How to replace Whirlpool, KitchenAid or Maytag refrigerator thermistor WPW10384183

Is your refrigerator failing to keep your food fresh because of unpredictable temperature swings? A faulty thermistor could be the culprit, leaving your fridge unable to regulate its internal climate. Dive into our step-by-step guide and watch our how-to video below to seamlessly replace this small but mighty component and restore your fridge to peak performance.

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

The thermistor is a small part inside your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag refrigerator that helps regulate the internal temperature. It monitors the temperature in the fresh food compartment and sends this information to the control board so the compressor run times can be adjusted accordingly. If the thermistor fails, it can lead to fluctuations in temperature that can cause your food to spoil.

If you need a replacement thermistor for your refrigerator, you can use your model number to find what you need at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your appliance yourself.

Watch the full repair here!

Symptoms of a faulty thermistor

Here are some common symptoms your fridge may display if it has a bad thermistor:

• The refrigerator or freezer is too warm or too cold
• Inconsistent temperature in the refrigerator
• The refrigerator runs continuously without cycling off
• There is an error code displayed on the refrigerator’s control panel related to temperature regulation
• The refrigerator doesn’t start the cooling cycle despite being at a higher temperature than the set temperature

What you need

• Flathead screwdriver
• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers
• Utility knife
• Pliers or crimping tool
• Heat gun
• Heat shrink tubing
• Butt connectors
• Replacement thermistor (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)

Read more: Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?

How to replace the thermistor

Follow these steps to replace the thermistor in your Whirlpool, KitchenAid or Maytag refrigerator.

Step 1: Access the thermistor

1. Turn off the fridge and unplug it from the power outlet.
2. Remove the cover plate on the left side of the fresh food compartment ceiling near the control panel.
3. Open the fridge door and find the plate. Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the plate off.
4. Find the thermistor sensor behind the opening.
5. In most cases, there’s a plug connector you’ll need to detach the old thermistor. If it’s hardwired, you may need to cut the wires in the next step.

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

Step 2: Prep the wires & remove the old thermistor

1. If your refrigerator’s thermistor is directly wired (without a plug connector), use a utility knife to carefully cut through the insulation surrounding the wires that are attached to the old thermistor. Proceed with caution to avoid damaging the wires.
2. Use wire cutters to snip the wire itself. Leave at least 1/2 an inch of wire protruding from the wall or compartment side so you can connect the new thermistor.
3. With the old thermistor removed, use the utility knife again to strip approximately 1/4-inch of insulation from the ends of the cut wires. Be very careful here to prevent cutting or nicking the wires.

Step 3: Prep the new thermistor

1. Prepare the wires connected to the new replacement thermistor by stripping away 1/4 inch of insulation from each end. Use wire strippers to do this to avoid damaging the wires.
2. Slide a butt connector onto each exposed wire end. Make sure the connectors fully encase the bare copper for a secure fit.
3. Use pliers or a crimping tool to firmly clamp down on the metal seam of each butt connector to secure the wires inside.
4. Conduct a gentle pull test on each connector to make sure the wires are securely attached.

Pro tip: Apply heat shrink tubing

Make your splices last by covering them with heat shrink!

NOTE: Do not overheat the shrink tubing or wires when using the heat gun!

1. Cut small pieces of heat shrink tubing and slide one over each butt connector.
2. Use a heat gun to carefully apply heat until the tubing shrinks down and seals the joints. This insulates and protects the connections while reinforcing the cable. Apply heat slowly and from a distance until it molds.

Read more: How To Deep Clean Your Refrigerator

Step 4: Install the new thermistor

Now you can mount the new thermistor.

1. Find the plastic 4-prong housing inside the refrigerator compartment.
2. Carefully insert the thermistor and make sure the wires extend down through the opening.
3. Rotate the base clockwise until it locks into place.
4. Replace the cover plate.
5. Close the refrigerator and plug it back in.
6. Give the refrigerator some time to return to the proper temperature. You can use an independent thermometer to double-check the temperature.

FAQs

Q: How can I extend the life of my refrigerator after a repair?

A: Regular maintenance can extend the life of your refrigerator and help you get the most out of replacement parts. This includes cleaning the coils, checking the door seals, and keeping the fridge and freezer at the recommended temperature. Addressing any issues promptly can also prevent more significant problems down the road.

Q: What should I do with my food if my refrigerator needs to be turned off for repair?

A: Most repairs won’t take longer than an hour or two, which is the maximum amount of time that most food and medicine is safe at room temperature. During shelf or drawer repairs, you may need to remove foods from your fridge. Always try to keep the repair time short by reviewing instructions before you get started, and have coolers with ice prepared nearby to keep perishable food cold. If you expect a longer repair time, consider moving perishables to another working refrigerator.

Q: How do I clean the condenser coils on my refrigerator, and how often should I do it?

A: Unplug the refrigerator, find the condenser coils (which are usually at the back or beneath the fridge), and use a coil brush or vacuum to remove all dust and debris. You should clean the coils at least once a year so your refrigerator stays in good working condition.

Q: What temperature should the refrigerator be?

A: The recommended temperature for a refrigerator is between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 3 degrees Celsius). This range keeps perishable foods fresh and prevents bacterial growth. For a freezer, the ideal temperature is around 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius).

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common fridge problems here.

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