How to replace thermostat WPW10511937 on a Whirlpool refrigerator

Is your refrigerator not cooling effectively, or ignoring your temperature adjustments? A faulty thermostat might be to blame, but don’t worry, replacing it is easier than you might think. With our step-by-step guide and a handy how-to video just below, you’ll have your Whirlpool refrigerator back to optimal performance in no time.

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 WPW10511937 is responsible for regulating the temperature inside the fridge and freezer compartments, allowing your refrigerator to maintain the desired cooling levels. Common signs that indicate the need for replacement include frozen food, irregular temperatures, and the fridge failing to cool properly. 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 Replace: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Refrigerator Thermostat WPW10511937

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

Replacement steps

Step 1: Disassembly and removal

1. Begin by opening the fresh food section door of your refrigerator.
2. Locate the cover box at the top of the fresh food section.
3. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the screw holding the safety cover in place.
4. Once the screw is out, gently drop down the cover and pull it slightly forward to free it from the locking tabs at the back.
5. At the back of the control panel, find the easy-to-access tab that holds the plug in place.
6. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry it out gently, allowing you to disconnect the plug.
7. Free the sensor bulb from the three clips holding it in place.
8. Carefully pry out the clips using a flathead screwdriver.
9. Remove the control panel assembly and take it to a work surface for easier access.
10. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the thermostat knob and set it aside.
11. Pull the thermostat straight up to free it from the side brackets.
12. Disconnect the contact wires: pry off the contact and the ground wire using the flathead screwdriver.
13. Carefully straighten the sensor tube and slide off the tube shield.

Step 2: Installation and reassembly

1. Unwrap the sensor bulb of the new thermostat and straighten it out.
2. Slide the tube shield onto the sensor bulb.
3. Ensure the tip of the bulb is properly positioned within the tube shield.
4. Connect the ground wire and the two contact wires (it doesn’t matter which goes where).
5. Slide the new thermostat into place, ensuring it fits into the brackets.
6. Place the knob back onto the thermostat.
7. Place the sensor tube into the groove cutout and push it in until it locks.
8. Bring the assembly back up to plug it in, ensuring the locking tab at the back is engaged.
9. Slide the cover into place over the two pins and secure it with the quarter-inch screw using the nut driver.
10. Bend the sensor tube and lock it into the three clips you previously removed.
11. Ensure it clicks into place securely.
12. Close the refrigerator door.
13. Plug the refrigerator back in and check to make sure it is cooling properly.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the thermostat WPW10511937 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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