Sub-Zero Temperature Control or Thermistor Misreading

Refrigerator runs constantly and is too cold; food freezing in fresh food section.

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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.

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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.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Refrigerator Thermistor
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