Temperature Sensor, Thermistor Sensor, NTC Thermistor

WPW11438736, AP6885526, PS12728891, EAP12728891, W10316760, W10384183, W10882923, W10838413, W10316760A

Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Kenmore

WhirlpoolWRF555SDFZ00, WRF555SDFZ01, WRF555SDFZ02, WRF555SDFZ03, WRF555SDHZ00, WRF555SDHZ01, WRF555SDHZ02, WRF555SDHZ03, WRF555SDHV00, WRF555SDHV01, WRF555SDHV02, WRF555SDHV03, WRF555SDHW00, WRF555SDHW01, WRF555SDHW02, WRF555SDHW03, WRF560SEYM00, WRF560SEYM01, WRF560SEYM02, WRF560SEYM03, WRF560SEHZ00, WRF560SEHZ01, WRF560SEHZ02, WRF560SEHZ03, WRF560SEHV00, WRF560SEHV01, WRF560SEHV02, WRF560SEHV03, WRF560SEHW00, WRF560SEHW01, WRF560SEHW02, WRF560SEHW03, WRF560SEYW00, WRF560SEYW01, WRF560SEYW02, WRF560SEYW03, WRF560SMHZ00, WRF560SMHZ01, WRF560SMHZ02, WRF560SMHZ03, WRF560SMHW00, WRF560SMHW01, WRF560SMHW02, WRF560SMHW03, WRF560SMHB00, WRF560SMHB01, WRF560SMHB02, WRF560SMHB03, WRF767SDHZ00, WRF767SDHZ01, WRF767SDHZ02, WRF767SDHZ03, WRF767SDHV00, WRF767SDHV01, WRF767SDHV02, WRF767SDHV03, WRF767SDHW00, WRF767SDHW01, WRF767SDHW02, WRF767SDHW03, WRF767SDHB00, WRF767SDHB01, WRF767SDHB02, WRF767SDHB03

KitchenAidKRFF507HPS00, KRFF507HPS01, KRFF507HPS02, KRFF507HPS03, KRFF507HBL00, KRFF507HBL01, KRFF507HBL02, KRFF507HBL03, KRFF507HWH00, KRFF507HWH01, KRFF507HWH02, KRFF507HWH03, KRFF507ESS00, KRFF507ESS01, KRFF507ESS02, KRFF507ESS03, KRFF577KPS00, KRFF577KPS01, KRFF577KPS02, KRFF577KPS03, KRFF577KBL00, KRFF577KBL01, KRFF577KBL02, KRFF577KBL03, KRFF577KWH00, KRFF577KWH01, KRFF577KWH02, KRFF577KWH03, KRFC704FPS00, KRFC704FPS01, KRFC704FPS02, KRFC704FPS03, KRFC704FBL00, KRFC704FBL01, KRFC704FBL02, KRFC704FBL03, KRFC704FWH00, KRFC704FWH01, KRFC704FWH02, KRFC704FWH03, KRFC704FSS00, KRFC704FSS01, KRFC704FSS02, KRFC704FSS03

MaytagMFT2776FEZ00, MFT2776FEZ01, MFT2776FEZ02, MFT2776FEZ03, MFT2776FEW00, MFT2776FEW01, MFT2776FEW02, MFT2776FEW03, MFT2776FEB00, MFT2776FEB01, MFT2776FEB02, MFT2776FEB03, MFT2776FEM00, MFT2776FEM01, MFT2776FEM02, MFT2776FEM03, MFF2558FEZ00, MFF2558FEZ01, MFF2558FEZ02, MFF2558FEZ03, MFF2558FEW00, MFF2558FEW01, MFF2558FEW02, MFF2558FEW03, MFF2558FEB00, MFF2558FEB01, MFF2558FEB02, MFF2558FEB03, MFF2558FEM00, MFF2558FEM01, MFF2558FEM02, MFF2558FEM03, MFI2570FEZ00, MFI2570FEZ01, MFI2570FEZ02, MFI2570FEZ03, MFI2570FEW00, MFI2570FEW01, MFI2570FEW02, MFI2570FEW03, MFI2570FEB00, MFI2570FEB01, MFI2570FEB02, MFI2570FEB03

Jenn-AirJFC2089BEM00, JFC2089BEM01, JFC2089BEM02, JFC2089BEM03, JFC2089BEP00, JFC2089BEP01, JFC2089BEP02, JFC2089BEP03, JFC2089BES00, JFC2089BES01, JFC2089BES02, JFC2089BES03, JFC2089HEM00, JFC2089HEM01, JFC2089HEM02, JFC2089HEM03, JFC2089HEP00, JFC2089HEP01, JFC2089HEP02, JFC2089HEP03, JFC2089HES00, JFC2089HES01, JFC2089HES02, JFC2089HES03, JFC2290REM00, JFC2290REM01, JFC2290REM02, JFC2290REM03, JFC2290REP00, JFC2290REP01, JFC2290REP02, JFC2290REP03, JFC2290RES00, JFC2290RES01, JFC2290RES02, JFC2290RES03

AmanaAFI2539ERM00, AFI2539ERM01, AFI2539ERM02, AFI2539ERM03, AFI2539ERW00, AFI2539ERW01, AFI2539ERW02, AFI2539ERW03, AFI2539ERB00, AFI2539ERB01, AFI2539ERB02, AFI2539ERB03, AFI2539ERS00, AFI2539ERS01, AFI2539ERS02, AFI2539ERS03, ASD2575BRW00, ASD2575BRW01, ASD2575BRW02, ASD2575BRW03, ASD2575BRB00, ASD2575BRB01, ASD2575BRB02, ASD2575BRB03, ASD2575BRS00, ASD2575BRS01, ASD2575BRS02, ASD2575BRS03

Kenmore795.72052.010, 795.72052.011, 795.72052.012, 795.72052.013, 795.72053.010, 795.72053.011, 795.72053.012, 795.72053.013, 795.72054.010, 795.72054.011, 795.72054.012, 795.72054.013, 795.73052.010, 795.73052.011, 795.73052.012, 795.73052.013, 795.73053.010, 795.73053.011, 795.73053.012, 795.73053.013, 795.73054.010, 795.73054.011, 795.73054.012, 795.73054.013, 795.74052.010, 795.74052.011, 795.74052.012, 795.74052.013, 795.74053.010, 795.74053.011, 795.74053.012, 795.74053.013

Professional Repair Time: 30-45 minutes
DIY Repair Time: 45-75 minutes
Difficulty Rating: Moderate (2.5/5) — Requires thermistor location, careful removal, and proper positioning; moderate mechanical skill recommended

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet to ensure complete power disconnection.
2. Empty the refrigerator or freezer compartment where the thermistor is located to provide access and prevent food spoilage during the repair.
3. Remove any shelves, bins, or drawers that block access to the thermistor location.
4. Take multiple photos of the thermistor location and wire connections before disassembly. This is critical for proper reassembly.
5. Locate the thermistor inside the refrigerator or freezer compartment. It's typically mounted on the evaporator cover, clipped to the air duct, or inserted into a grommet in the back wall. The thermistor appears as a small cylindrical sensor (about the size of a pencil eraser) with two wire leads.
6. Identify the thermistor mounting method. Some thermistors are clipped in place, some are inserted into grommets, and some are secured with a small bracket or screw.
7. For clip-mounted thermistors: Gently squeeze the clip and pull the thermistor out of its mounting location.
8. For grommet-mounted thermistors: Gently pull the thermistor straight out of the grommet. Do not twist or bend excessively.
9. For bracket-mounted thermistors: Remove the screw or clip that secures the bracket, then remove the thermistor.
10. Trace the thermistor wires to the wire harness connector. The connector is typically located behind the evaporator cover or inside the control housing.
11. For thermistors requiring evaporator cover removal: Remove the screws that secure the evaporator cover (typically 4-8 screws). Carefully pull the cover away to access the wire connector. Be careful not to damage the evaporator coils or defrost heater.
12. Disconnect the wire harness connector from the thermistor by carefully pulling the connector apart. Some connectors have locking tabs that must be released first by pressing or lifting the tab.
13. Label the connector with masking tape to identify its position for reassembly (though most thermistor connectors are keyed and can only connect one way).
14. Remove the old thermistor completely from the refrigerator.
15. Test the old thermistor with a multimeter (optional but recommended). Set the multimeter to resistance (ohms) mode. Touch the probes to the two thermistor wire leads. At room temperature (70°F/21°C), the thermistor should read approximately 10,000-15,000 ohms. Place the thermistor in ice water (32°F/0°C) and the resistance should increase to approximately 30,000-50,000 ohms. If resistance doesn't change with temperature or reads infinite (open circuit), the thermistor is faulty.
16. Inspect the thermistor mounting location for frost buildup, moisture, or damage. Clean the area with a dry cloth if necessary.
17. Inspect the wire connector for corrosion, bent pins, or damage. Clean corroded connectors with a small wire brush or replace damaged connectors before installing the new thermistor.
18. Unpack the new W11438736 thermistor from its packaging. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the sensor element or wire leads.
19. Compare the new thermistor to the old one to verify the sensor size, wire length, connector type, and overall appearance match. Ensure you have the correct replacement part.
20. Route the new thermistor wires through the same path as the old thermistor, ensuring wires are not pinched or kinked.
21. Install the new thermistor into the mounting location using the same method as the old thermistor (clip, grommet, or bracket).
22. For clip-mounted thermistors: Push the thermistor into the clip until it snaps securely in place.
23. For grommet-mounted thermistors: Push the thermistor straight into the grommet until it's fully seated. The thermistor should be snug but not forced.
24. For bracket-mounted thermistors: Position the thermistor in the bracket and secure with the screw or clip.
25. Verify the thermistor is positioned correctly and is in contact with the air flow or evaporator surface as designed. Proper positioning is critical for accurate temperature sensing.
26. Reconnect the wire harness connector to the new thermistor, ensuring it clicks into place. Match the connector to your label or photo.
27. Verify the connector is secure by gently tugging on it. It should not pull apart.
28. Reinstall the evaporator cover (if removed) by aligning it with the mounting holes and securing all screws. Ensure the cover seals properly to prevent air leaks.
29. Reinstall all shelves, bins, and drawers that were removed.
30. Plug the refrigerator back in and restore power.
31. Allow the refrigerator to run for 2-4 hours to stabilize temperatures before loading food back in.
32. Monitor the refrigerator temperature with a refrigerator thermometer. The refrigerator compartment should stabilize at 35-38°F (2-3°C) and the freezer compartment should stabilize at 0°F (-18°C).
33. Verify the compressor cycles on and off properly. The compressor should run for 15-30 minutes, then cycle off for 15-30 minutes to maintain temperature.
34. Verify the evaporator fan runs during compressor operation. You should hear a quiet fan noise when the compressor is running.
35. Check for error codes on the control panel. The display should show normal operation without temperature sensor fault codes.
36. If the refrigerator runs too warm, verify the thermistor is properly positioned and in contact with the air flow. A thermistor that's not in the air stream will not sense temperature accurately.
37. If the refrigerator runs too cold, verify the thermistor connector is fully seated and the thermistor is functioning properly. Test with a multimeter if necessary.
38. If the compressor runs continuously, the thermistor may not be sensing temperature correctly. Verify the thermistor is properly installed and the connector is secure.
39. If the compressor doesn't run at all, verify the thermistor connector is fully seated. Test the thermistor with a multimeter to verify it's functioning.
40. If error codes appear, note the code and consult the service manual for code definitions. Common codes include thermistor fault, sensor open circuit, or sensor short circuit.
41. If the refrigerator cycles erratically, the thermistor may be intermittently disconnecting. Verify the connector is fully seated and the thermistor wires are not damaged.
42. Monitor the refrigerator for 24-48 hours to ensure temperatures stabilize and remain consistent.
43. Load food back into the refrigerator once temperatures have stabilized for at least 4 hours.
44. Monitor food quality over the next week. Food should remain fresh in the refrigerator and frozen items should remain solid in the freezer.
45. If problems persist, the issue may be with the control board, compressor, evaporator fan, or another component. Further diagnosis may be required.

Safety Notes: Always unplug the refrigerator before working on it. Handle the thermistor carefully to avoid damaging the sensor element. Do not force the thermistor into its mounting location—it should fit snugly but not require excessive force. Ensure proper wire routing to prevent pinching or kinking. If you're uncomfortable working with refrigeration components, consult a professional technician.

Always test the old thermistor before replacing it. Thermistors are frequently misdiagnosed—temperature control problems can also be caused by a faulty compressor, evaporator fan failure, blocked air vents, dirty condenser coils, or faulty control board. Before replacing the thermistor, test it with a multimeter to verify it's actually faulty. At room temperature (70°F/21°C), resistance should be approximately 10,000-15,000 ohms. In ice water (32°F/0°C), resistance should increase to approximately 30,000-50,000 ohms. If resistance changes properly with temperature, the thermistor is good and the problem is elsewhere.

Verify proper thermistor positioning. The thermistor must be positioned in the air stream or in contact with the evaporator surface to sense temperature accurately. A thermistor that's not in the air flow will not sense temperature correctly, causing the refrigerator to run too warm or too cold. Verify the thermistor is positioned exactly as shown in your photos and the old thermistor was positioned.

Check for frost buildup around the thermistor. Excessive frost buildup around the thermistor can insulate it from the air stream and prevent accurate temperature sensing. If frost is present, verify the defrost cycle is functioning properly and clean any frost buildup before installing the new thermistor.

Inspect the evaporator coils for blockages. Blocked or dirty evaporator coils restrict air flow and can cause temperature control problems. If the coils appear dirty or blocked, clean them gently with a soft brush or vacuum. Proper air flow is essential for accurate thermistor sensing.

Verify the connector is fully seated. A loose or partially seated connector is a common cause of thermistor communication failure or erratic temperature control. After installation, verify the connector is fully seated by gently tugging on it—it should not pull apart. Check the connector periodically to ensure it remains tight.

This thermistor is model-specific. The W11438736 is designed for specific Whirlpool and affiliated brand refrigerators. Always verify your refrigerator model number matches one of the compatible models before ordering. Using an incorrect thermistor can result in non-fit or improper temperature sensing.

Monitor temperatures for 24-48 hours after installation. After installing the new thermistor, monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures with a thermometer for at least 24-48 hours to ensure proper stabilization. Temperatures should stabilize within 4-6 hours of installation. If temperatures don't stabilize or continue to fluctuate, there may be another problem with the refrigeration system.

Check the control board if the new thermistor doesn't solve the problem. If the new thermistor doesn't restore proper temperature control, the control board may be faulty. The control board reads thermistor signals and controls the compressor and evaporator fan. A faulty control board can cause temperature control problems even with a functioning thermistor.

Verify the compressor and evaporator fan are functioning. If the new thermistor doesn't solve the problem, the compressor or evaporator fan may be faulty. Listen for the compressor running and the evaporator fan running during compressor operation. If either component is not running, it may need replacement.

Keep the thermistor dry. Moisture intrusion is a common cause of thermistor failure. Ensure the thermistor is not exposed to excessive moisture or frost buildup. If frost buildup is present, verify the defrost cycle is functioning properly.

This is a temperature-sensitive component. Thermistors are precision sensors that must be handled carefully. Do not drop, bend, or apply excessive force to the thermistor. Handle it by the wire leads only, never by the sensor element.

If multiple temperature problems occur, check for air leaks. Blocked air vents, damaged door seals, or air leaks can cause temperature control problems that mimic thermistor failure. Verify the refrigerator door seals properly and all air vents are clear before concluding the thermistor is faulty.

• Refrigerator or freezer running too warm (food spoils or ice cream melts)
• Refrigerator or freezer running too cold (food freezes in refrigerator section)
• Compressor running continuously without cycling off
• Compressor not running at all
• Excessive frost buildup in freezer
• Error codes displayed on control panel (temperature sensor fault codes)
• Inconsistent temperature readings
• Refrigerator cycling on and off erratically
• Failure to maintain consistent temperatures
• Freezer too warm, refrigerator too cold (or vice versa)
• Defrost cycle not functioning properly
• Temperature fluctuates wildly throughout the day