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jimj's avatar
jimj
Explorer
May 14, 2015

Whirlpool Refrig Problems

I installed a Whirlpool model #ED2KVEXVB01 23 ft side by side 2 years ago.

The refrig worked the first year then the second year when out of warranty it burned out the defrost control board while on inverter $220.
The refrig works fine on shore power and inverter just not the defrost control board on inverter.
I replaced the control board and the next trip while on inverter it burned out again, glad I purchased the extended warranty, $30.
With all the talk about if the refrig will work on inverter and not run down batteries there is not much said in the posts about the defrost cycle. It is a heavy load on the inverter for about 20 minutes every 6 to 8 hours.
I have tried to contact Whirlpool tech service and the customer service guy said that Whirlpool DOES NOT HAVE tech support. Does anybody know if this is true? If true I will never buy another Whirlpool.
What I want to ask the tech support is how to turn off the defrost cycle when I am on inverter.
How bout anyone here know how to turn off the defrost cycle? How bout beefing up the control board to carry the load on inverter power?
I could put a switch on it if I could determine how.
I need to work this out soon so I can take a trip.
Thanks
JimJ
Class A

7 Replies

  • msturtz's avatar
    msturtz
    Explorer
    May 16, 2015
    I spoke to Whirlpool and they will not support a refrigerator on a MSW inverter. My thermostat burned out.
  • moisheh's avatar
    moisheh
    Explorer
    May 14, 2015
    Our Dynasty has a Whirlpool and it is 7 years old. Runs on a PSW inverter and never have had a problem. NO Household appliance mfr. offers tech support. I don't know why mfrs. install MSW inverters. Even microwaves do not run well with that style.

    Moisheh
  • We_Cant_Wait's avatar
    We_Cant_Wait
    Explorer
    May 14, 2015
    Don't know for sure the fridge you have buy my Maytag (same maker different name plate) is a Bottom freezer unit and Winnebago uses a 2800 watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter to power the fridge.
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    May 14, 2015
    It seemed to me, too, that MSW vs PSW inverter was at the heart of this one. A simple heater or a light, or a fridge compressor would not care. But a control board would likely be very sensitive to waveform and highly likely to not play nice with a MSW inverter.
  • haddy1's avatar
    haddy1
    Explorer II
    May 14, 2015
    ScottG wrote:
    Are you running a PSW inverter? If not then that is your next step.


    X2
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    May 14, 2015
    1. IF it worked for the first year, then your Inverter powered the defrost cycle OK.
    2. What do YOU think the AMP draw is when on Defrost cycle? Hint. It is not that much and if you have a 1500 watt(capable of 13 amps) Inverter or larger, the amp draw will not be able to cause the Inverter any problem. The average defrost heater is no more than 600 watts(5 amps), some are smaller 400 to 550 watts.
    3. With Electronic controls, you cannot turn the Defrost cycle OFF. Even OLD style mechanical controls you could not turn the defrost cycle off but you could easily disconnect the old style defrost timer which would stop the defrost cycle.
    4. What you can do is access the defrost heater element or the defrost heater connections on the control board and install a 2 wire toggle switch to stop power from getting to the defrost element when the electronic board says to defrost.
    5. As to your complaint about Tech Support. THAT is for qualified Whirlpool Service Center technicians and besides, NOBODY, will instruct you on how to modify the controls on your appliance. LIABILITY issues. Doug
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    May 14, 2015
    Are you running a PSW inverter? If not then that is your next step.

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