KitchenAid Defrost System Fault
Frost that keeps returning after you clear it is not a frost problem — it is the defrost system not running. Here is which of its three parts usually stops first.
Common Causes
A failed defrost heater
Frost accumulates unchecked without a working heater to periodically clear it.
A stuck defrost timer or control board fault
The system that schedules defrost cycles can fail even when the heater itself is fine.
A faulty defrost thermostat
Senses when defrost is needed and complete, and can fail in either the open or closed position.
What You Can Check Yourself
Parts That Most Likely Need Replacing
Based on symptoms like this, these are the components our technicians check first. The exact part depends on your model and what we find during diagnosis.
In and around Thornton
Thornton — Adams County's first fully planned community — building started in 1953 — so southern Thornton is genuine 1950s-60s tract ranch stock while everything north of 120th is 1990s-forward. We also cover Henderson, Northglenn, Westminster across North Metro.
ZIP codes we cover in Thornton: 80229, 80233, 80241, 80260, 80602
There is no emergency here, but there is a clock. Faults like this get worse on their own schedule rather than staying put, and the repair is cheaper before the failing part takes something else with it — a few days, not a few months. If you're seeing a code on the display alongside this issue, our KitchenAid error code guide can help narrow down the cause before we arrive. Either way, our repair service covers same-day diagnosis and a flat-rate quote before any work begins.
Common Questions About Defrost System Fault
Should I manually defrost it first?
Why does frost keep coming back after I clear it?
Is this worth repairing, or should I replace the unit?
Will you have the part, or is this a two-visit job?
How quickly can you get to me?
Is the repair guaranteed?
Still having this issue?
Same-day diagnosis, genuine OEM-compatible parts, warranty of up to 1 year.
*Elite Appliance Repair Denver is an independent repair company. We are not affiliated with, authorized by, endorsed by or sponsored by Sub-Zero, Inc., Wolf Appliance, Inc., Viking Range, LLC, BSH Home Appliances (Thermador, Bosch, Gaggenau) or any other manufacturer named on this site, nor by any of their distributors. All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here only to describe the appliances we service. We are not a factory service provider and specialize exclusively in out-of-warranty appliance repairs.