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Fridge Running Too Warm, Freezing Food, or Won’t Cycle Off? Thermistor WPW10384183 – Fix Temperature Control Fast
If your Whirlpool, Maytag, or KitchenAid refrigerator is running too warm, freezing food in the fresh food compartment, or the compressor won’t cycle off, a failed thermistor is the most likely cause. In most Whirlpool-built refrigerators, the thermistor (NTC temperature sensor) continuously monitors air temperature inside the compartment and sends resistance readings to the electronic control board. When it fails — whether open, shorted, or drifted out of spec — the control board loses the ability to regulate temperature accurately: the compressor runs non-stop, the fridge overcools, or it can’t maintain setpoint at all. ⚡ One of the most common refrigerator repairs across the Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid lineup — fits 300+ models. Part WPW10384183 is the genuine OEM replacement that restores accurate temperature sensing and control, directly superseding W10384183, 2118228, AH3500720, EA3500720, and PS3500720 with no modification required.
❓ Is This the Right Part?
This is the correct fix if ALL of the following are true:
- ✔ Refrigerator has power and the compressor runs
- ✔ Condenser coils are clean and the condenser fan is running normally
- ✔ Evaporator is not blocked by ice buildup (defrost system is functioning)
- ✔ Multimeter test across the thermistor terminals shows OL (open) or 0Ω (short) at room temperature — not the expected ~5,000–8,000Ω
- ✔ ONLY problem is incorrect temperature — too warm, too cold, freezing food, or compressor running continuously without cycling off
Not sure? Send us your model number — we’ll confirm before you order.
🔧 Common Symptoms
- Refrigerator running too warm — food spoiling, drinks not cold — most common customer complaint
- Refrigerator freezing food in the fresh food compartment
- Compressor running continuously without cycling off
- Compressor cycling on and off rapidly (short cycling)
- Inconsistent or erratic temperature — swings between too warm and too cold
- Temperature display showing error codes or incorrect readings
✔ If these symptoms match, the thermistor is the most likely failed component in the system.
✔ In most cases, replacing the thermistor restores accurate temperature control immediately.
📦 Part Details
- Part Number: WPW10384183
- Type: NTC thermistor / air temperature sensor assembly — monitors compartment air temperature and sends resistance signal to the control board; includes sensor element, housing, wire leads, and connector
- Replaces: OEM direct-fit thermistor — supersedes W10384183, 2118228, AH3500720, EA3500720, PS3500720 (no modification required)
- Brands: Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Jenn-Air, Kenmore (Whirlpool-made), Inglis, IKEA
⚠️ Check for Ice Buildup Before Installing:
A clogged defrost drain or failed defrost heater causes ice to build up around the evaporator coil — which produces the exact same symptoms as a failed thermistor and will damage the new sensor if left unaddressed. Before installing the new thermistor, inspect the evaporator compartment for ice buildup and confirm the defrost system is functioning correctly.
A clogged defrost drain or failed defrost heater causes ice to build up around the evaporator coil — which produces the exact same symptoms as a failed thermistor and will damage the new sensor if left unaddressed. Before installing the new thermistor, inspect the evaporator compartment for ice buildup and confirm the defrost system is functioning correctly.
⚙️ Installation
Skill Level: MODERATE — 45 to 90 minutes. Unplug the refrigerator before starting — never work on a live appliance. The thermistor is located in the evaporator compartment behind the rear interior panel inside the freezer — remove all food and the rear panel to access it. Photograph the thermistor location, wire routing, and connector before disconnecting anything. The thermistor must be in firm thermal contact with its mounting surface — a loose sensor reads incorrect temperatures and the problem will persist. Press the release tab on the wire connector and grip the housing (not the wires) to disconnect. Install the new WPW10384183 in the same position and routing, reconnect the harness, reassemble the panel, restore power, and allow 24 hours for temperatures to fully stabilize before evaluating performance.
💡 Pro Tip
Test the Thermistor Before Ordering — 60 Seconds With a Multimeter:
Disconnect the thermistor connector and measure resistance across the two terminals. At room temperature (~70°F / 21°C) a good thermistor reads approximately 5,000–8,000Ω; in ice water (32°F / 0°C) it should climb to ~15,000–20,000Ω. A reading of OL (open circuit) or 0Ω (short) confirms the thermistor has failed. If resistance changes correctly with temperature, the thermistor is fine — suspect the control board or wiring harness instead. This 60-second test eliminates any doubt before you order and prevents a misdiagnosis on a part that can’t be returned once installed.
Disconnect the thermistor connector and measure resistance across the two terminals. At room temperature (~70°F / 21°C) a good thermistor reads approximately 5,000–8,000Ω; in ice water (32°F / 0°C) it should climb to ~15,000–20,000Ω. A reading of OL (open circuit) or 0Ω (short) confirms the thermistor has failed. If resistance changes correctly with temperature, the thermistor is fine — suspect the control board or wiring harness instead. This 60-second test eliminates any doubt before you order and prevents a misdiagnosis on a part that can’t be returned once installed.
🔗 Model Repair Pages
WRS311SDHB00, WRS311SDHM00, WRS311SDHW00, WRS315SDHB00, WRS315SDHM00, WRS315SDHW00, WRS315SDHZ00, WRS321SDHB00, WRS321SDHW00, WRS325SDHB00, WRS325SDHW00, WRS331SDHB00, WRS331SDHM00, WRS331SDHW00, WRS335SDHB00, WRS335SDHM00, WRS335SDHW00, WRS555SIHB00, WRS555SIHW00, WRF560SEHB00, WRF560SEHW00, WRF560SFHB00, WRF560SFHW00, WRF560SMHB00, WRF560SMHW00, WRT108FZDB02, WRT108FZDW02, WRT138FZDB03, WRT138FZDW03, WRT311FZDB01, WRT311FZDW01, WRT318FZDB01, WRT318FZDW01, WRT519SZDB02, WRT519SZDW02, WRT579SMYB00, WRT579SMYW00, WRT771RWYB00, WRT771RWYW00, WZF34X16DW00, WZF34X18DW00, WZF34X20DW00, MRT118FFFE00, MRT118FFFH00, MRT118FFFM00, MRT311FFFE00, MRT519SFFH00, MRT711SMFB00, MRT711SMFW00, MSS25C4MGB00, MSS25C4MGW00, MZF34X16DW00, MZF34X18FW00, MZF34X20DW00, KRFF300EBS00, KRSC700HBS01, KRSC703HBS01, KRSF705HBS01, ART308FFDB03, ART308FFDW03, ART318FFDB03, ART318FFDW03, ASI2175GRB00, ASI2175GRW00, ASI2575GRB00, ASI2575GRW00
✅Compatibility & Cross Reference
Not sure about your model number? Call 1-877-899-7278 and we’ll help you confirm. All brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used for compatibility reference only.
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