How to replace a refrigerator temperature control thermostat

Unplug the refrigerator or shut off the circuit breaker for the refrigerator. Move highly perishable food to a cooler or other cooled space. The refrigerator will be without power for about 30 minutes, which shouldn't affect most refrigerated or frozen foods. 

Pull the control knob straight off the front of the the temperature control thermostat and set it aside.

Remove the screws that secure the control housing to the top of the  refrigerator compartment. Support the control housing so it doesn't fall after you remove the last screw. Carefully lower the control housing about 6 inches, wires prevent you from lowering it further.

Release the brackets that hold the temperature control thermostat and the sensing tube in place. Pull temperature control thermostat and the sensing tube from the control housing.

If an insulation sleeve covers the sensing tube, remove the sleeve and save it to use on the sensing tube on the new temperature control thermostat.

Take a digital picture of the wires or tag them with numbered pieces of masking tape so you know how to reconnect them. 

Remove the wires and pull the temperature control thermostat out of the refrigerator. Set it aside for disposal.

Remove the new temperature control thermostat from its package and carefully straighten the sensor tube. If an insulation sleeve covered the old sensing tube, transfer it to the sensing tube on the new temperature control thermostat.

Connect the wires to the new temperature control thermostat, using the digital image as a guide.

Properly position the temperature control thermostat and the sensing tube in the control housing and push it into the brackets. The new temperature control thermostat should fit into the control housing the same way the removed temperature control thermostat did.

Carefully push the control housing into position, making sure the wires are properly positioned so the edges of the control housing won't pinch them. Insert the mounting screws, tighten them until they stop turning and then give the screws a reasonably firm twist to secure them.

Position the control knob on the front of the stem properly and push it onto the stem completely.

Plug in the refrigerator or turn on the house circuit breaker to restore power.