Replacing the thermostat tube shield WP2196003 on a Whirlpool refrigerator

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator struggling to maintain the right temperature or showing signs of frost buildup? A damaged thermostat tube shield could be the culprit. Don’t worry, you can easily fix it yourself with our step-by-step guide and accompanying video tutorial right below to help you get your appliance back on track!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

On a Whirlpool refrigerator, the thermostat tube shield WP2196003 is responsible for protecting the temperature-sensing tube from damage and ensuring accurate temperature readings, allowing your refrigerator to maintain the set temperature. Common signs that indicate the need for replacement include inconsistent temperatures, frost buildup, or physical damage to the tube shield. Fortunately, with a few basic tools and some patience, you can tackle this repair yourself and get your refrigerator back in working order. So, let’s get started!

If 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 information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Refrigerator Thermostat Tube Shield WP2196003

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. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• 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.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Tools and materials needed

• Replacement part (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• 1/4″ nutdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Utility knife

Replacement steps

Step 1: Disassembly and removal

1. Open the fresh food door of the refrigerator.
2. Ensure the refrigerator is unplugged to avoid any electrical hazards.
3. Locate the safety cover that protects the thermostat sensor bulb.
4. This cover is held in place by a quarter-inch screw. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove this screw.
5. Once the screw is out, gently drop down the cover and pull it slightly forward to disengage it from the tabs at the top.
6. Locate the plug at the back of the cover. It may be hard to see.
7. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the plug out. Insert the screwdriver into the easy tab and carefully pull it down.
8. Identify the three clips holding the sensor bulb in place.
9. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry the sensor bulb out from these clips. Insert the screwdriver behind each clip gently and lift until the bulb is free.

Step 2: Installation and reassembly

1. Gently slide the old thermostat tube shield off the sensor bulb. Support the bulb while doing this to avoid damage.
2. Use a knife to cut the new tube shield to size. Measure it to be about an inch longer than the old one and cut it accordingly.
3. Apply a small amount of soap (or any lubricant) to the inside of the new tube shield to help it slide on.
4. Carefully slide the new tube shield onto the sensor bulb, stopping when the tip of the sensor bulb is exposed.
5. Take the assembly back to the refrigerator.
6. Insert the tube into the cutout or groove in the refrigerator. Push it in until it locks in place.
7. Bring the assembly up and plug it back in, ensuring that the locking tab is correctly aligned at the back. You should hear a click when it’s securely fastened.
8. Align the two cutouts over the two pins at the back of the cover.
9. Slide it in place and secure it with the quarter-inch screw using the quarter-inch nut driver. Tighten it firmly.
10. Bend the sensor tube and lock it into the three clips. Press it in until you hear a click for each clip.
11. Ensure that it is secured properly.
12. Close the fresh food door of the refrigerator.
13. Plug the refrigerator back into the power source.
14. Check to ensure that the refrigerator is cooling properly.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the thermostat tube shield WP2196003 on your Whirlpool refrigerator. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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