Repairing Guides

how to repair fridge thermostat

by Heidi Baumbach Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Instructions

  • Remove the control knob. Pull the control knob straight off the front of the the temperature control thermostat and set it aside.
  • Detach the control housing. Remove the screws that secure the control housing to the top of the refrigerator compartment. ...
  • Insert the new temperature control thermostat into the bracket. Properly position the temperature control thermostat and the sensing tube in the control housing and push it into the brackets.
  • Reinstall the control knob. Position the control knob on the front of the stem properly and push it onto the stem completely.
  • Restore electrical power. Plug in the refrigerator or turn on the house circuit breaker to restore power. Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous.

Part of a video titled How to Change a Fridge Thermostat - YouTube
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Start by gently leaving the control knob off the thermostat shaft and undoing any nuts holding theMoreStart by gently leaving the control knob off the thermostat shaft and undoing any nuts holding the shaft in place then remove any of the screws that are holding the assembly onto the wall.

Full Answer

How to replace the thermostat in a refrigerator?

If the thermostat is around an evaporator tube then you should take care when removing as this may cause damage. Once you have gone through all the steps, install the new replacement thermostat into the refrigerator in the same place as the old one. Ensure that you screw it into place and reconnect all the wires.

What causes a thermostat to fail on a refrigerator?

A refrigerator thermostat may fail if the gas in the capillary tube depletes. It is a mechanical fault that requires you to replace the thermostat. Another possible cause of a failed refrigerator thermostat is loss of connection or damage to the connectors between the thermostat and the refrigerator.

Can a broken thermostat be repaired?

This is a fairly simple repair, one that anyone can do with nimble fingers and a screwdriver. Of course, you’ll want to gather your tools before you begin so that you are ready to tackle each step of the repair as it comes. The most important part of this repair is the replacement control thermostat.

Where is the thermostat on a whirlpool refrigerator?

For the majority of refrigerators where they have a freezer on the top level, the thermostat will be right at the back of the fridge or on the roof of the fridge underneath the freezer panel. If you have a refrigerator that is next to the freezer then the thermostat should be found at the back of the freezer.

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How do I know if my fridge thermostat is broken?

Here are some signs that your fridge has a faulty thermostat and some troubleshooting tips to help you deal with them.The Refrigerator Is Not Cool Enough.Unusually Cold Refrigerator.Refrigerator Temperature Fluctuation.Sub-Zero Refrigerator Temperature Troubleshooting Tips.Contact Wilshire Refrigeration.

Can refrigerator work without thermostat?

You can run a fridge without a thermostat. A thermostat is just an on/off switch for the compressor. When the temp reaches the point that you set it at, it goes one. Generally, it goes off 2 to 3 degrees below that point.

How do you reset the thermostat on a refrigerator?

1:132:36Refrigerator Troubleshooting, Hard Reset, and Liquid Temperature ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplugMoreIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplug your unit from the wall for 30 to 45. Minutes then plug the unit back in this will reset the unit.

How much does it cost to replace a thermostat in a fridge?

$100 - $440What Are Common Refrigerator Repair Costs?RepairAverage CostThermostat replacement$100 - $440Coils replacement$100 - $440Door seal replacement$50 - $440Drip pan replacement$50 - $2003 more rows•Apr 27, 2022

How do you bypass a fridge thermostat?

How to Bypass the Thermostat for a Refrigerator That Is Not...Open the refrigerator door to dial the built-in thermostat control to the coldest setting.Unplug the refrigerator power cord from the wall outlet and plug in the cord to the socket on the back of the external thermostat.More items...

Why does my fridge keep getting warm?

Refrigerator Is Too Full If there are too many items in your fresh food compartment, that cold air may not circulate properly, resulting in a refrigerator that's warm. It's fairly common for a refrigerator to feel warm if it's overstuffed, and this problem is obviously easy to resolve.

How do you know a thermostat is bad?

7 Ways to Tell Your Thermostat Is BrokenThermostat Has No Power. ... AC or Furnace Won't Turn On. ... Heater or AC Won't Turn Off. ... Thermostat Doesn't Match Room Temperature. ... Thermostat Doesn't Respond. ... Short Cycling. ... Thermostat Forgets Programmed Settings.

Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

The most common reason why a refrigerator is not cooling is a problem with the evaporator coils. Over time, evaporator coils can become covered with ice, which prevents the coils from working properly. If the coils are covered in ice, the ice will need to be defrosted to fix the problem.

Does unplugging a fridge reset it?

Yes, unplugging the refrigerator will reset the appliance, provided you leave the refrigerator unplugged and undisturbed for 45 to 50 minutes. When the refrigerator is unplugged, do not open the doors.

Is it cheaper to fix a fridge or buy a new one?

Typically, most refrigerator repairs will cost less than buying a new one. The rule of thumb is that if the cost of repairs is more than half the cost of purchasing a new refrigerator, you may be better off replacing it.

How do you test a fridge thermostat?

1:373:20No Cool Refrigerator - How to test the Thermostat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition then the thermostat is probably bad especially if your refrigerators warm one quick way toMorePosition then the thermostat is probably bad especially if your refrigerators warm one quick way to test that is. You can take a piece of wire or whatever whatever you want to manufacture.

Is it worth fixing a fridge?

Two good rules of thumb to keep in mind are that if repairing your fridge costs less than half the price of buying a new one, it's generally worth making those repairs.

What is the function of thermostat in a refrigerator?

The thermostat controls the cooling process by monitoring the temperature and then switching the compressor on and off. When the sensor senses that it's cold enough inside a refrigerator, it turns off the compressor. If it senses too much heat, it switches the compressor on and begins the cooling process again.

How do you bypass a thermostat on a freezer?

0:160:52How to bypass freezer thermostat or troubleshoot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you think your thermostat's at fault all you need to do is take those two wires. Couple themMoreIf you think your thermostat's at fault all you need to do is take those two wires. Couple them together if your freezer kicks up that means your thermostat is faulty.

Does the fridge thermostat control the freezer?

This control does not actually control the cold—it controls the air that circulates between the freezer and the refrigerator. Fortunately, most manufacturers label the two controls with a suggested normal setting. With a new refrigerator, the recommended settings are the place to start.

Do all refrigerators have a thermostat?

A refrigerator thermostat/cold control is basically the brains of the refrigerator cooling system—it runs the show. Thermostats are typically found inside the refrigerator and have a knob that allows users to adjust the temperature setting.

How long does it take to replace a thermostat on a refrigerator?

This guide will walk you step-by-step through replacing the temperature control thermostat of your refrigerator in less than 30 minutes.

How to restore power to refrigerator?

Plug your refrigerator back into the wall or flip the breaker switch back on to restore power . Return Highly Perishable Items. Empty your emergency cooler or retrieve your highly perishable items from the freezer compartment and return them to the fridge. Set the Temperature.

How to remove a thermostat from a sleeve?

Remove the Thermostat. Carefully pull the thermostat out of its bracket or catch the thermostat as it falls, depending on how loosely it is held. Remove the Sensing Tube – Save the Sleeve. Now remove the sensing tube by opening it’s brackets and pulling it out or catching it.

How to check temperature of refrigerator?

Place a Thermometer in the Fridge. Place a fridge-safe thermometer into the refrigerator near the temperature control panel. Wait an Hour. Give your fridge at least an hour to reach its optimal temperature, then check back.

What happens when your fridge stops cooling?

Maybe you like it almost-icy, maybe you like your fridge a little warm. But when the fridge stops obeying your preferences or, starts cooling irregularly, there’s a problem.

What Is a Refrigerator Thermostat?

A refrigerator thermostat is the part of the refrigerator that controls the internal temperature. You turn the thermostat’s knob to the setting you want, and the refrigerator begins to cool. It helps the refrigerator maintain a cool temperature for an extended period by its control of the electric power which the compressor receives.

How a Refrigerator Thermostat Works

A refrigerator thermostat keeps an eye on the internal temperature, turning the compressor off and on as needed. It does this task by cutting off the electricity flow to the compressor and other parts of the cooling system.

Adjusting a Refrigerator Thermostat – Steps

To adjust the thermostat in your refrigerator, take the following steps:

Re-calibrating a Refrigerator Thermostat

Locate the thermostat inside the refrigerator and disconnect its wires. Pull it down from the temperature control housing and find the two adjustment screws in front of it. The location of the screws may vary by refrigerator model, but you will find them on the thermostat.

Refrigerator Thermostat Bypass – Steps

To bypass the thermostat in your refrigerator, especially when it is not cooling, do the following:

Refrigerator Thermostat Clicking – What to Do

The refrigerator may have a faulty relay on the adaptive defrost control. It is the device that supplies power to the compressor, controlling how much of it the compressor gets each time. The issue is that you may have a hard time replacing it yourself, so you may need the services of a qualified technician to do the job.

What Causes a Refrigerator Thermostat to Fail?

A refrigerator thermostat may fail if the gas in the capillary tube depletes. It is a mechanical fault that requires you to replace the thermostat. Another possible cause of a failed refrigerator thermostat is loss of connection or damage to the connectors between the thermostat and the refrigerator.

Do a Thermostat Test First

If your fridge is not cooling like you think it should, chances are it is the thermostat that has gone bad. To be sure, you should do a thermostat test. All this test entails is having you set the fridge temperature to a level that is about 10 degrees cooler than the current reading.

How to Replace the Fridge Thermostat

Now that you have done the test, you move onto the replacement stage. Make sure to use the model number of the thermostat to find and buy a replacement part. Then have it next to your tools for when it is time to insert it into position.

Where is the thermostat located on a refrigerator?

If you have a refrigerator that is next to the freezer then the thermostat should be found at the back of the freezer.

What to do if your refrigerator is not cooling?

If you discover that your refrigerator is not getting cool enough or not cooling down at all, one possible solution is to replace your thermostat. If you wish to test the refrigerator thermostat to make sure whether it is working or not, change the refrigerator temperature to something a bit cooler than normal.

Can you take a thermostat out of a refrigerator?

Once you’ve removed any remaining screws or clips holding it in place, you are now in a position to take the old faulty thermostat out of the refrigerator. If the thermostat is around an evaporator tube then you should take care when removing as this may cause damage.

Step 1: Examining the Thermostat

The Thermostat is inside the temperature adjustment box - I pulled off the box by hand. The Thermostat contains an expanding copper pipe contraption, this pushed against a spring loaded metal plate. As the pipe contraption warms, it expands against the metal plate and turns the fride on, as it cools the springs push the plate and the fride turns off. There are a couple of screws that adjust the springs tensions, thus adjusting the temperature that that fridge starts up and turns off..

Step 2: Adjusting the Bite Point

It turns out the the plslate was moving correctly to turn off the fridge, but when moved to its most open position the fridge did not turn on. This suggested a sticky switch, or that something had worn away on the plate not allowing the plate to quite turn the fridge on. It turns out that a tiny set screw on the side adjusts the bite point of the plate operated switch, adjusting this resulted in the fridge working 100%.

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