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Appliance Fix Guide

GE Refrigerator error code

GE Refrigerator Error OPEN-THERMISTOR

The freezer or refrigerator thermistor circuit is open, the wiring to the thermistors is

The freezer or refrigerator thermistor circuit is open, the wiring to the thermistors is open, or the L.V. board has failed. Indicator lights 4 through 7 will sequence until "ALARM OFF" is pressed.

HardStart with 5-15 minutes of safe checks
✅ WORTH FIXINGParts under $100
GE refrigerator repair guide for error OPEN-THERMISTOR
Error codeOPEN-THERMISTORRefrigerator

Try these first

Start here before buying a part or taking the appliance apart.

  1. 1
    Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet to

    Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet to completely disconnect the power.

  2. 2
    Locate the thermistor in the compartment (refrigerator or

    Locate the thermistor in the compartment (refrigerator or freezer) that is experiencing issues. It is a small sensor, usually behind a plastic cover on the interior back or side wall.

  3. 3
    Carefully remove the cover and disconnect the thermistor's

    Carefully remove the cover and disconnect the thermistor's wire harness.

A quick explanation

What does OPEN-THERMISTOR mean?

The freezer or refrigerator thermistor circuit is open, the wiring to the thermistors is open, or the L.V. board has failed. Indicator lights 4 through 7 will sequence until "ALARM OFF" is pressed.

The answer you came for

How to fix GE refrigerator error OPEN-THERMISTOR

Start with the safest checks and work from simple to technical.

  1. 1

    Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet to

    Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet to completely disconnect the power.

  2. 2

    Locate the thermistor in the compartment (refrigerator or

    Locate the thermistor in the compartment (refrigerator or freezer) that is experiencing issues. It is a small sensor, usually behind a plastic cover on the interior back or side wall.

  3. 3

    Carefully remove the cover and disconnect the thermistor's

    Carefully remove the cover and disconnect the thermistor's wire harness.

  4. 4

    Set a multimeter to the ohms setting (Ω)

    Set a multimeter to the ohms setting (Ω) and touch the probes to the thermistor's electrical contacts. An infinite resistance or 'OL' reading indicates a failed, open thermistor.

  5. 5

    If the thermistor has a valid resistance reading,

    If the thermistor has a valid resistance reading, inspect the wiring harness that connects it to the main control board for any visible breaks, corrosion, or loose connections.

  6. 6

    If the thermistor and wiring are in good

    If the thermistor and wiring are in good condition, the failure is likely on the low-voltage (L.V.) control board, which will require replacement.

  7. 7

    Replace the identified faulty part (thermistor, harness, or

    Replace the identified faulty part (thermistor, harness, or board), reassemble the components, and restore power to the unit.

  8. 8

    Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes,

    Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn it back on.

Read the additional checks from the current guide

How to Fix OPEN THERMISTOR Error (Step-by-Step) Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet to completely disconnect the power.Locate the thermistor in the compartment (refrigerator or freezer) that is experiencing issues. It is a small sensor, usually behind a plastic cover on the interior back or side wall.Carefully remove the cover and disconnect the thermistor's wire harness.Set a multimeter to the ohms setting (Ω) and touch the probes to the thermistor's electrical contacts. An infinite resistance or 'OL' reading indicates a failed, open thermistor.If the thermistor has a valid resistance reading, inspect the wiring harness that connects it to the main control board for any visible breaks, corrosion, or loose connections.If the thermistor and wiring are in good condition, the failure is likely on the low-voltage (L.V.) control board, which will require replacement.Replace the identified faulty part (thermistor, harness, or board), reassemble the components, and restore power to the unit.Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn it back on.

What to Check Next on This Amana Refrigerator Focused repair path: refrigerator door, airflow, thermistor, defrost, fan, compressor start, and control checks. Do not treat a returning fault as a reset-only problem; use the point in the cycle where the fault appears to choose the next check. Confirm the doors seal, the interior lights shut off, and vents are not blocked before replacing sensors or boards. Look for frost pattern clues, stalled fans, warm compartments, water or ice symptoms, and recent power interruptions. For temperature faults, inspect the evaporator fan, thermistor, defrost path, damper, condenser airflow, and board connectors. Use the complete Amana refrigerator model number before ordering sensors, fans, boards, dampers, valves, or start components. Check, inspect, clean, test, measure, remove, reconnect, clear, and replace parts only when the symptom supports that path. If these checks point toward a part, verify the complete Amana model number from the appliance tag before ordering. Similar error wording can use different valves, sensors, pumps, motors, heaters, locks, switches, fans, or control boards depending on the exact model. Verified Compatible Alternatives:WPW10384183

If the code comes back

Do not keep replacing parts based only on the code. Repeat the safe checks above. If the fault remains, stop and arrange qualified service rather than ordering from the code alone.

Recommended part

Recommended part for this error code

Part listed in the current guide

OEM candidate: W10316760

Price noted in the current guide: $20-$70

Why this part is shown: It is associated with GE Refrigerator error OPEN-THERMISTOR in the current guide. The error code alone does not prove this part has failed.

Compatibility varies by model. Confirm that the Amazon listing includes your complete refrigerator model number before ordering.

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Replacement options

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Repair or replace calculator

Use the age and total repair estimate to get a simple comparison. This is guidance, not a guarantee.

Safety first

Disconnect power before opening panels or touching internal parts.

When to stop
  • Stop if you see burned wiring, melted connectors, water near electrical parts, or a gas smell.
  • Do not perform live-voltage testing unless you are trained and equipped for it.
  • Use the exact model manual or service information before replacing electronic controls.

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