Polar King Walk-In Cooler Alarm DEFR TERM ON TIME: Timed Defrost End
DEFR TERM ON TIME is an alarm on the KE2 evaporator control: defrost ended on time instead of on temperature for two consecutive cycles. The document gives no repair steps. It can mean the coil never reached its target temperature, so check for ice after defrost.
Medium: ice may be left on the coil, which can reduce cooling over time.
- Code
- DEFR TERM ON TIME
- Maker
- Polar King
- Equipment
- Walk-in coolers & freezers
- Applies to
- Polar King walk-in coolers/freezers with KE2 Evaporator Efficiency Evap OEM board (Basic Display / Combo Display)
What does Polar King DEFR TERM ON TIME mean?
A defrost can end in two ways. It can end when the coil reaches its termination temperature, which means the ice has melted, or it can end because the maximum time ran out. The KE2 Evaporator Efficiency board prefers the first. When defrost ends on time rather than on temperature for two consecutive cycles, the Alarms Status Menu lists DEFR TERM ON TIME. The Combo Display shows the name; the Basic Display shows a red or yellow light. The installation instructions give only that trigger, with no cause and no steps, and mention the CLEAR ALARMS menu item. If the coil is not reaching its termination temperature, ice may be left on it, but the document does not say so. A technician would check the heat supply and the coil sensor.
Affected models and control systems
Polar King walk-in coolers and freezers fitted with the KE2 Evaporator Efficiency Evap OEM board, with either the Basic Display or the Combo Display. The alarm is listed in the Alarms Status Menu, which is view only, on page 14 of the KE2 installation instructions.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- Red or yellow light on the Basic Display
- DEFR TERM ON TIME on the Combo Display
- Ice remaining on part of the coil after defrost
- Box warming between cycles
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind DEFR TERM ON TIME on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A defrost heater element that has failed so the coil never warms enough
- A coil sensor reading low because it is clipped away from the fins
- A heater breaker that is tripped or a heater wire that is open
- A very heavy ice load that the set time cannot clear
Safe checks before calling for service
- After a defrost, look for ice left on the coil from outside the cover.
- Check the box temperature with a thermometer.
- Clear the alarm with CLEAR ALARMS and note when the next defrost occurs.
- If DEFR TERM ON TIME returns, record the ice you saw and arrange service.
How a technician diagnoses DEFR TERM ON TIME
- Read the alarm and the defrost termination and time settings.
- Watch a defrost and record the coil sensor temperature.
- Measure heater current or resistance and check the heater breaker.
- Check the coil sensor mounting and resistance.
- Correct the heater or sensor, then confirm the next defrost ends on temperature.
- Heater current and resistance checks involve line voltage at the coil and breaker. Coil sensor placement affects termination, and it must be set as the maker intends. Adjusting the termination temperature to quiet the alarm could leave ice on the coil.
How DEFR TERM ON TIME differs from similar codes
DEFR TERM ON TIME concerns how a defrost ends. EXCESS DEFROST concerns how often defrosts start.
Technical reference
- Document
- KE2 Evaporator Efficiency Installation Instructions N.1.1 (posted on polarking.com Downloads as ke2-installation.pdf; authored by KE2 Therm Solutions)
- Edition
- N.1.1 July 2015
- Models / control
- Polar King walk-in coolers/freezers with KE2 Evaporator Efficiency Evap OEM board (Basic Display / Combo Display)
- Section
- Alarms Status Menu (view only), p. 14 (Alarm Status Menu listed p. 13)
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Polar King walk-in cooler & freezer error codes
What does ending on time mean?
The defrost ran until the maximum time rather than until the coil reached its termination temperature.
Is a single timed end a problem?
The alarm needs two consecutive timed ends.
Can I raise the termination temperature?
Do not change it without the box's settings. A technician should check the heater and sensor first.
Need help with Polar King DEFR TERM ON TIME?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.