Frigidaire Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat Parts — Models & Compatibility

If your Frigidaire freezer's running non-stop or you're dealing with frost buildup that won't go away, you're likely dealing with a failed defrost thermostat. This small component tells your refrigerator when to cycle the defrost heater, and when it quits working, ice accumulates and temperatures swing wildly. The 297216600 defrost thermostat fits over 20 Frigidaire, Kenmore, Gibson, and Kelvinator refrigerator models and typically fails after years of constant temperature cycling.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

Before ordering, grab your refrigerator's model number — you'll find it on a sticker inside the fresh food compartment, usually on the left wall or behind the crisper drawers. Cross-reference that number with the compatible models list below. This thermostat replaces several part numbers including AP4374171, PS2350702, 1483781, 216731000, and 218673001, so if you've got one of those listed on your original part, you're in the right place.

About This Replacement Part

The defrost thermostat monitors evaporator coil temperature and signals the control board when defrost cycles should start and stop. Over time, the thermostat develops electrical issues that lead to inconsistent performance — it might stick in the open position (causing constant running and frost buildup) or fail closed (making your freezer too warm). One installer noted: "Freezer was running all the time and this part looks like it solved the problem. Very easy to install." Installation takes under 15 minutes with just a screwdriver. You'll remove the back panel inside the freezer, disconnect the old thermostat's wire harness, unscrew it from the evaporator coil, then reverse the process with your new part. No soldering, no special tools — just straightforward swap-and-go repair work.

Common Symptoms This Part Fixes

• Freezer running continuously without cycling off
• Heavy frost buildup on evaporator coils or freezer walls
• Fridge compartment too warm while freezer works fine
• Freezer section warmer than normal
• Refrigerator won't start or cycles erratically
• Temperatures swing between too cold and too warm

Installation Overview

This is one of the easier refrigerator repairs you'll tackle. Remove your frozen food and store it in coolers, then take out the freezer shelves and bins. The back panel inside the freezer is held by several screws — remove those and carefully pull the panel forward (it might be frozen in place with ice). You'll see the evaporator coils and the small cylindrical thermostat clipped to one of the coils. Disconnect the two-wire harness, unscrew or unclip the old thermostat, and install the new one in the exact same position. Consult your owner's manual for model-specific diagrams showing exact thermostat location, as it varies slightly across different Frigidaire designs.

What You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver (for panel clips)
• Towels (for water from melted ice)
• Work gloves (evaporator coils have sharp edges)

Repair time: Less than 15 minutes once you've accessed the evaporator compartment. Difficulty: Easy — no technical experience required.

Compatible Frigidaire Models

This 297216600 defrost thermostat works across multiple Frigidaire refrigerator series, plus select Kenmore, Gibson, and Kelvinator models. The part is interchangeable across these brands because they share the same evaporator design and defrost control systems.