How to Replace a Refrigerator Temperature Control

A faulty refrigerator temperature control can cause food to spoil. You can easily get the replacement thermostats at appliance repair shops, and they come equipped with necessary gaskets and instructions. Usually, the refrigerators that have a top freezer have the control box mounted to refrigerator ceiling. Replacing the control box requires some tampering with electrical connections. Follow the instructions below for a successful project.

Step 1 – Unplug the Refrigerator

Unplug the refrigerator to turn off the power supply to it. Open the door of the refrigerator and locate the control box. Usually, it is mounted to top of fresh food compartment and it has the thermostat, control and inside light.

Step 2 – Unscrew the Control Box

Two to three screws secure control box to the refrigerator ceiling. Remove them using a Phillips head screwdriver.

Step 3 – Unscrew Box from Base

There are two recessed holes at the rear of the control box with screws in them that secure the box to the control base. Remove the screws.

Step 4 – Lower the Control Box

Now, you need to lower the control box. While doing so, grab the freezer control sensing tube which comes through the hole between refrigerator compartment and the freezer. Pull down the tube until the box lies on refrigerator’s top rack.

Step 5 – Unplug the Wiring Harness Connector

Pull the wiring harness connector using your fingers to unplug it. Pull apart the blue and violet single connectors with your fingers.

Step 6 – Remove the Thermostat

Unclip thermostat from mounting post. Then, slide it straight up and then off the post.

Step 7 – Unclip the Freezer Sensing Tube

Unclip the freezer sensing tube from the stud. To do so, remove the electrical tape from the tubing and also the gasket material using your finger.

Step 8 – Install New Thermostat

Rotate control shaft of the new thermostat in counter clockwise direction. Put the new seal on freezer sensing tube. Then, place the tube back over the mounting post.

Step 9 - Maneuver the Gasket Seal

Maneuver the gasket seal over post connection so that seal lines up with the hole which is in the refrigerator top and an airtight seal is made.

Step 10 – Secure the Thermostat

Slide thermostat over the sensing tube onto its posts. Use a clip to secure the thermostat to the temperature control box.

Step 11 – Reconnect Wire Connectors

Reconnect the wiring harness and the blue and violet wire connectors. Now, carefully lift up the control box till it reaches the refrigerator ceiling. Set it into its place. During this process, make sure that freezer sensing tube is fitting tight into the hole in the refrigerator ceiling.

Step 12 – Put Back the Screws

Now replace the screws you removed in steps 2 and 3. Use the retaining screws to secure control box to refrigerator, and then reattach the two screws, at the rear side of control box, in the recessed holes.