Sub-Zero
Temperature Control or Thermistor Misreading
Refrigerator runs constantly and is too cold; food freezing in fresh food section.
Advertisements
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Advertisements
Possible Causes
Shorted or out‑of‑range refrigerator thermistor, Stuck relay on main control board, Miscalibrated temperature control, Air damper stuck open
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Disconnect power before accessing sensors or control boards.
Step 1 – Verify actual temperature
- Place a thermometer in the refrigerator and compare to the setpoint.
- If the temperature is significantly lower than set, the control may think it is warm.
Step 2 – Inspect thermistor placement
- Locate the refrigerator thermistor and ensure it is properly clipped in place, not touching the evaporator or light housing.
- Improper placement can cause false readings.
Step 3 – Test thermistor
- Disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance; compare to Sub‑Zero’s chart.
- If resistance is much lower than expected (indicating it “thinks” it is warmer), replace the thermistor.
Step 4 – Check damper and control
- Verify the air damper closes when the setpoint is raised to a warmer temperature.
- If the damper is stuck open or the control board keeps calling for cooling, the damper or control board may need replacement.
Advertisements
Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Refrigerator Thermistor
Check Price on Amazon
We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Advertisements