5304524953 Genuine OEM Frigidaire Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly
The 5304524953 is a Genuine OEM Frigidaire/Electrolux replacement defrost heater assembly compatible with select Frigidaire, Electrolux, Crosley, Gibson, Kelvinator, Tappan, Westinghouse, and Kenmore Frigidaire-built refrigerators and upright freezers — including the popular Frigidaire Professional 19 cu. ft. single-door models in the FPRU19F8 and FPFU19F8 series. The defrost heater is mounted near the evaporator coils and periodically activates during the dishwasher's defrost cycle to melt frost buildup that accumulates on the coils. Without functioning defrost, frost continues to build up on the evaporator until it blocks airflow — causing the refrigerator or freezer to lose cooling efficiency, run continuously, and ultimately fail to maintain set temperatures.
As a Genuine OEM part manufactured by Frigidaire/Electrolux to factory specifications, the 5304524953 directly replaces 5304523833, AP6997296, PS16227227, and 4975045. Tip: when replacing the defrost heater, it's a good time to also inspect or replace the paired defrost thermostat and defrost timer/control board — these three components form the defrost system and often fail in sequence. Addressing them together saves a future repair. Installs in 30–45 minutes with basic hand tools.
Quick Answer
The 5304524953 Genuine OEM Frigidaire Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly fixes Frigidaire and related-brand refrigerators and upright freezers with excessive frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils, freezer or fresh food section too warm, refrigerator running continuously, or food spoiling faster than normal. Genuine OEM. Replaces 5304523833, AP6997296, PS16227227, 4975045. Compatible with Frigidaire Professional FPRU19F8WF0/WF2/WF3/WF4/WF5 and FPFU19F8WF2/WF4/WF5 series, plus Crosley, Electrolux, Gibson, Kelvinator, Tappan, Westinghouse, and Kenmore Frigidaire-built models. Often paired with defrost thermostat replacement.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Excessive frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils
- Freezer section too warm — evaporator coils iced over and blocking airflow
- Refrigerator section too warm — cold air not circulating because coils are frosted
- Refrigerator/freezer running continuously without reaching set temperature
- Food spoiling faster than normal due to inadequate cooling
- Visible ice sheet on the rear interior wall of the freezer compartment
- Defrost heater visibly burned through, broken, or showing arcing damage
- Multimeter continuity test on the heater shows an open circuit (no continuity)
Replaces Part Numbers
This defrost heater assembly directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
5304524953, 5304523833, 140223390018, 4975045, AFR19119, AP6997296, EAP16227227, PD00083605, PS16227227.
5304524953 is the current production part superseding 5304523833. Contact our support team with your model number if you need confirmation before ordering.
Compatibility
This defrost heater assembly is compatible with select refrigerators and upright freezers from the following brands:
- Frigidaire Professional refrigerators — FPRU19F8WF0, FPRU19F8WF2, FPRU19F8WF3, FPRU19F8WF4, FPRU19F8WF5 series (19 cu. ft. single-door)
- Frigidaire Professional upright freezers — FPFU19F8WF2, FPFU19F8WF4, FPFU19F8WF5 series
- Frigidaire refrigerators — FPRU19F7WF0 and related FPRU/FPFU series models
- Electrolux refrigerators and freezers — select Frigidaire-platform models
- Crosley refrigerators (select Frigidaire-built models)
- Gibson refrigerators (select models)
- Kelvinator refrigerators (select models)
- Tappan refrigerators (select models)
- Westinghouse refrigerators (select models)
- Kenmore / Sears refrigerators (select Frigidaire-built models)
- White-Westinghouse refrigerators (select models)
Always verify your appliance model number before ordering. Contact our support team if you're unsure.
Key Features
- Genuine OEM part manufactured by Frigidaire/Electrolux to factory specifications — guaranteed fit and performance
- Defrost heater assembly — periodically melts frost buildup on the evaporator coils to maintain proper airflow and cooling efficiency
- Direct factory-original replacement — no modifications required
- Current production part — directly supersedes 5304523833
- Replaces AP6997296, PS16227227, and 4975045 (plus 5304523833)
- Compatible with Frigidaire Professional FPRU19F8 and FPFU19F8 series, plus Electrolux, Crosley, Gibson, Kelvinator, Tappan, Westinghouse, White-Westinghouse, and Kenmore Frigidaire-built refrigerators and upright freezers
- Often replaced together with the defrost thermostat and defrost timer/control board as a paired defrost-system repair
- DIY repair — installs in 30–45 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
5304524953 |
| Supersedes |
5304523833 |
| Part Type |
Refrigerator/Freezer Defrost Heater Assembly |
| Condition |
Genuine OEM |
| Application |
Refrigerators and Upright Freezers (Frigidaire/Electrolux platform) |
| Location |
Mounted near the evaporator coils |
| Approximate Weight |
1.60 lbs |
| Often Paired With |
Defrost Thermostat, Defrost Timer/Control Board |
| Compatible Brands |
Frigidaire, Electrolux, Crosley, Gibson, Kelvinator, Tappan, Westinghouse, White-Westinghouse, Kenmore |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Refrigerator and Move Perishable Food Before Starting — Don't Touch Heater with Bare Hands Unplug the refrigerator and safely store any food that could spoil while the power is off. Wear work gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes. Handle the new heater only by its mounting brackets or end terminals — do NOT touch the heating element directly with bare fingers; skin oils can cause hot spots and shorten the heater's life. The defrost heater is mounted near the evaporator coils, behind the rear interior access panel of the freezer compartment. Remove all freezer shelves, drawers, and the ice maker (if equipped) to clear access. If there's a heavy ice sheet covering the back wall, allow the freezer to thaw completely or carefully manually defrost the coils before continuing — never break ice off the coils, as this damages the aluminum fins. Once the area is clear, remove the screws securing the rear access panel and lift it away to expose the evaporator coils and the defrost heater. Photograph the wire connections and heater orientation before disconnecting. Disconnect the wire harness connectors from the old heater, release the heater from its mounting clips or brackets, and lift it out. Install the new 5304524953 heater in the same position, ensuring it's properly seated in the mounting brackets, and reconnect the wire harness. While the panel is open, inspect the defrost thermostat for damage — if it's brittle, discolored, or shows visible defects, this is the ideal time to replace it as well. Reinstall the rear access panel, shelves, drawers, and ice maker. Plug the refrigerator back in and allow several hours for the unit to return to its set temperature before reloading with food. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" nut driver, work gloves, safety glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the defrost heater has failed?
The most reliable sign is heavy frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils behind the freezer back panel — when the heater can't melt the frost as designed, ice accumulates until it blocks airflow and cooling efficiency drops. You may also notice the freezer or fresh food section running warm, the compressor running continuously, or food spoiling faster than normal. To confirm with the refrigerator unplugged: remove the rear freezer access panel, disconnect the heater's wire harness, and test the heater's terminals with a multimeter set to continuity mode. A working heater shows continuity (low resistance); a failed heater shows an open circuit (infinite resistance). If you measure no continuity, the heater has burned out and needs replacement.
Should I replace the defrost thermostat and timer at the same time?
Yes, it's strongly recommended. The defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and defrost timer/control board work together as a system — the timer (or control board on newer models) initiates the defrost cycle, the thermostat monitors the temperature at the coils and terminates the cycle when the coils are above freezing, and the heater provides the heat that melts the frost. When one component fails, the others have typically experienced similar age and stress, and a near-term failure of another defrost component is common. Since the rear access panel must already be off and the components are right next to each other, replacing all three in a single session prevents a repeat repair down the road.
Should I manually defrost my freezer before installing the new heater?
If there's significant ice buildup on the evaporator coils or rear wall, yes — you need to clear it before installing the new heater. Leave the freezer empty and unplugged with the door open for 12–24 hours (or longer for heavy ice) to let everything thaw naturally. Place towels at the base to catch melt water. Do NOT chip or pry ice off the evaporator coils with any tool — the aluminum fins damage easily and a damaged coil is a far more expensive repair. Once everything is fully thawed and dried, you can proceed with the heater replacement.
My refrigerator/freezer has multiple defrost heater-related part numbers — which one do I need?
Frigidaire/Electrolux uses different defrost heater part numbers across different generations and models. The 5304524953 is specifically used in the Frigidaire Professional 19 cu. ft. single-door FPRU19F8 series refrigerators and FPFU19F8 series upright freezers, plus a smaller set of related Frigidaire-platform models. Before ordering, confirm your refrigerator or freezer's model number is in the compatibility list above, or check your appliance's parts diagram to verify that 5304524953 (or one of its cross-references 5304523833, AP6997296, PS16227227, 4975045) is the correct part for your specific model. If your unit is a side-by-side, French door, or other style, you may need a different defrost heater.
Is this a Genuine OEM or aftermarket part?
This is a Genuine OEM part manufactured by Frigidaire/Electrolux to factory specifications. It is the exact same defrost heater assembly installed in compatible Frigidaire, Electrolux, Crosley, Gibson, Kelvinator, Tappan, Westinghouse, White-Westinghouse, and Kenmore Frigidaire-built refrigerators and freezers from the factory — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance.
Shop With Confidence
A U.S.-based appliance parts retailer specializing in genuine OEM and high-quality replacement parts. We stock components for all major appliance brands and offer fast shipping from our U.S. warehouse. Our team is available to help verify compatibility before you purchase.
✓ Genuine OEM Parts ✓ Fast US Shipping ✓ Compatibility Support ✓ Secure Checkout
