How to replace thermostat WP2204605 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.

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The thermostat in a Whirlpool refrigerator automatically controls and maintains the set temperature by cycling the compressor on and off. If your refrigerator stops cooling at random intervals or fails to respond when adjusting the control knob, it may indicate a faulty thermostat that needs to be replaced. This repair is relatively straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete. By following the instructions outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to replace the thermostat and restore cooling.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Thermostat WP2204605

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

• 1/4″ nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Pliers

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 refrigerator door.
2. Lift up slightly on the upper shelf and remove it from the refrigerator.
3. Pull off the control knob. 
4. Locate the hole at the bottom front portion of the control console. Use a nut driver to remove the screw in the hole.
5. Slowly lower the control console and release the rear hooks by lifting them out.
6. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to open the side tabs and disconnect the two harness plugs.
7. Work the plastic deflector out through the cutout at the back of the console and take the assembly to a worktable.
8. Lift up the thermostat and use a flat-blade screwdriver to remove the ground wire and both power wires from the terminals.
9. Take the sensor bulb out of the little channel and remove the entire thermostat.
10. Remove the plastic tube from the old thermostat and uncoil the new thermostat sensor.
11. Slide the plastic tube onto the new thermostat sensor.
12. Using pliers, bend the ground terminal 90 degrees.
13. Lock the end of the tube into the channel and connect the two power wires to the thermostat terminals. The order of connection is not important.
14. Connect the ground wire to the small terminal.
15. Seat the thermostat in place.
16. Insert the deflector into the opening at the back, being careful not to force it.
17. Connect both plugs.
18. Hook up the rear hooks and secure the console with the single screw.
19. Install the control knob back onto the console.
20. Reinstall the upper shelf in the refrigerator.
21. Close the refrigerator door. Plug the refrigerator back in and check that it is cooling properly. 

Additional information

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

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