⚠️ Safety Warning: Appliance repair involves electricity, gas, and moving parts. Always disconnect power before working on any appliance.
Error Code: Refrigerator Difficulty: Moderate
Problem: Freezer thermistor out of range – sensor reading implausible temperature (< -25°F or > 80°F) indicating open/short circuit
How to Fix Refrigerator Error
- Unplug refrigerator.
- Locate freezer thermistor: behind rear interior panel near evaporator coils (small white sensor clipped to evaporator tubing).
- Disconnect thermistor harness.
- Measure resistance at room temperature (70°F): should read 8,000-10,000Ω. At 32°F: ~7,964Ω. At 0°F: ~23,345Ω.
- If reading infinite (open) or 0Ω (short), replace thermistor WPW
- If resistance within spec, check wiring harness continuity back to main board J3 connector – look for pinched wires near hinge areas.
- If wiring good but code persists, test defrost thermostat WPW10316428 (clipped to evaporator) – should read closed below 40°F.
- Last resort: main control board W10868991 has failed ADC circuit – replace board and reprogram.
Recommended Replacement Part
Still Not Working?
If the replacement part didn’t fix the issue, you may have a wiring problem or main board failure.
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Expert: Mike Sullivan
EPA Section 608 Certified Technician with 18+ years experience.
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