How to replace GE refrigerator cold control kit WR49X26875

Is your GE refrigerator failing to keep its cool? The culprit might be a faulty cold control kit, which is easier to replace than you might think. Follow our step-by-step guide and watch our how-to video below to get your fridge back to optimal performance in no time!

Need a part?  Search below using your appliance model number to find exactly what you need:

If you’re having issues with your GE refrigerator not cooling properly, the cold control kit may be the culprit. Replacing it is an easy DIY repair that you should be able to knock out in just a few minutes.

You can find a replacement cold control kit here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE refrigerator, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. 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.

Watch the full repair here!

What is the cold control and why would it need to be replaced?

The cold control, also known as the thermostat, helps regulate the temperature inside your fridge and freezer compartments. It’s typically located in the fresh food section, at the top of the unit. By turning the cold control knob, you can adjust the temperature up or down.

You might need to swap out the cold control if:

• The fridge has an inconsistent temperature. If the temperature fluctuates, the food inside might spoil or freeze.
• The compressor is frequently cycling. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the refrigerator to excessively cool, which can make the compressor run more often. This can also increase energy consumption.

Read more: How to clean and maintain your refrigerator’s water dispenser

What you’ll need

• Replacement cold control kit (make sure it’s compatible with your specific model before installing)
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver

Read more: How To Deep Clean Your Refrigerator

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 appliance 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.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• 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.
• 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 see and access appliance 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 appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• 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.

Read more: What Temperature Should A Refrigerator Be Set To?

How to replace the cold control

Follow these steps to swap out the cold control in your GE refrigerator.

1. Unplug the fridge and shut off the water supply going to it.
2. Open the fresh food compartment door. Find the control panel at the top of the compartment that houses the cold control you’ll be replacing.
3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the control panel. There should be one on each side.
4. Press the release clips on the left and right side and lower the control panel.
5. Detach the wiring plug by pressing the locking tabs and pulling it apart.
6. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the cold control knob. Set this aside so you can reattach it later.
7. Turn the control panel over to access the back.
8. Use the flathead screwdriver to detach the sensor tube and wiring from the old cold control unit.
9. Slide the protective tube off of the sensor bulb.
10. Remove the old cold control from the fridge.
11. Take the new cold control from the kit. Straighten out the sensor bulb and slide the protective tube back over it.
12. Insert the new cold control into the two mounting brackets on the control panel. You may need to slightly bend the sensor tube to get it in the right position.
13. Reattach the connector wires to the cold control. It doesn’t matter what order you reconnect them in.
14. Reattach the ground wire.
15. Make sure the sensor tube fits into the correct channels and grooves on the control panel.
16. Replace any insulating foam as needed.
17. Press the control knob back onto the cold control shaft in the correct orientation – flat side down.
18. Carefully lift the control panel into place.
19. Make sure the drain tube at the back slides into the proper opening.
20. Press the panel so the side clips snap into place.
21. Replace the two Phillips screws.
22. Open both fridge doors.
23. Remove any shelves as needed so you can access the back.
24. Find the air tower, which clips into place in several locations. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it loose.
25. Install the included damper and then re-install the air tower, starting with the top clips.
26. Slide any shelves that you removed back into place. Make sure the locking tabs fit into the tracks correctly.
27. Plug the refrigerator back in and reconnect the water supply.
28. Adjust the temperature as needed with the new cold control.
29. Monitor the fridge with an independent thermometer over the next few hours to make sure it cools correctly.

Read more: How To Keep Food Fresh When Your Refrigerator Fails

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the cold control in your GE fridge.

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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