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M20 6L9 17l-5-5\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003eGenuine OEM Part\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"epd-badge\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#4338ca\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" style=\"vertical-align:-2px;margin-right:3px;\"\u003e\u003crect x=\"1\" y=\"3\" width=\"15\" height=\"13\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpolygon points=\"16 8 20 8 23 11 23 16 16 16 16 8\"\u003e\u003c\/polygon\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"5.5\" cy=\"18.5\" r=\"2.5\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"18.5\" cy=\"18.5\" r=\"2.5\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003eFast Shipping\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"epd-badge\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#4338ca\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" style=\"vertical-align:-2px;margin-right:3px;\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M21 16V8a2 2 0 0 0-1-1.73l-7-4a2 2 0 0 0-2 0l-7 4A2 2 0 0 0 3 8v8a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.73l7 4a2 2 0 0 0 2 0l7-4A2 2 0 0 0 21 16z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpolyline points=\"3.27 6.96 12 12.01 20.73 6.96\"\u003e\u003c\/polyline\u003e\u003cline x1=\"12\" y1=\"22.08\" x2=\"12\" y2=\"12\"\u003e\u003c\/line\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003eIn Stock\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"epd-badge\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#4338ca\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" style=\"vertical-align:-2px;margin-right:3px;\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14.7 6.3a1 1 0 0 0 0 1.4l1.6 1.6a1 1 0 0 0 1.4 0l3.77-3.77a6 6 0 0 1-7.94 7.94l-6.91 6.91a2.12 2.12 0 0 1-3-3l6.91-6.91a6 6 0 0 1 7.94-7.94l-3.76 3.76z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e1–2 Hour Install\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Whirlpool","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67962665369653,"sku":"WPW10165425","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0285\/1107\/6405\/files\/WPW10165425_1.png?v=1794537565","url":"https:\/\/expresspartsdirect.com\/products\/wpw10165425-refrigerator-genuine-defrost-thermostat","provider":"Express Parts Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}