Kenmore / Sears Defrost Thermostat, Sensor

The Defrost Thermostat is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. The thermostat monitors the temperature of the evaporator coil and signals the defrost heater to turn on or off to prevent frost buildup, ensuring efficient cooling.

Causes of a bad defrost thermostat can include wear and tear over time, exposure to extreme temperatures, or electrical malfunctions.  

Symptoms of a bad defrost thermostat include:

• Excessive frost buildup in the freezer
• The refrigerator not maintaining the correct temperature
• The defrost heater not activating
• The refrigerator running continuously or not running at all

This OEM part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.

This defrost thermostat controls power to the defrost heater by sensing the evaporator's temperature. Replacing a failed thermostat helps stop heavy frost build-up and supports consistent cooling and airflow in your refrigerator and freezer.

• Monitors evaporator coil temperature during the defrost cycle
• Opens to shut off the defrost heater at a safe temperature; closes again when cold to allow the next defrost
• Failure symptoms can include heavy frost/ice on the back wall or evaporator
• May lead to reduced airflow, poor cooling, or the fresh food section warming after several days

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear cut-resistant gloves
• Access by removing the freezer's rear panel to reach the evaporator area; defrost any heavy ice to avoid damage
• Position the thermostat in the same spot on the evaporator tubing; ensure firm contact and route wiring as originally secured, away from sharp edges and the heater
• Reassemble panels, restore power, and observe for proper defrosting over the next cycles

The Defrost Thermostat is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. This thermostat monitors the temperature of the evaporator coil and activates the defrost heater to melt any frost that has accumulated. This process ensures efficient cooling and prevents ice build-up in the freezer.

You should replace the defrost thermostat if it becomes faulty or damaged. Causes of a bad defrost thermostat can include regular wear and tear, electrical issues, or exposure to extreme temperatures that can lead to malfunctioning.

Symptoms of a bad defrost thermostat include:

• Frost build-up in the freezer
• The refrigerator running constantly or not cooling properly
• Water leaks inside the refrigerator
• The defrost heater not activating

This OEM part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.

The Defrost Thermostat is an OEM replacement part for Frigidaire upright freezers. It is a temperature-sensing device that monitors coil temperatures, triggering the automatic defrost cycle to safely melt frost buildup obstructing airflow. Located near refrigerator coils, the defrost thermostat optimizes energy-efficient defrosting.

Causes often relate to regular exposure to fluctuating interior freezer temperatures over extended periods. Impacts compromising calibration can also force early replacement.

Symptoms involve:

• Excessive ice accumulation hinders air circulation and cooling power
• The inability of the unit to maintain a frost-free interior environment
• Higher utility costs from the refrigerator constantly fight accumulation

This Frigidaire OEM replacement part fits upright models by Electrolux, Gibson, and some Kenmore models.

The Defrost Thermostat is an OEM part for GE refrigerators. This component monitors the evaporator temperature. It activates warming to defrost the evaporator once the temperature reaches a certain point.

Over time, the defrost thermostat can fail due to electrical issues, exposure to fluctuating temperatures, or general wear and tear. A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to excessive frost buildup, affecting the refrigerator’s cooling efficiency.

Symptoms of a bad defrost thermostat include:

• Excessive frost buildup in the freezer
• The refrigerator or freezer not maintaining the correct temperature
• Water leaks inside the refrigerator
• The defrost heater not activating during the defrost cycle

This GE replacement part is also compatible with Hotpoint, RCA, and some Kenmore models.

Open - 55, close - 35

This defrost thermostat monitors the evaporator coil temperature and opens the circuit to end the defrost cycle once the coil warms. Replacing a failed thermostat restores automatic defrost to prevent heavy frost buildup and maintain consistent cooling performance. What it does and common signs it's needed:

• Senses evaporator temperature to control the defrost heater: closes when cold, opens when warm to terminate defrost
• Helps protect the freezer liner and components from overheating during defrost
• Heavy frost or ice behind the rear freezer panel/evaporator cover
• Poor cooling or temperature fluctuations due to airflow blocked by frost; defrost heater not energizing

• 1 defrost thermostat

• Disconnect power before servicing
• Remove the freezer's rear interior panel to access the evaporator; defrost any ice as needed
• Mount the new thermostat firmly against the same evaporator tube location/orientation as the original for accurate sensing
• Reconnect wiring, route away from the heater and moving parts, reassemble, and restore power

Open - 60, close - 40

This defrost thermostat is a clip-on, bi-metal safety control for the freezer evaporator. Replacing a failed thermostat restores proper automatic defrost, helping prevent heavy frost buildup and temperature swings in the fresh food section.

• Monitors evaporator coil temperature and opens the defrost circuit when the coil warms to the cutoff point
• Helps prevent excessive frost that restricts airflow and reduces cooling performance
• Common failure symptoms: persistent frost on the evaporator, poor cooling/warm fridge, unit running longer than normal, or defrost heater staying on too long
• Mounts on the evaporator tubing; closes when cold and opens as the coil warms during defrost

• Disconnect power before servicing; use proper PPE
• Access the evaporator by removing the rear freezer panel
• Note wiring positions; make secure, insulated connections per appliance service guidelines
• Clip the thermostat firmly to the same coil location/orientation for accurate sensing and reassemble panels before restoring power

THERMISTOR ASSEMBLY,PTC

This is the round bimetal defrost thermostat used in many refrigerators. It protects the evaporator from icing by opening and closing based on coil temperature, helping ensure consistent defrost cycles and reliable cooling performance.

• Monitors evaporator coil temperature to start/stop the defrost heater
• Opens on temperature rise to prevent overheating during defrost
• Can help if the freezer ices up, fresh food warms, or defrosts are inconsistent
• Often checked when the unit won't defrost or shows heavy frost on the evaporator

• Unplug the refrigerator before servicing; defrost and access the evaporator area
• Mount thermostat to the evaporator tubing in the same location/orientation as original
• Use proper wire connections and route harness away from moving/hot parts
• After installation, verify defrost operation and check for air leaks or failed fans/heaters

This freezer wire harness links the refrigerator's control system to components inside the freezer compartment. Replacing a compromised harness restores reliable electrical connections and can resolve intermittent or dead freezer functions caused by burned, broken, or corroded wiring.

• Routes power and signals between the control system and freezer components
• Supports proper operation of devices such as the evaporator fan, defrost circuit, lighting, or icemaker
• Replaces cut, heat-damaged, or brittle wiring and loose/oxidized connectors
• Typical symptoms: intermittent cooling, components not running, or visible burned/melted connectors

• Disconnect power to the refrigerator before servicing
• Photograph routing and connections; move wires over one-by-one to the new harness
• Seat connectors fully until locking tabs engage; avoid forcing pins
• Route through original clips/grommets and keep clear of sharp edges, hot surfaces, and moving parts

This refrigerator defrost thermostat monitors the evaporator temperature and shuts the defrost heater off once the ice has melted. Replacing a failed thermostat restores automatic defrost, reducing frost buildup and helping maintain steady, reliable cooling.

• Senses evaporator coil temperature during defrost cycles
• Opens to terminate the heater when the coil warms; closes when cold for the next cycle
• Helps prevent overheating during defrost and ice accumulation on the evaporator
• Helps if you notice heavy frost on the back wall/evaporator, poor airflow, warming temps, or prolonged/absent defrost cycles

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear appropriate safety gear
• Access the evaporator behind the freezer's rear panel; clear ice as needed
• Mount the thermostat in the same position on the evaporator tubing and make secure, insulated wire connections; route wires away from sharp edges and heat sources
• Restore power and monitor the next defrost cycle for proper operation

The Thermistor is an OEM Replacement Part that maintains the temperature inside your Frigidaire refrigerator. This thermistor handles reading the internal temperature. After reading, it transmits this information to the control system. At a temperature of 29 degrees, the thermistor should exhibit a resistance of about 35k ohms. While at room temperature, it should read approximately 5k ohms.

Causes of a bad thermistor can include regular wear and tear, exposure to moisture, or electrical issues. Over time, the thermistor may become less accurate or stop working altogether.

Symptoms of a bad thermistor include:

• Inconsistent or incorrect temperature readings
• The refrigerator being too warm or too cold
• The cooling system running continuously or not at all
• Error codes related to temperature control

This OEM replacement is also compatible with Electrolux, Gibson, Kelvinator, and Kenmore models.

This freezer thermistor is the sensor that reports compartment temperature to the control system. Replacing a faulty sensor restores accurate temperature feedback and normal cycling so the freezer maintains consistent, food-safe temperatures.

• Monitors freezer temperature and sends a resistance signal to the control
• Helps regulate compressor and evaporator fan operation for stable cooling
• Failure can cause temperatures that are too warm or too cold
• May lead to long run times, short cycling, or erratic temperature displays/alarms

• Disconnect power before servicing
• Access the sensor in the freezer and note its original routing and position
• Install the new sensor in the same location; route wires along the factory path and ensure a secure connection
• Restore power and allow up to 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize

This replacement temperature sensor measures the compartment temperature and reports it to the control board, helping your refrigerator maintain consistent cooling. Replace a failing sensor to restore accurate temperature readings and dependable performance.

• Monitors refrigerator/freezer temperature and relays data to the control
• Helps the system regulate compressor and fan operation for steady cooling
• A failing sensor can cause temperatures that are too warm or too cold
• May lead to extended run times, short cycling, or erratic cooling

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear cut-resistant gloves.
• Location varies by model; commonly clipped to the evaporator or mounted in an air duct/liner.
• Match the connector, route wiring along the factory path, and secure the probe in its original position.
• Restore power and allow up to 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.