Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly WPW10316428, Replaces W10316428

Genuine Whirlpool OEM refrigerator defrost heater assembly. The heater melts frost from the evaporator during the automatic defrost cycle. WPW10316428 replaces the earlier OEM number W10316428.

Is This the Right Part?

✅ Cross Reference Information

Common Symptoms

• Frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils
• Refrigerator not defrosting
• Reduced cooling when an iced-over evaporator restricts airflow
• Refrigerator running continuously

Check Before Replacing

• Disconnect power before accessing or testing the heater circuit.
• Inspect the evaporator area for an abnormal frost accumulation pattern; frost alone does not conclusively identify the heater as failed.
• With power disconnected, use a multimeter to check the defrost heater for continuity. No continuity supports replacement of the heater.
• If the heater has continuity, continue diagnosis of the applicable defrost thermostat/bi-metal and control circuit rather than assuming the heater is defective.

Pro Tip

Part Details

Key Features

• Genuine Whirlpool OEM defrost heater assembly
• Melts frost from evaporator fins during automatic defrost
• Replaces earlier Whirlpool part number W10316428
• Factory Certified Part packaging contains one top-freezer refrigerator defrost heater

Installation Notes

• Disconnect appliance power before service; safely store perishable food while power is off.
• The heater is accessed at the evaporator behind the freezer interior cover; follow the wiring routing and retaining locations used by the original part.
• Use care around sharp interior and evaporator-area components; wear work gloves.
• Reinstall all removed covers and any grounding connection before restoring power.

Verified Compatible Models

A1RXNGFYB00, A1RXNGFYS00, A1RXNGFYW00, A9RXNGFYB00, A9RXNGFYS00, A9RXNGFYW00, ART308FFDB00, ART308FFDB01, MZF34X20DW03, WRT311FZDM01, WRT311FZDW, WRT318FZDB, WRT318FZDM, WRT318FZDW, WZF34X16DW, WZF34X16DW00, WZF34X16DW01, WZF34X16DW04, WZF34X18DW00, WZF34X18DW03, WZF34X20DW01, WZF56R16DW04, WZF79R20DW00, WSZ57L18DM01, WSZ57L18DM03, WZF34X16DW02, WZF34X16DW06, WZF34X16DW07, WZF34X18DW01, WZF34X18DW02, WZF34X18DW04, WZF34X20DW02, WZF56R16DW01, WZF56R16DW06, WZF56R16DW07, WZF57R16FW00, WZF57R16FW04, WZF79R20DW03, WZF79R20DW04, WSZ57L18DH00, WSZ57L18DM00, WZF34X20DW00, WZF56R16DW00, WZF79R18DM00

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