Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling? Here’s how to test the thermistor

If your Frigidaire refrigerator isn’t cooling and the compressor is not running, the problem may be with the thermistor. This part is responsible for measuring the temperature inside the refrigerator and communicating that information to the control board.

Before you call for a repair technician, you can quickly test the part yourself to determine if it’s the source of the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to troubleshoot the problem and get your refrigerator back up and running.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on model number FRS6LF7FS4 and may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions. 

Tools and materials

• 1/4″ Nutdriver
• Multimeter

The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it.  

Read more:  How to replace the thermistor in a Frigidaire fridge

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles.  
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.

Read more:  Refrigerator section in Frigidaire fridge not cooling: A troubleshooting guide

Testing process

Step 1: Access the control board

1. Remove the three 1/4″ screws under the control panel. These will be recessed into the panel.
2. Take out the filter.
3. Remove the 1/4″ screw on the right side behind where the filter is, at the back of the refrigerator at the top.
4. Take out the 1/4″ screw under the cover at the back where the filter would be.
5. Remove the two 1/4″ recessed screws on the left side corner of the control housing.
6. Drop the control housing down to access the control board.

Step 2: Test the refrigerator thermistor

1. Set your multimeter to the resistance (Ω) setting, which looks like an upside-down horseshoe.
2. Disconnect the thermistor harness.
3. Place one multimeter lead into one side of the connector and the other lead on the other side.
4. At room temperature, you should get a resistance reading of approximately 10K ohms.
5. If the resistance is significantly different from 10K ohms, the thermistor needs to be replaced.
6. If the refrigerator thermistor checks out, test the freezer thermistor the same way.
7. Replace the freezer thermistor if the resistance is not within the expected range.

Step 3: Reassembly

1. Lift the control housing and insert the 3 screws under the front.
2. Put one screw back in behind the filter housing.
3. Put the cover back over the water lines and insert the screw to hold it in place.
4. Insert the 2 screws back into the side panel of the control housing.
5. Plug the refrigerator back in or turn the breaker back on.

Read more:  Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Frigidaire refrigerator working again. If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!