031733 - Defrost Sensor

Fridge And Freezer Thermostats

The thermostat in a fridge or freezer is the component that controls when the compressor (motor) of the fridge, freezer of fridge freezer cuts in and out on older models. It does this by having a phial, which looks like a thick piece of wire attached to the wall of the fridge or freezer or the evaporator that detects the temperature in that one spot and, the compressor is cut in and out based on that temperature.

Older analogue thermostats were generally very simple devices that simply have an on and off switch in them and often a live feed for any internal lighting. They are very simple devices. Due to that, when they go faulty, you will usually find that the fridge, fridge freezer or freezer will either not cool at all as the thermostat is not switching on or, it will just overfreeze as the thermostat remains closed and keeps the compressor running all the time.

A far more in depth article on fridge, fridge freezer and freezer thermostats is available from this link

Newer electronic control systems use what is known as a thermistor, which is essentially a small resistor that has a resistance value that responds to changes in temperature. Normally these are NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) type thermistors that has a resistance value that drops as the temperature rises.

These newer systems are more accurate but still do suffer from the occasional failure and the resistance readings have to be correct or the set temperature for the appliance will not be correct.

You can find out more about fridge and freezer thermistors in this article on the main website.

Before embarking on repairing your own fridge freezer we would suggest that you read our basic fridge and freezer fault finding guide and, if your fridge freezer is a frost free model please also see our guide to understanding frost free refrigeration as well as the companion article which you can find from this link.

Can't Find The Fridge Freezer Thermistor You Need, Not Sure?

Buying spare parts for any fridge freezer can range from the simplest task in the world to one of the most daunting as you try to pick your way through model numbers, serial numbers, ranges and all sorts of information.

We try to make it as simple as possible for you to buy a fridge freezer spare part but, sometimes, we know that we all need a little help from the experts.

Below you will find the various ways in which you can get in touch with us about fridge freezer thermostats and get answers as quickly as possible but do please use our contact page or email as a first resort as this allows us time to look up spare parts for you and find any low cost compatible fridge freezer spares as well, so you get the best options possible.

	To get assistance with a technical query for your fridge freezer then please do use our forums using this link. We will likely not be able to offer any fridge freezer technical assistance, advice on what fridge freezer part is required to repair a fault or fitting instruction by email or by telephone. However, the forums have many engineers that do read and will normally answer your questions if it is possible to assist.
	Contact us using our online spares enquiry form, simply click this link or the icon to be taken to our online contact page for fridge freezer spares.
	To send us an email about your fridge freezer spares requirements just click this link and your mail client should open a new email for you to send us an email.
	Call us during normal office hours Monday through Friday on 0845 172 8002 about fridge or freezer spares.
	Find one of our approved fridge freezer engineers, just click here to search

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