How to Adjust the Thermostat on a Mechanical Refrigerator

When the food and dairy products in your refrigerator are spoiling before the expiration dates, it is necessary to adjust the refrigerator thermostat. Although newer models use digital controls, most older model top-mount refrigerators use a mechanical thermostat control. This is usually a dial on the side or rear of the food compartment. Ideally, the temperature should be 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjusting the thermostat on a mechanical refrigerator requires the use of a thermometer to gauge the cooling temperature.

Meat thermometer

Instructions

- 1
  Place a meat thermometer in the middle of the refrigerator for eight hours. This gives you an idea of the current temperature in the refrigerator. Most mechanical refrigerator thermostats have a scale of 0 through 9 instead of actual temperature readings.
- 2
  Check the thermometer after eight hours to get the current temperature. Turn the refrigerator thermostat knob to advance through the numbered scale, if you need to lower the temperature. Rotate the knob toward the 0 end of the scale to decrease the temperature if necessary. Only adjust the thermostat in small increments.
- 3
  Leave the thermometer in the refrigerator for another 24 hours. This gives the refrigerator time to adjust to the new thermostat setting. After 24 hours, check the thermometer temperature. Adjust the thermostat as necessary.

How to Troubleshoot a Kenmore Refrigerator Smart Valve

Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor Troubleshooting

Refrigerators