How to replace the ambient thermistor in your KitchenAid room air conditioner
- Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Wear work gloves to protect your hands during the repair.
- Remove the screws that hold the accordion filler panels in the window frame. Push the accordion filler panels inward to clear the window frame. With someone’s help, support the air conditioner and raise the window sash. Carefully lift the air conditioner out of the window and set it on a stable work surface.
- Grasp the sides of the front grille panel at the top and pull the front grille panel out and off of the air conditioner. Pull the filter out.
- Remove the screws from the sides of the front panel. Pull the front panel off of the air conditioner and set it aside.
- Disconnect the ambient thermistor wire from the electronic control board. Pull the ambient thermistor out of the mounting clip on the front of the evaporator.
- Install the new ambient thermistor and reassembly the air conditioner.
What to do when your KitchenAid room air conditioner won't start
Reset the circuit breaker on the power plug if the power cord has that component on your room air conditioner.
If your room air conditioner has electrical power--the control panel powers up--but the compressor and fans won't run, possible causes include an electronic control failure or a wiring problem.
The window air conditioner also won't start if the electronic control detects a component problem such as a defective thermistor. Check the control panel for an error code, which usually indicates which component failed. To decipher an error code, check our error code tables or refer to your owner's manual. Some repairs that could correct the problem are listed below.