{"product_id":"whirlpool-refrigerator-defrost-heater-wp2323197-oem-replacement","title":"Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Heater WP2323197 – OEM Replacement","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWP2323197 Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Heater – OEM Replacement\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’ve noticed frost buildup blocking airflow, a warm refrigerator compartment, or an automatic defrost cycle that won’t run, the WP2323197 defrost heater is the purpose-built fix your Whirlpool-family freezer deserves. This OEM replacement part is designed to restore reliable defrost performance in compatible Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Jenn-Air, Inglis, and other Whirlpool-made refrigerators, ensuring frost melts away exactly where and when it should.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eWhy this OEM WP2323197 matters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing an authentic OEM defrost heater means a precise fit, correct electrical characteristics, and compatibility with the original defrost control timing. It’s engineered to work with the evaporator coils in the freezer section, delivering controlled heat during the automatic defrost cycle to prevent frost from impeding airflow. When the heater fails, frost can accumulate, airflow drops, and both freezer and fresh-food compartments suffer.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eWhat it does and how it works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe WP2323197 is a glass or metal-sheathed resistance element mounted near the evaporator coils. During a normal defrost cycle, it energizes for a set period to melt frost, then stops when a defrost thermostat indicates coils have reached a safe temperature. If the heater develops an open circuit, frost will continue to accumulate, potentially causing the fridge to warm or the defrost cycle to stall.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCommon symptoms this part fixes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eExcessive frost or ice buildup on the freezer back wall or evaporator coils\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eRefrigerator not cooling properly even when the freezer is cold\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eFreezer icing over with reduced airflow to the fresh-food compartment\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAutomatic defrost cycle not running\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eWarm refrigerator compartment with frost-blocked evaporator\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eFan running but little or no cold air reaching the fresh-food section\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch2\u003eKey features \u0026amp; specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eOEM part number: WP2323197\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eReplaces: 2323197\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePart type: Defrost Heater Assembly\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAppliance type: Refrigerator, Freezer\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eBrands supported (Whirlpool-made): Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Jenn-Air, Inglis, Kenmore\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMounts at or near the evaporator coils in the freezer section\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDirect OEM replacement — no modifications required\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eConstruction: Glass or metal-sheathed resistance element\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eTestable with a continuity check (an open reading indicates a burnt-out heater)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCompatibility and buying options\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the OEM replacement designed to match factory specifications for compatible Whirlpool-platform refrigerators. If your model isn’t listed in the model hub pages, reach out for compatibility confirmation before ordering to ensure a guaranteed fit and function.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePractical tips and insights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eSymptoms like frost buildup or warm temperatures in the fridge are often resolved by replacing the defrost heater, restoring proper defrost cycles and airflow.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eWhen diagnosing, perform a continuity test on the defrost heater to confirm failure before replacing. An open circuit (OL) typically means the element has burned out.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eInstall as a direct OEM replacement to avoid wiring or mounting modifications, and to maintain original defrost cycle timing.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eFor model compatibility questions, the vendor notes that “No model hub pages are currently available for this part’s model range.” Contact support to confirm before purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch2\u003eWhy shop with XPart Supply Ltd.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a trusted source for genuine OEM replacement parts, XPart Supply Ltd. backs every WP2323197 purchase with reliability and expertise. Enjoy fast Canadian shipping and confidence knowing you’re getting an exact match for the original equipment part, engineered to restore frost-free performance without guesswork.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCategory context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis item sits in Home \u0026amp; Garden \u0026gt; Kitchen \u0026amp; Dining \u0026gt; Kitchen Appliance Accessories \u0026gt; Refrigerator Accessories, where authenticity and precise fit matter for long-term reliability. It’s the practical, every-day fix that keeps your Whirlpool family refrigerator operating as intended—efficient cooling, consistent defrost cycles, and frost-free reliability. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e.xpart-hero{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1a1a1a 0%,#333 100%);padding:32px 24px;text-align:center;margin-bottom:24px;border-radius:4px;}.xpart-hero h1{color:#fff;font-size:1.5em;margin:0 0 10px 0;line-height:1.3;}.xpart-hero p{color:#ccc;font-size:0.95em;margin:0;}.model-link-grid{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px;margin:16px 0;}.model-link-grid a{display:inline-block;padding:7px 14px;border:1px solid #cc0000;border-radius:20px;font-size:13px;font-weight:600;color:#cc0000;text-decoration:none;background:#fff;transition:background 0.2s,color 0.2s;}.model-link-grid a:hover{background:#cc0000;color:#fff;}\u003c\/style\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"xpart-hero\"\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWP2323197 Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Heater – Fix Your Fridge With Frost Buildup, Warm Temperatures, or a Failed Defrost Cycle\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOEM Replacement | Fast Canadian Shipping | Fits Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid \u0026amp; Amana Refrigerators\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe WP2323197 is the OEM defrost heater assembly for Whirlpool-platform refrigerators. The defrost heater is a resistance heating element wrapped around or mounted near the evaporator coils in the freezer section. It activates periodically during the automatic defrost cycle to melt frost that accumulates on the evaporator coils. When it fails, frost builds up unchecked on the coils, blocking airflow and causing the refrigerator to warm up, the freezer to ice over, or the defrost cycle to stop working entirely.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003e✓ Model-Specific Repair Pages\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"model-link-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/kitchenaid-refrigerator-parts-canada\" style=\"display:inline-block;border:1px solid #cc0000;border-radius:20px;padding:5px 14px;font-size:13px;color:#cc0000;text-decoration:none;margin:4px;\"\u003eREFRIGERATOR\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo model hub pages are currently available for this part's model range. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003eDon't see your model? Contact us\u003c\/a\u003e and we'll confirm compatibility before you order.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe WP2323197 defrost heater is a glass or metal-sheathed resistance element that generates heat when energized by the defrost control board or timer. During a normal defrost cycle, the heater runs for a set period to melt frost off the evaporator coils, then shuts off via the defrost thermostat once the coils reach a safe temperature. A failed heater can be confirmed with a continuity test — an open reading (OL) indicates the element has burned out. This part supersedes 2323197.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003e✓ Common Symptoms Fixed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcessive frost or ice buildup on the freezer back wall or evaporator coils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRefrigerator not cooling properly despite freezer being cold\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreezer icing over completely with reduced airflow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAutomatic defrost cycle not running\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm refrigerator compartment with frost-blocked evaporator\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFan running but little or no cold air reaching the fresh food section\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch2\u003e✓ Key Features \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOEM part number: WP2323197\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplaces: 2323197\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart type: Defrost Heater Assembly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAppliance type: Refrigerator, Freezer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrands: Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Jenn-Air, Inglis, Kenmore (Whirlpool-made)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounts at or near the evaporator coils in the freezer section\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirect OEM replacement — no modifications required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch2\u003e✓ Buying Options\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOEM \/ New (WP2323197):\u003c\/strong\u003e The original equipment manufacturer part, sourced to match factory specifications exactly. Recommended for guaranteed fit and function on all compatible models.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003e✓ Replacement Part Numbers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWP2323197 (OEM) | Replaces 2323197\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003e✓ Installation Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnplug the refrigerator before beginning any repair\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemove all food and shelving from the freezer section\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemove the rear freezer panel to access the evaporator coils and defrost heater — this typically requires removing several screws and may require defrosting any existing ice buildup first (use a hair dryer on low or allow to thaw naturally)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisconnect the heater wire terminals and remove the mounting clips or brackets securing the heater to the evaporator\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstall the new heater in the same position, reconnect the wire terminals, and reassemble the freezer panel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRestore power and allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach stable temperatures before evaluating performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDIY repair time: approximately 60–120 minutes; difficulty: moderate (3\/5)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch2\u003e✓ Compatible Models\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003econtact us\u003c\/a\u003e to confirm compatibility with your specific model number before ordering. Model list will be updated as compatibility data is verified.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003e✓ Frequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I test a defrost heater?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse a multimeter set to continuity or resistance. Disconnect the heater terminals and probe both ends. A working heater will show continuity (and a resistance reading in the range of 10–100 ohms depending on wattage). An open reading (OL) confirms the heater has burned out and needs replacement. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003eContact us\u003c\/a\u003e if you need help diagnosing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs WP2323197 the same as 2323197?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — WP2323197 is the updated OEM part number that supersedes 2323197. It is a direct replacement with no modifications required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy freezer has a lot of ice buildup — is the defrost heater definitely the problem?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNot necessarily — frost buildup can also be caused by a failed defrost thermostat, defrost timer, or defrost control board. Test the heater for continuity first. If the heater passes, the thermostat or control board is the next component to check. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003eContact us\u003c\/a\u003e for help diagnosing your specific situation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this defrost heater fit my refrigerator?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse your model number to confirm compatibility. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003eContact us\u003c\/a\u003e with your model number and we'll verify fit before you order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"XPart Supply Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52495556903201,"sku":"WP2323197","price":80.92,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7783\/2225\/files\/download_47_cd5ae3fe-f6c0-4fbf-931c-27bfa27db321.png?v=1774626520","url":"https:\/\/xpartsupply.com\/products\/whirlpool-refrigerator-defrost-heater-wp2323197-oem-replacement","provider":"XPart Supply Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}