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Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the refrigerator thermistor or temperature sensor in your Whirlpool Refrigerator.

The refrigerator thermistor measures the air temperature in your refrigerator and signals temperature regulatory processes. If your refrigerator doesn't cool properly, your refrigerator thermistor might be broken.

To replace the freezer thermistor, follow this guide instead.

This guide will work for most Whirlpool refrigerators. This guide is written with a model WRS315SDHW refrigerator. If you have a different model, you may encounter some minor disassembly differences, but the overall repair process will be the same.

Note: Some photos show the doors removed for clarity purposes. Removing them is not required and will not change the procedure.

What you need

  1. Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Safety precautions: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Before you begin your repair, perform the following:

    • Turn off your main water supply

    • Unplug your device

    Edit

  2. Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Open the doors: step 2, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Open the doors: step 2, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Open the doors: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Depending on your repair, open one or both doors.

    Edit

  3. Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Unfasten the temperature control board assembly: step 3, image 1 of 2 Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Unfasten the temperature control board assembly: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the screw(s) securing the temperature control board assembly.

    • The second photo shows the potential screw locations in a removed assembly.

    Edit

  5. Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Reposition the assembly: step 4, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Reposition the assembly: step 4, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Reposition the assembly: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Pull the temperature control board assembly off its slot in the chassis.

    • Let the assembly hang to access its connectors.

    Edit

  6. Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Disconnect the temperature control board: step 5, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Disconnect the temperature control board: step 5, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Disconnect the temperature control board: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Use a flathead screwdriver, or a similar tool, to disconnect any connectors attached to the temperature control board assembly.

    Edit

  7. Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Remove the assembly: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the temperature control board assembly.

    Edit

  8. Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Disconnect the thermistor: step 7, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Disconnect the thermistor: step 7, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Disconnect the thermistor: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Disconnect any connectors attached to the thermistor.

    Edit

  9. Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Remove the thermistor: step 8, image 1 of 2 Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Remove the thermistor: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Use a flathead screwdriver, or a similar tool, to pry up the thermistor from its slot in the chassis.

    • Remove the thermistor.

    Edit

  10. Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermistor Replacement, Meter the thermistor: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • If you own a multimeter, you can test your thermistor's resistance.

    • A range between 2-220KΩ is acceptable. Check the specifications for your specific thermistor since there is such a large variance, and make sure you test at the appropriate temperature.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

One other person completed this guide.

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nicO

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3 Comments

Great article. I have a question: My Kenmore refrigerator stopped cooling. I noticed that the compressor and fan were not operating but the evap fan was. I get no power to the compressor or fan. I replaced the start capacitor and start relay with a 3 in 1 start capacitor. Still nothing. I decided to wire the new 3 in 1 and fan with a separate AC wire directly to an outlet. This allowed the fan to start and the compressor started to cool the refrigerator. But obviously I can't use the refrig that way. Would a faulty thermistor prohibit AC from reaching the compressor and fan? I'm hoping it's not the control board. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Barry

reggaemoose - Reply

Great question! I'm going to call in @billg66 (Bill G) as iFixit's appliance pro. If you're able to share your make/model, or find a circuit schematic, your questions about the electrical pathway could be more easily solved. Good luck.

nicO -

Hi Barry, your model number would be a huge help as then I can get service manuals. I'd be cautious about using a 3 in 1. Especially if your fridge was designed to use just a start relay. I think there could be an issue with the thermistor, or possibly the control board, given that the compressor ran when jumped. 3 in 1s are great to squeeze out a little more life from a compressor, but this may not be that case.

Bill Gilbert -

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