How to replace the thermistor in a Frigidaire fridge

If your Frigidaire fridge is acting up, you might need to replace the thermistor.

You may need to swap out this part if it’s damaged or failed testing. A bad thermistor can cause warmer or colder-than-usual temperatures and food spoilage in the fridge. If the thermistor reads warmer than it should, the fridge won’t cycle on to defrost, so frost can accumulate on the evaporator coils.

You can find replacement parts for your Frigidaire fridge by entering your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and 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

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Replacement thermistor (make sure it’s compatible with your model)

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.

Safety tips

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

• Always power off and unplug your fridge or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• If the fridge has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access fridge parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your fridge or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the fridge or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts 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.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Replacement steps

Step 1 – Access and remove the thermistor

1. Turn off the fridge and unplug it.
2. Remove the filter.
3. Remove the 3 – 1/4-inch screws under the control panel. These will be recessed into the panel.
4. At the top of the back of the refrigerator, find the 1/4-inch screw on the right side behind where the filter is located.
5. Remove the 1/4-inch screw, then drop the cover down.
6. Find the 2-1/4-inch screws on the corner of the left side cover that are recessed in. Remove both of them.
7. Once all the screws are removed, drop the control housing down so you can access the thermistor, which is on the upper left side.
8. Pull the control housing out and carefully remove the damper to remove the thermistor.
9. Disconnect the thermistor harness and remove it.

Step 2 – Install the new thermistor

1. Reconnect the wiring and place it back on the damper.
2. Push the damper back into place.
3. Put the control housing back on the ceiling and install the 3 – 1/4-inch screws that hold the housing in place.
4. Install the 2 – 1/4-inch screws in the side panel at the upper side.
5. Install the single 1/4-inch screw behind the water filter.
6. Put the cover back over the tubing.
7. Install the 1/4-inch screw that holds the cover in place.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the thermistor in your Frigidaire 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. We can also help you troubleshoot common refrigerator problems here.

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