What happens if I unplug my thermistor?

Author: Dr. Kacey Hill  |  Last update: Thursday, May 1, 2025

Also, when the thermistor is disconnected from the fridge controller, the fridge will run 100% of the time, as a result, if the food in your fridge is freezing the thermistor may need to be checked.

What happens if you disconnect the thermistor?

When you disconnect the thermistor it puts the fridge into a FULL cooling cycle. IF the fridge appears to be running, you have flame but the box is not cooling at all until you disconnect the thermistor, I would try a new thermistor, if that does not solve the problem then I would replace the circuit board.

Will a fridge work without a thermistor?

No, which is why refrigerators may actually have more than one thermistor installed in the appliance (some may have as many as four). Where can you find a refrigerator thermistor?

What can damage a thermistor?

The cause of such failures are usually due to mechanical separation between the resistor element and the lead material, caused by handling damage, excessive heat, thermal mismatch, etc. The second most common failure mode is drift in resistance value as the thermistor ages, or parameter change.

How do you know if a thermistor failed?

Inaccurate temperature readings:

A thermistor that is working properly senses temperature changes with pinpoint accuracy, whereas a malfunctioning one could give readings that are excessively high or low.

LG Dryer Repair - How to Replace the Thermistor

Does it matter which way a thermistor goes?

Thermistors do not have polarity, so it does not matter which way round you connect the thermistor. 1. Measure and record the thermistor's resistance, when it is held in air, in the table below.

Should a thermistor have continuity?

Check for continuity: The continuity of the thermistor can be checked using a multimeter. If the multimeter does not beep when the probes are placed on either end of the thermistor, it may be faulty.

How long do thermistors last?

Thermistors, which are often used in applications requiring precise temperature measurement, typically have a lifespan of 2 to 3 years. They are very sensitive and provide accurate readings but can be more fragile compared to thermocouples and RTDs.

How much does it cost to repair a thermistor?

Thermistor replacement can cost anywhere between $120 to $250 including the material, transport and technician labor cost. The cost of replacing thermistor can vary based on several factors, such as the brand and model of the air conditioning unit, the complexity of the repair, and the cost of the replacement parts.

Is there a positive and negative on a thermistor?

Thermistors are available in two types: those with Negative Temperature Coefficients (NTC Thermistors) and those with Positive Temperature Coefficients (PTC Thermistors). An NTC Thermistor's resistance decreases as its temperature increases. A PTC Thermistor's resistance increases as its temperature increases.

What are the symptoms of a bad refrigerator thermistor?

Here are some of the symptoms of a bad thermistor:
  • The device that the thermistor is used in is not working properly.
  • The temperature reading is inaccurate.
  • The temperature control is erratic or inconsistent.
  • The thermistor is damaged.

Does a thermistor require power?

Looking at the R-T characteristics of an NTC thermistor, its resistance decreases as temperature rises, therefore increasing power consumption. As the power increases, so does the NTC thermistor's dissipated heat, which leads to self-heating.

How do you fix a refrigerator thermistor?

Instructions
  1. Disconnect electrical power. Unplug the refrigerator or shut off the circuit breaker for the refrigerator. ...
  2. Remove the thermistor cover. ...
  3. Remove the thermistor. ...
  4. Install the new thermistor. ...
  5. Attach the cover. ...
  6. Restore electrical power.

What happens if you unplug temp sensor?

It's not recommended to unplug the coolant temperature sensor unless necessary for diagnostic purposes, as it can adversely affect engine operation and potentially cause damage if left unplugged for an extended period.

What does a refrigerator thermistor do?

A refrigerator thermistor is a temperature-sensitive resistor that monitors and helps regulate the temperature inside a refrigerator, ensuring that it maintains optimal conditions for food preservation. Maintaining consistent temperatures is paramount for optimal food preservation in your refrigerator.

Can you bypass the thermistor on a Norcold refrigerator?

On most models, the thermistor has two wires running from it over to the inside compartment light. Near the light is a four wire electrical connection plug. Unplug this electrical connection. It will disable the light and also bypass the thermistor.

What happens when a thermistor goes bad?

If a thermistor isn't operating as it should, there will be impossible temperature fluctuations. You may get an initial reading of 200 degrees, then notice the temperature would drop by 30 degrees, only to find it back to 200 again.

What's the most expensive repair on a refrigerator?

Compressor Issues

The compressor is like the heart of your fridge. If it breaks, it's one of the most expensive parts to replace. Fixing a compressor can cost anywhere from $200 to $650.

How do you check if a thermistor is working?

To test how the thermistor reacts to temperature changes, a heating device is required. A heat gun or hairdryer works well for applying controlled heat to the thermistor. You can also use a hot water source, but be cautious to avoid damage if the thermistor is not designed for immersion.

What is the rule for thermistors?

With an NTC thermistor, when the temperature increases, resistance decreases. Conversely, when temperature decreases, resistance increases.

How often should I replace my thermistor?

The typical lifespan of a thermistor in a Frigidaire refrigerator can vary, but it generally lasts several years under normal operating conditions. Factors affecting its lifespan include frequency of use, maintenance, and ambient conditions. Regular cleaning and proper usage can extend the life of a thermistor.

What happens when a thermistor gets hot?

The thermistor

Their resistance decreases as the temperature increases. At low temperatures, the resistance of a thermistor is high, and little current can flow through them. At high temperatures, the resistance of a thermistor is low, and more current can flow through them.

Do you need to calibrate a thermistor?

Calibrating the onboard thermistor a good idea even if you plan to add a dedicated temperature sensor because you always have to do some kind of burn-in testing on a newly built logger – so you might as well do something productive with that time.

How can you tell the difference between a thermistor and a thermocouple?

A thermistor is a thermally sensitive resistor that exhibits a continuous, small, incremental change in resistance correlated to temperature variations. Thermocouples reflect proportional changes in temperature through the varying voltage created between two dissimilar metals electrically bonded together.

Will a bad thermistor cause a dryer not to heat?

When you find the air in your gas dryer not heating up, the culprit could be the timer or electronic control board that controls the heat. A bad heater relay, blown thermal cut-off fuse, faulty thermistor, broken operating thermostat or failed high-limit thermostat can also prevent the dryer from heating.

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