Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly W11455371, Replaces W11318188

Is This the Right Part?

✅ Cross Reference Information

Common Symptoms

• Heavy or recurring frost on the evaporator or freezer back panel
• Reduced airflow and warming in the fresh-food compartment
• Refrigerator cooling that declines as frost accumulates
• Defrost cycle test indicates an open or non-operating heater circuit

Check Before Replacing

• Disconnect electrical power before accessing or testing the heater.
• Inspect for excessive frost covering the evaporator and for visible damage to the heater assembly; do not remove frost with sharp tools.
• Using the refrigerator’s model-specific service diagnostics, run the defrost-heater test if available and observe whether the heater circuit is reported as open or shorted.
• With power disconnected, a qualified technician may check heater-circuit continuity according to the applicable model tech sheet; an abnormal result does not by itself identify whether the heater, wiring, bi-metal, or control is responsible.
• Confirm that the heater connectors and wiring are seated and undamaged before condemning the heater.

Pro Tip

Part Details

Installation Notes

• Disconnect power before servicing or installing the assembly.
• Installation requires access to the refrigerator’s evaporator/defrost-heater area; use the model-specific service literature for panel removal and connector locations.
• Transfer or reconnect only the components and connectors included or specified for the exact model; do not force terminals or wiring.
• After installation, restore power and use the model-specific service procedure to verify the defrost-heater circuit.

Verified Compatible Models

KRQC506MPS00, WRQA59CNKZ

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