W11562215 Whirlpool Maytag Refrigerator Defrost Heater – Fix Your Fridge That Has Frost Buildup, Won’t Cool Properly, or Has Ice Blocking the Vents
The W11562215 is a genuine OEM defrost heater for Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana refrigerators and upright freezers. This component is the primary heating element in your appliance’s automatic defrost system — it melts frost off the evaporator coils on a timed cycle to keep airflow clear and temperatures stable. When it fails, frost accumulates on the coils, blocking airflow and causing the fridge to warm up while the freezer may still appear cold. This is the exact OEM part your appliance was built with, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable defrost performance.
✓ Common Symptoms Fixed
- Excessive frost or ice buildup on the back wall or evaporator coils
- Fridge too warm but freezer still cold
- Refrigerator not cooling but freezer works
- Ice blocking the air vents between freezer and fridge compartments
- Defrost cycle not running or completing
- Refrigerator running constantly without reaching set temperature
✓ Key Features & Specifications
- Genuine OEM Whirlpool part — exact factory replacement
- Primary defrost heater for automatic defrost refrigerators and upright freezers
- Melts frost from evaporator coils to maintain proper airflow and cooling
- Durable construction rated for extreme temperature cycling
- Direct plug-in replacement — no modifications required
- Part Number: W11562215 | Replaces: W11340898
✓ Buying Options
OEM / New: The W11562215 is the genuine Whirlpool OEM defrost heater — the same part your appliance was originally built with. Guaranteed fit and correct wattage for safe, reliable defrost operation. Recommended for all defrost system repairs.
✓ Replacement Part Numbers
W11562215 | W11340898
✓ Installation Tips
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Always unplug your refrigerator before servicing.
- Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet.
- Empty the freezer compartment and remove shelving and drawers.
- Remove the rear freezer panel to access the evaporator coils and defrost heater.
- Manually defrost any ice buildup with a hair dryer or allow to thaw — do not use sharp tools.
- Disconnect the heater wiring harness and remove the mounting clips or brackets.
- Install the new W11562215 heater in the same position and secure with clips.
- Reconnect the wiring harness.
- Reinstall the rear panel, shelving, and drawers.
- Plug in the refrigerator and allow 24 hours for temperatures to fully stabilize.
Tech Notes: Before replacing the heater, test it for continuity with a multimeter — no continuity confirms a failed heater. Also check the defrost thermostat and defrost timer/control board, as these are common co-failures. If frost returns quickly after replacement, inspect the defrost thermostat and door gaskets.
✓ Compatible Models
Fits select Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana refrigerators and upright freezers. Verify by your full model number before ordering. Confirmed compatible models include:
ART308FFDB08, ART308FFDB10, ART308FFDM08, ART308FFDM10, ART308FFDW08, ART308FFDW10, ART318FFDB08, ART318FFDB10, ART318FFDS08, ART318FFDS10, ART318FFDW08, ART318FFDW10, AZF33X16DW08, AZF33X18DW06, AZF33X20DW06, MFB2055FRZ02, MFF2055FRZ03, MFI2269FRB02, MFI2269FRW02, MFI2570FEZ08, MRT118FFFE06, MRT118FFFH06, MRT118FFFZ09, MRT311FFFE01, MRT311FFFZ01, MZF34X18FW06, MZF34X20DW06, WRT311FZDB02, WRT311FZDT02, WRT318FZDB07, WRT318FZDM07, WRT318FZDM09, WSZ57L18DM06, WSZ57L18DM07, WZF34X16DW08, WZF34X16DW09, WZF34X18DW06, WZF34X18DW07, WZF34X20DW04, WZF34X20DW05, WZF56R16DW08, WZF56R16DW09, WZF57R16FW08, WZF57R16FW09, WZF79R20DW06, WZF79R20DW07
✓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My fridge is warm but the freezer seems fine — is the defrost heater the problem?
A: Yes — this is the classic symptom of a failed defrost heater. When the heater fails, frost blocks the evaporator coils and restricts airflow to the fridge section. See our guide: fridge too warm but freezer cold.
Q: How do I know if the W11562215 heater has failed?
A: Test it with a multimeter set to continuity or resistance. A working heater will show resistance (typically 20–100Ω depending on wattage); infinite resistance means the heater coil is open/failed and needs replacement.
Q: What does W11562215 replace?
A: W11562215 is the current active OEM part number and directly replaces the older W11340898. Both are functionally identical.
Q: Can I install this myself?
A: Yes — this is a straightforward repair. Access the evaporator coils by removing the rear freezer panel, swap the heater, and reconnect the harness. No special tools required. Always unplug the appliance first.
Q: Do you ship to Canada?
A: Yes — XPart Supply is based in Canada and ships fast across Canada and the US.
✓ Model-Specific Repair Pages
✅Compatibility & Cross Reference
Not sure about your model number? Call 1-877-899-7278 and we’ll help you confirm. All brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used for compatibility reference only.
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