How to replace the temperature sensor on a Whirlpool refrigerator

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator struggling to keep things cool? A faulty temperature sensor might be the culprit, but there’s no need to panic. With just a few basic tools and our step-by-step guide, you can replace it quickly and easily—plus, there’s a handy how-to video waiting for you just below to make the repair even simpler!

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

The temperature sensor on a Whirlpool refrigerator helps maintain the desired temperature inside the refrigerator compartments by relaying resistance values to the main control board. Over time, the temperature sensor may become faulty, resulting in inaccurate temperature readings or improper cooling. 

The good news is that replacing the temperature sensor is a relatively straightforward repair that can be accomplished with basic tools and should only take a few minutes of your time. By following the instructions provided in this guide, you’ll be able to replace the temperature sensor and restore temperature control to your Whirlpool refrigerator.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHoM453r0GM

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.

What you’ll need

• Flathead screwdriver 
• Utility knife
• Wire stripper

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.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• 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.
• 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 insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 

Replacement steps

1. Open the fresh food door of the refrigerator and locate the cover box that houses the temperature sensor on the wall of the cabinet.
2. To gain easier access to the temperature sensor, remove the shelf that is positioned above the cover box. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the slot at the back of the shelf where the locking tab is located, and gently pull out on one side to remove the shelf.
3. Once the shelf is removed, you will have clear access to the temperature sensor inside the cover box.
4. Cut the old temperature sensor off the harness using wire strippers. Cut it close to the sensor.
5. Spread the wires of the old temperature sensor using a utility knife. Cut the wires to separate them from each other.
6. Strip the ends of the wires using wire strippers.
7. Take the new temperature sensor and strip the end of its wire using wire strippers.
8. Connect the wires of the new temperature sensor to the corresponding wires of the refrigerator. There are two black wires and two white wires, and the order does not matter. 
9. Place the connector on the wires and use a crimper to secure the connection. Repeat this step for each pair of wires.
10. Place the temperature sensor and its wires inside the cover box. Make sure the sensor is secure.
11. Insert the clip provided with the new temperature sensor and lock it into place.
12. Replace the shelf above the cover by placing it back in its original position.
13. Close the fresh food door. Plug the fridge back in to restore power and allow it to start cooling.

Congratulations on completing the repair!  

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the temperature sensor 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.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!