You can tell if your refrigerator temp sensor is bad by checking the temperature difference between the fridge display and a thermometer inside the fridge, or by testing the sensor with a multimeter and comparing the resistance values with the specifications. A faulty temp sensor can cause the fridge to run too warm or too cold, and affect the quality and safety of your food. In this article, we will explain what a refrigerator temp sensor is, how it works, how to locate it, how to test it, and how to replace it if needed.
What Is a Refrigerator Temp Sensor and How Does It Work?
A refrigerator temp sensor, also known as a thermistor, is a device that measures the temperature inside the fridge. It is usually located near the evaporator coil or in the air ducts. The sensor works by detecting the changes in temperature and sending signals to the control board or thermostat. The control board or thermostat then adjusts the compressor, fan, and defrost cycle to maintain the desired temperature and prevent temperature fluctuations.
How to Locate the Refrigerator Temp Sensor
The location of the refrigerator temp sensor may vary depending on the model and brand of your fridge. You can find the model number of your fridge on a sticker inside the fridge or freezer section, or on the back or bottom of the unit. You can then search online for the location of the sensor for your specific model. Alternatively, you can refer to the user manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Generally, the refrigerator temp sensor is located behind a panel or cover in the freezer or fridge section. You may need to remove some screws, clips, or tabs to access the sensor. You may also need to disconnect the power and the harness connector to remove the sensor. Be careful not to damage the wires or other components when removing the sensor.
How to Test the Refrigerator Temp Sensor
To test the refrigerator temp sensor, you will need a digital multimeter and some alligator wires. A multimeter is a device that measures voltage, current, and resistance. Alligator wires are wires with clips on both ends that can connect the multimeter probes to the sensor terminals. You can buy these tools online or at a local hardware store.
To test the sensor, follow these steps:
Set the multimeter to the ohm (Ω) setting. This will measure the resistance of the sensor, which is the opposition to the flow of electric current.
Connect the alligator wires to the multimeter probes and to the sensor terminals. Make sure the wires are not touching each other or any metal surface.
Read the resistance value on the multimeter display. It should be within the range specified by the manufacturer. You can find the specifications online or in the user manual. Alternatively, you can compare the resistance value with a chart that shows the expected resistance at different temperatures. You can find such charts online or in the video results from my web search.
If the resistance value is out of range or does not change with the temperature, the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
To replace the refrigerator temp sensor, you will need a new sensor that is compatible with your fridge model. You can buy the sensor online or at a local appliance store. You can also use the shopping results from my web search to find the best deals and ratings for the sensor.
To replace the sensor, follow these steps:
Turn off the power and remove the old sensor as described in the previous section.
Solder the new sensor to the existing wires and seal the connections with heat shrink. Heat shrink is a plastic tube that shrinks when heated and provides insulation and protection for the wires. You can buy heat shrink online or at a local hardware store. You will also need a soldering iron and some solder to join the wires. You can find some tips on how to use these tools in the video results from my web search.
Reinstall the sensor and the panel or cover and reconnect the power and the harness connector.
Wait for the fridge to reach the desired temperature and check the temperature difference between the fridge display and a thermometer inside the fridge. It should be within a few degrees.
Clean the fridge and vacuum the condenser coils underneath. This will improve the fridge performance and durability.
Conclusion
A refrigerator temp sensor is an important component that regulates the temperature inside the fridge. A bad temp sensor can cause the fridge to run too warm or too cold, and spoil your food. You can diagnose, test, and replace a bad temp sensor by following the steps in this article. You can also use the web search results from my tool to find more information and resources on this topic. I hope this article was helpful and informative for you. Thank you for reading.
