Whirlpool fridge (freezer) problem

[drstroud]

Fridge was makng a popping sound.  My wife opened the freezer (side by side) and saw dripping water.  She also saw that something was glowing red.  Took the evaporator cover and the heater (part AP2988898) was glowing red similar to a stove top heating element.  This can't be normal.  What is the problem?  

Model ed5ftgxkq02

[theoldstoveguy]

Unit was in defrost,water dripping on hot defrost element. Normal unless you have temperature trouble. If it gets too warm, the defrost thermostat may be bad. I'll bet it is fine, you just caught it in defrost. Depending on machine and model it defrost 2 times a day or more.

[drstroud]

Thanks for the info.  I may just pick up a new thermostat just in case.

[theoldstoveguy]

My Grandfather always said, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." If it's broken try to fix it. What's the worst that could happen,it was broken! 

[AJ]

What's the worst that could happen,it was broken!

Unfortunately somedays I find out just what the worst is that could happen.