How to replace a freezer thermistor
This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the thermistor in a freezer. The thermistor senses the temperature in the freezer and then signals the electronic control board to turn the compressor on or off. If the thermistor stops working, the freezer won't keep the correct temperature. Replace a broken thermistor with the manufacturer-approved replacement part.
This basic repair procedure works for Kenmore, Frigidaire, GE, Gibson, Kelvinator, Crosley and White-Westinghouse freezers.
Replacing a freezer thermistor video.
Instructions
- 01.
Disconnect the electrical power
Unplug the freezer or shut off the circuit breaker for the freezer.
Tip: Move highly perishable food to a cooler or other cooled space. The freezer will be without power for about 45 minutes, which shouldn't affect most frozen foods. - 02.
Remove the evaporator cover
Remove the drawers from the freezer.
Remove the screws from the evaporator cover.
Pull the evaporator cover out of the freezer.
PHOTO: Remove the freezer drawers.
PHOTO: Remove the evaporator cover screws.
PHOTO: Pull out the evaporator cover.
- 03.
Remove the thermistor
Remove the thermistor mounting screw.
Cut the wires close to the old thermistor and then remove the thermistor.
PHOTO: Remove the thermistor mounting screw.
PHOTO: Cut the thermistor wires.
PHOTO: Remove the thermistor.
- 04.
Connect the wires to the new thermistor
Strip off 1/4 of an inch of the wire insulation from the end of the wires in the freezer.
Cut the wires about 4 inches from the new thermistor and strip off 1/4 of an inch of the wire insulation.
Connect the like-color wires together using wire nuts.
PHOTO: Strip the insulation from the wire ends.
PHOTO: Connect the thermistor wires.
- 05.
Install the new thermistor
Position the new thermistor on the back wall and reinstall the mounting screw.
PHOTO: Install the thermistor mounting screw.
- 06.
Reinstall the evaporator cover
Position the evaporator cover on the back wall and reinstall the mounting screws.
Reinstall the drawers inside the freezer cabinet.
PHOTO: Reisntall the evaporator cover.
PHOTO: Reinstall the evaporator cover gasket.
- 07.
Restore electrical power
Plug in the freezer or turn on the house circuit breaker to restore power.
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