February 20, 2015

How to replace a freezer temperature control thermostat

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace a chest freezer thermostat. The temperature control thermostat—also called a cold control—turns the compressor on and off to maintain the freezer temperature. If the temperature control thermostat stops working, the freezer can be too cold or not cold enough. Replace the chest freezer thermostat with the manufacturer-approved freestanding freezer part.

Use this procedure to replace the temperature control thermostat on common Kenmore, Frigidaire, Gibson, Crosley, Kelvinator and White-Westinghouse chest freezers.

Quick links

Instructions

Tools required

Pliers

Phillips screwdriver

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Instructions

01.
Disconnect the electrical power
Unplug the freezer or shut off the circuit breaker for the freezer.
02.
Remove the control knob
Pull the control knob straight off of the cold control thermostat.
PHOTO: Pull off the control knob.
03.
Remove the grille cover
Remove the screws securing the compressor grille cover to the freezer cabinet and pull the grille out.
Squeeze together the 2 locking tabs that secure the cold control thermostat to the compressor grille cover and release the cold control thermostat from the grille.
Tip: The cold control thermostat is still attached to the grille cover.
PHOTO: Remove the screws.
PHOTO: Release the thermostat from the grille cover.
04.
Remove the cold control thermostat
Note the wiring connections on the cold control thermostat or take a digital photo to document the wiring connections.
Pull the wires off of the cold control thermostat.
Carefully pull the sensor bulb out of the freezer cabinet liner and remove the cold control thermostat from the freezer.
PHOTO: Disconnect the thermostat wires.
PHOTO: Pull the sensor bulb out.
PHOTO: Remove the thermostat.
05.
Install the new cold control thermostat
Push the sensor bulb into the freezer cabinet liner.
Using your digital picture or documentation, reconnect the wires to the new cold control thermostat.
Position the new cold control thermostat on the compressor grille cover and push it into the grille cover. Make sure that the locking tabs on the new cold control thermostat snap into place on the grille cover.
PHOTO: Push the sensor bulb into place.
PHOTO: Connect the thermostat wires.
PHOTO: Snap the new thermostat into the grille.
06.
Reinstall the grille cover
Position the compressor grille cover correctly on the freezer cabinet and secure it using the mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the grille.
PHOTO: Reinstall the grille cover screws.
07.
Reinstall the control knob
Position the control knob on the front of the cold control thermostat and push the control knob down on the stem of the new cold control thermostat.
PHOTO: Reinstall the control knob.
08.
Restore electrical power
Plug in the freezer or turn on the house circuit breaker to restore power.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.