Defrost timer FSP 945486 KitchenAid Built In refrigerator

[funktionalart]

Anyone up here familiar with these or have one installed on their unit? Mine is not problematic (that I know of, anyway--I just bought this refrigerator over the weekend. I currently have the timer removed so I can see how to set it (if that's even possible). Maybe they're just factory preset--Not sure. Right now, I'm just curious what their kick-in frequency/duration is--I've never had one of this type before--would just like to know what to expect. Pics below--FSP part number is 945486. 4-connection on wiring harness.

Many thanks!

 

[rp2813]

Allen,

How old is the fridge?  Our 2009 KA Architect SxS doesn't seem to have a set schedule for defrosting, but I haven't actively tracked it, either.   

 

My mom's '76 Coldspot defrosted every 12 hours.  It had a timer behind the front grille that could be manually advanced with a screwdriver.  I remember setting it to defrost during low activity periods like 2 AM and 2 PM.

 

[funktionalart]

Ralph,
My vintage stuff (the '63 Frigidaire and '63 Coldspot) both have that manually adjustable def. timer like you describe. It's what I'm used to. I bought this KitchenAid over the weekend, it is a 1989 model, 36" built-in.
So far today, it has only turned off once for something like 12 minutes. I'm sure I don't have to pay any close attention to it, just wondered if I have any control over when it turns on and off. Would be nice!

I put a few "beauty shots" below…although this unit is 28 years old, you would never know it. EVERYTHING inside still has factory "sheen" to it--almost like a never used unit. Nothing discoloured--seriously nice overall. Only a few minor/light scuff marks on the metal trim of a couple glass shelves. I was told it was in a guest house and only lightly used seasonally….it shows! $100 bucks. After moving this thing by myself, I can tell you that my chiropractor bill will be at least 10x the purchase price, though….

 

[combo52]

Defrost Timer On A KA Built-In Ref

The timer motor runs whenever the compressor is running, so the ref defrosts every 8-10-12 hours [ depending on which timer WP chose for this model ] the compressor operates, if you look at the tech sheet you can see how long this timer runs before defrost happens. The defrost period on a WP built ref is always at least 21 minutes.

 

This ref should only run around 50% of the time in an area that is around 70-80 F.

 

If it is running 70-90% of the time at normal room temps it has sealed system issues, but it is probably too soon to tell.

 

[funktionalart]

Thanks John--been watching it and it seems to be kicking for about 21 min. duration. Temps in freezer and Fridge sections have stabilized (I'm keeping at around 3-5 degrees freeze/38-40 fridge). Was mostly just curious about the timer being owner adjustable (or not) when I first posted…not a big deal. It works, I'm not messing with it!