If your Frigidaire freezer is not cooling properly, running constantly, or not defrosting, you may need to replace the thermostat. The thermostat is a device that regulates the temperature inside the freezer and controls the compressor and defrost cycle. A faulty thermostat can cause your freezer to malfunction and spoil your food. Replacing the thermostat in a Frigidaire freezer is a simple and inexpensive repair that you can do yourself with some basic tools and parts.
In this post, we’ll show you how to replace the thermostat in a Frigidaire freezer, as well as some tips and tricks to troubleshoot and test your thermostat. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
To replace the thermostat in a Frigidaire freezer, you’ll need the following tools and parts:
- A Phillips or Quadrex screwdriver
- A pair of wire strippers
- A heat gun or hair dryer
- Electrical tape
- A new thermostat (Part #297216600 for most models)
You can find the thermostat part number for your specific freezer model on the Frigidaire website or in your owner’s manual. You can also order the part online from PartSelect.com or other reputable suppliers.
How to Replace the Thermostat in a Frigidaire Freezer
To replace the thermostat in a Frigidaire freezer, follow these steps:
- Unplug your freezer. Before you start any repair, make sure you unplug your freezer from the power source to avoid any electric shock or injury.
- Remove the evaporator cover. Locate the evaporator cover at the back of the freezer compartment and remove the screws that hold it in place with a screwdriver. Carefully pull out the cover and set it aside.
- Locate the thermostat. The thermostat is a small, round device with two wires attached to it. It’s usually clipped to a copper tube near the top of the evaporator coils.
- Cut the wires. Using a pair of wire strippers, cut the wires about an inch below the thermostat. Be careful not to damage the copper tube or the evaporator coils.
- Remove the thermostat. Unclip the thermostat from the copper tube and discard it.
- Install the new thermostat. Take your new thermostat and strip about a quarter inch of insulation off of the wires with a wire stripper. Connect the wires to the ones you cut earlier using electrical tape or wire nuts. Make sure there are no exposed wires or loose connections.
- Secure the thermostat. Clip the new thermostat to the same copper tube as the old one and make sure it’s firmly attached.
- Replace the evaporator cover. Put back the evaporator cover and secure it with the screws you removed earlier.
- Plug in your freezer. Plug in your freezer and turn it on. Wait for 24 hours before using it to allow it to reach its optimal temperature.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced the thermostat in your Frigidaire freezer. Now you can enjoy your frozen foods without any worries.
How to Troubleshoot and Test Your Thermostat
If you’re not sure if your thermostat is faulty or not, you can troubleshoot and test it before replacing it. Here are some ways to do that:
- Check if your freezer is plugged in and getting power.
- Check if your freezer is set to the correct temperature setting.
- Check if there is any frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils or inside the freezer compartment.
- Check if there is any dirt or debris blocking the air vents or fan blades.
- Check if there are any signs of damage or corrosion on the thermostat or its wires.
To test your thermostat, follow these steps:
- Unplug your freezer and remove the evaporator cover as described above.
- Locate and disconnect both wires from the thermostat.
- Tape or twist together both ends of one wire using electrical tape.
- Plug in your freezer and turn it on.
- Check if your compressor and fan come on normally or not.
If your compressor and fan come on normally, it means that your thermostat is faulty and needs to be replaced.
If your compressor and fan don’t come on at all, it means that there is another problem with your freezer that is not related to your thermostat.
