Whirlpool WRT318FZDW Repair Guide
The honest workhorse. A basic top freezer with mechanical simplicity that makes it one of the cheapest refrigerators in America to keep alive. No dispenser, no door electronics, the short parts list is the reliability.
Whirlpool WRT318FZDW is a top freezer refrigerator refrigerator sold 2016 to present. Its most common repair is not cooling, clicking, usually $100 to $200.
- 5 common problems with causes, fixes and costs below.
- 1 error code decoded.
- A refrigerator like this lasts about 10 to 15 years.
- Check the model and serial tag before you order any part.
Common problems & typical repair costs
| Problem | Likely cause | Typical fix | OEM part # | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not cooling, clicking | Start relay/overload | Replace relay | not listed | $100 to $200 |
| Frost on freezer back wall | Defrost heater or bi metal thermostat | Replace defrost pair | not listed | $150 to $320 |
| Fridge freezing food | Cold control (thermostat) failed | Replace cold control | not listed | $100 to $250 |
| Water on kitchen floor | Defrost drain clog | Flush drain | not listed | $80 to $180 |
| Noisy freezer chirp | Evaporator fan | Replace fan motor | not listed | $150 to $280 |
Costs are national averages for professional repair (parts + labor). See the linked cost guides below for full breakdowns.
Error codes
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| (No electronic display) | Symptom based diagnosis, mechanical controls |
Tech notes
Every part on this box is a commodity. Relay, cold control, defrost kit, and fan cover essentially its whole failure universe, none over $350 installed. The definition of worth fixing.
Sources
Where the safety, regulatory and warranty claims on this page come from. Repair costs are our own figures based on Arizona market rates and OEM parts pricing.
- Food Safety During a Power Outage FoodSafety.gov (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services) The 40°F threshold and the 2-hour rule for discarding perishable food.
Cost guides for this machine’s common repairs
DIY step by step instructions for this model
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We'll buy your Whirlpool WRT318FZDW, or haul it away.
If the repair costs more than this machine is worth to you, we'll quote you on taking it. Cash offer if it still has value, free or paid scrap pickup if it doesn't. We'll tell you honestly which it is.