How to replace the bin thermistor in a Whirlpool ice machine

The bin thermistor in a Whirlpool ice machine helps regulate the amount of ice in the bin. Over time, the bin thermistor can wear out or become damaged. You will typically notice this if the bin is overflowing with ice.

Replacing the bin thermistor is a relatively straightforward repair that can get your ice machine back up and running in around an hour.

If you need a replacement bin thermistor or other parts for your Whirlpool ice machine, you can use your model number to find one at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your appliance yourself.

Let’s get started!

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• Nut driver
• Multimeter
• Replacement bin thermistor (make sure it’s compatible with your model number)

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Don’t forget to regularly clean your ice machine.

Safety precautions

• 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.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Replacement steps

Step 1 – Test the thermistor

Before you swap out the old thermistor with a new one, you can make sure it’s bad by testing it with a multimeter:

1. Turn off the ice machine and unplug it from the power outlet.
2. Set the multimeter to resistance, which has a symbol that looks like this: Ω.
3. Fully immerse the bin thermistor into a container of ice water. Let it sit in the ice water for around 5 minutes so it can reach 32°F.
4. Touch the multimeter leads to the two connectors of the thermistor. Make sure that one lead is connected to each connector.
5. Check the reading on the multimeter. It should indicate a resistance within these ranges:
   • 0°F (-18°C) = resistance of 81,715 to 99,874 ohms.
   • 10°F (-12°C) = resistance of 59,422 to 72,627 ohms.
   • 32°F (0°C) = resistance of 30,266 to 36,992 ohms.
   • Room temperature of 70°F (21°C) = resistance of 10,280 to 12,564 ohms.

If the measured resistance falls within the appropriate range, then the bin thermistor is working correctly. If it falls outside that range, the bin thermistor should be replaced.

When you’re done testing, remove the bin thermistor from the ice water and dry it off before reinstalling it in the ice machine.

Step 2 –  Disassemble the ice machine

1. Turn off the ice machine and unplug it from the power outlet.
2. Open the ice machine door.
3. If the storage bin is full of ice, either remove the ice or cover it with a towel or plastic bag to prevent it from melting or collecting debris.
4. Find the drain hole in the bottom of the storage bin and place a cloth or towel in it to prevent any small hardware or screws from falling inside.
5. Find the cutter grid cover, which is usually held in place by two hex-head screws. Use a nut driver to remove these screws.
6. Carefully lift the cutter grid cover off the ice machine and set it aside.
7. Find the bin thermistor connector, which is located at the bottom of the control housing.
8. Disconnect the bin thermistor connector by gently pulling it apart. Be careful not to damage the connector or the wires.
9. Find the retaining clamp that holds the bin thermistor in place. It may be a small plastic clip or a metal bracket. Slide the bin thermistor out of the retaining clamp.

Step 3 – Install the new bin thermistor

1. Insert the new bin thermistor into the retaining clamp.
2. Connect the bin thermistor connector to the bottom of the control housing and make sure it has a snug fit.
3. Carefully place the cutter grid cover back onto the ice machine by aligning it with the screw holes.
4. Insert and tighten the two hex-head screws to secure the cutter grid cover.
5. Remove the cloth or towel from the drain hole in the storage bin.
6. If you covered the ice in the storage bin, remove the covering.
7. Close the ice machine door.
8. Restore power to the ice machine by plugging it back into the electrical outlet or turning on the circuit breaker.
9. Give the ice machine some time to resume its normal operation. It could take a few hours for the new bin thermistor to stabilize and provide accurate temperature readings.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the bin thermistor on your Whirlpool ice machine.

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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