How to diagnose a faulty thermostat in a refrigerator that is not cooling

Quck answer

If your refrigerator is not cooling properly, you can try bypassing the thermostat to troubleshoot the issue. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to do it:

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the power source to avoid electrical shock.

2. Locate the thermostat, which is usually inside the control panel or behind the temperature dial.

3. Disconnect the wires connected to the thermostat terminals.

4. Connect the two wires together using a jumper wire or a paperclip.

5. Plug the refrigerator back into the power source.

6. If the refrigerator starts cooling, it indicates a faulty thermostat that needs to be replaced.

Remember to consult a professional or refer to the refrigerator’s manual for specific instructions.

Refrigerators come with a built-in thermostat that controls the temperature inside the appliance. The control knob or wheel is usually located at the back of the fridge, while the thermostat is situated inside the cabinet. If your refrigerator is not cooling properly and you suspect that the thermostat is the problem, you can use an external thermostat to bypass the built-in one and diagnose the issue. If the fridge starts cooling after running the bypass, it means that the built-in thermostat is faulty.

Step 1

Set the built-in thermostat control to the coldest setting by opening the refrigerator door and adjusting the dial.

Step 2

Unplug the fridge from the wall outlet and plug in the external thermostat cord into the socket at the back of the appliance.

Step 3

Pass the probe wire of the external thermostat between the refrigerator door gasket and the outer edge of the appliance. The probe should fit into the gap created by the open door and the front of the fridge. The wire is flexible and thin, so it won’t interfere with the normal opening and closing of the door.

Step 4

Secure the probe to the inner side wall of the fridge using a piece of duct tape. Position it as far back as possible and then close the door.

Step 5

Plug the external thermostat’s power cord into the wall outlet. This will bypass the built-in thermostat.

Step 6

Adjust the external thermostat’s control to the desired temperature. For testing purposes, set the unit to the lowest temperature possible. If the fridge starts cooling properly, it means that the internal thermostat is faulty. If the appliance still doesn’t cool, you may have a different problem, such as a faulty compressor motor assembly, refrigerant gas condenser, or wiring.

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