How to Replace a Kenmore Fridge Thermostat

Pull the Kenmore refrigerator away from the wall and unplug the unit.

Locate the thermostat. The thermostat for a side-by-side Kenmore refrigerator is usually located behind a compartment door in the freezer itself. Remove the screws that hold the compartment door in place. If you have a top freezer unit, consult your refrigerator’s manual or schematics for the placement of the thermostat, which may be located under the bottom panel of the refrigerator.

Allow the freezer to defrost completely if the thermostat is located in the freezer section. Attempting to remove the thermostat before the freezer is defrosted can damage your appliance.

Remove any parts in the way of the thermostat, such as freezer bins and shelves. You’ll need as much room as possible to replace the thermostat.

Remove the thermostat from the evaporator tube. The thermostat for most Kenmore refrigerators is clipped or clamped on. Snip both wires at the thermostat terminals, freeing the thermostat from its connection.

Snip about a 1/2-inch piece of insulation from both the connecting wires and the wires on the new thermostat. Splice each pair of wires with the use of a wing nut, creating a new connection. Wrap electrical tape around the new connections.

Clip the thermostat back onto the evaporator tube. Replace any parts that you removed to access the thermostat and replug the unit.