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.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your freestanding freezers
Choose a symptom to see related freezer repairs.
Main causes: burned out light bulb, bad door or lid switch, faulty LED light board, wiring failure, control system failu…
Main causes: lack of power, bad compressor, refrigerant leak, bad thermistor, defrost system failure, dirty condenser co…
Main causes: compressor failure, no refrigerant, faulty sensor, control failure, broken defrost heater, bad defrost bi-m…
Main causes: damaged door or lid gasket, cracked cabinet liner, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, …
Main causes: excessive frost, bad defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal, control system failure, low refrigerant charge, …
Main causes: dirty condenser coils, condenser fan failure, dirty bottom front grill, leaky door or lid gasket…
Main causes: lack of power, control system failure, broken compressor start relay, locked up compressor, compressor moto…
Main causes: leaky door or lid gasket, broken defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat, defrost control failure, …
Repair guides for upright freezers
How to replace a freezer control panel
A freezer control panel that doesn’t show the temperature or respond when you press the buttons could be broken. This DI…
How to replace a freezer door switch
When the door switch fails, the freezer can’t detect that the door is closed. Follow the steps in this repair guide to r…
How to replace a freezer thermistor
When the thermistor can’t sense the freezer temperature, the freezer is colder or warmer than the set temperature. Follo…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your freestanding freezers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your freezer.
Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.…
Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…
Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…