Whirlpool Corporation Refrigerator Defrost Heater W10524056

Genuine Whirlpool OEM refrigerator defrost heater. Whirlpool repair-parts documentation identifies W10524056 as the defrost-heater component; retailer and authorized-parts listings also identify it as a refrigerator heater/defrost heater.

Is This the Right Part?

Common Symptoms

• Progressive frost or ice accumulation around the evaporator cover
• Reduced airflow and cooling as frost obstructs the evaporator
• Cooling may temporarily improve after a manual defrost, then decline again if the defrost system is not operating

Check Before Replacing

• Unplug the refrigerator before accessing the evaporator area or heater wiring.
• Visually inspect for heavy, recurring frost around the evaporator cover; this supports a defrost-system issue but does not by itself prove heater failure.
• With power disconnected and the heater isolated as specified by the model’s service documentation, check heater continuity and compare the result with the applicable model service data.
• Inspect the heater connector and visible wiring for loose connections, corrosion, or damage without cutting or bypassing the circuit.
• If the heater tests normally, check the related defrost thermostat/bi-metal, thermal protection, wiring, and electronic control system rather than assuming the heater is defective.

Pro Tip

Part Details

Key Features

• Genuine Whirlpool OEM refrigerator defrost-heater component
• Designed for JennAir, KitchenAid, and Whirlpool refrigerator applications listed in the prior approved record
• Installed beneath the evaporator and connected through the refrigerator’s defrost circuit
• Used to melt frost from the evaporator fins during an automatic defrost cycle

Installation Notes

• Disconnect electrical power before beginning service.
• Access generally requires removing freezer drawers or shelves and the evaporator cover; exact disassembly varies by refrigerator model.
• Disconnect the heater connector before removing the evaporator cover assembly or heater.
• Release the heater from its mounting bracket and slide it from beneath the evaporator without bending or damaging the evaporator tubing.
• Route and reconnect the heater wiring as originally positioned, then reassemble the evaporator cover and interior components in reverse order.
• Confirm the exact refrigerator model’s service documentation before starting because fasteners, access steps, and heater mounting details can vary.

Verified Compatible Models

JB36NXFXLE00, JB36NXFXLE01, JB36NXFXRE00, JB36NXFXRE01, JF36NXFXDE00, JF36NXFXDE01, JF42NXFXDE00, JF42NXFXDE01, JF42NXFXDE02, KBBL206EPA00, KBBL206EPA01, KBBL206ESS00, KBBL206ESS01, KBBL306EPA00, KBBL306EPA01

Fitment reminder: Match the complete appliance model number, including suffix or revision where applicable, before ordering.