Kenmore Refrigerator Thermostat Replacement Guide — Cost, Signs & DIY Tips

The thermostat in a Kenmore refrigerator — technically called the cold control or temperature control — tells the compressor when to cycle on and off to maintain the set temperature. On older Whirlpool-built Kenmore models (106-prefix) with dial-type temperature controls, this is a mechanical thermostat with a capillary tube that senses temperature directly. Newer electronic-control models use thermistors and a control board (see the sensor and control board guides). LG-built Kenmore Elite models (795-prefix) are all electronic — no mechanical thermostat.

Decode Your Model Number

• 106 (older, dial controls) — Whirlpool: Mechanical cold control thermostat mounted behind the temperature dial inside the fresh food compartment. A capillary tube extends from the thermostat to the evaporator area.
• 106 (newer, electronic display) — Whirlpool: Electronic control — no separate thermostat. Temperature regulated by thermistors and the main control board.
• 795 — LG (Kenmore Elite): All electronic — thermistors and control board. No mechanical thermostat.

Check your controls: If your Kenmore has a numbered dial (1–5 or 1–9) for temperature, it has a mechanical thermostat. If it has a digital display with specific temperatures, it uses electronic control and does not have a traditional thermostat.

Signs Your Mechanical Thermostat Needs Replacement

• Refrigerator does not cool at all (compressor never starts) — the thermostat contacts are stuck open
• Refrigerator runs continuously and overcools (food freezes) — contacts stuck closed
• Temperature does not change regardless of dial position
• You hear a click when turning the dial to the coldest setting but no click back when turning to off — the switch mechanism is worn

How to test: Turn the dial from off to coldest. You should hear a distinct click at both the on and off positions. If no click at either position, the thermostat has failed. For electrical testing: unplug, access the thermostat, disconnect one wire, and check continuity with a multimeter — continuity in cold setting, open in off.

Cost Breakdown

How to Replace

1. Unplug the refrigerator
2. Remove the temperature control dial (pull straight off)
3. Remove the screws securing the thermostat housing (behind the dial, inside the fridge compartment)
4. The thermostat has a capillary tube that extends into the compartment or toward the evaporator — note its routing
5. Disconnect the 2 wire connectors from the thermostat
6. Remove the old thermostat and route the new capillary tube in the same path
7. Reconnect wires, mount housing, replace dial
8. Plug in and let the refrigerator stabilize for 24 hours before adjusting

Tools: Phillips #2, small flathead. Total: 20–30 minutes.

When to DIY vs. Call a Professional

Mechanical thermostat replacement is beginner-friendly — 20–30 minutes, accessible from inside the refrigerator with no disassembly. Call a professional only if the thermostat replacement does not fix the cooling issue (compressor or relay may be at fault).

Lifespan

• Mechanical cold control: 10–20 years. Very durable component.
• Failure is uncommon — if your Kenmore has a mechanical thermostat and it is not cooling, check the compressor start relay first (much more common failure point).

The Kenmore Model Number Decode Strategy

Every Kenmore refrigerator repair starts with decoding the first three digits of the model number — this reveals the actual OEM manufacturer and determines which parts are compatible:

• 106 — Whirlpool (most common, standard Kenmore refrigerators)
• 795 — LG (Kenmore Elite, premium models with linear compressor — known for higher failure rates in 3–7 year window)
• 253 — Frigidaire/Electrolux (budget Kenmore models)
• 401 — Samsung (select models)

Once you identify the manufacturer prefix, search for the OEM part number (Whirlpool, LG, etc.) rather than the Kenmore-branded equivalent. The identical part sold under the OEM brand name typically costs 30–40% less. For example, a Whirlpool evaporator fan motor and its Kenmore-labeled counterpart are physically identical — same factory, same specifications — but the Kenmore label adds a significant markup.

The model number is found on the inside wall of the fresh food compartment or on the back panel of the unit. Write down the complete number — you need all digits for accurate parts matching, not just the prefix.

Kenmore Elite (795-prefix) Special Considerations

LG-built Kenmore Elite refrigerators deserve special attention due to the linear compressor warranty saga. LG extended compressor warranties on many 795-prefix models and settled a class-action lawsuit that included Sears-branded units. Before paying for any major 795-prefix Kenmore Elite repair, check whether your unit qualifies for extended warranty coverage through LG.

Additionally, 795-prefix models tend to have more complex electronics (electronic control boards, multiple thermistors, brushless DC fan motors) compared to the simpler 106-prefix Whirlpool-built models. This means higher part costs but also more diagnostic capabilities through electronic error codes displayed on the front panel.

Decode Your Kenmore Refrigerator Model Number

Every Kenmore refrigerator repair starts with the model number prefix:

• 106 — Whirlpool (top-freezer and side-by-side models). Uses Whirlpool W10/WP part numbers.
• 253 — Whirlpool (some top-freezer models). Same parts as 106-prefix.
• 795 — LG (Kenmore Elite French-door and bottom-freezer). Uses LG part numbers. LG linear compressor technology (subject to class-action settlement for early failures).
• 363 — GE (older models, increasingly rare).

LG 795-prefix Kenmore Elite refrigerators are particularly notable because LG's linear compressor had a known defect that led to a class-action settlement. If your 795-prefix Kenmore Elite has a compressor failure, check whether your serial number is covered by the settlement — LG provided extended warranty coverage for affected units.

Order the Whirlpool or LG OEM part number rather than the Kenmore-branded equivalent for significant savings.

Identifying Your Thermostat Type

Mechanical cold control: Your Kenmore refrigerator has a numbered dial (1-5 or 1-9) for temperature adjustment. The cold control is behind this dial inside the fresh food compartment. It uses a capillary tube to sense temperature and mechanically controls compressor cycling.

Electronic thermistor: Your Kenmore has digital temperature display or push-button controls. Temperature is managed by a thermistor sensor reporting to the control board. See the sensor guide for thermistor replacement details.

To determine which type: look at your temperature control. Numbered dial = mechanical cold control. Digital display or buttons = electronic thermistor.

Cold Control Testing

Unplug the refrigerator. Remove the dial knob (pulls straight off). Remove the control housing screws. Disconnect the wires from the cold control. Test with a multimeter: at room temperature, the switch should show continuity (closed). When you turn the dial to "off" position, it should show open circuit. If the switch is stuck in either position at all dial settings, it has failed.

FAQ

How much does a Kenmore Refrigerator Thermostat cost?

DIY: $10–$50. Professional: $70–$200. But verify your model has a mechanical thermostat first — newer models with digital displays use electronic controls.

Does my Kenmore refrigerator have a thermostat?

If it has a numbered dial for temperature control, yes — it has a mechanical thermostat. If it has a digital temperature display, no — it uses thermistors and a control board.

My refrigerator is too cold — thermostat or sensor?

If dial-type controls: thermostat stuck closed (not cycling off). If electronic controls: temperature sensor (thermistor) reporting incorrectly.

Can I adjust the thermostat instead of replacing it?

The dial IS the adjustment. If turning the dial does not change cooling behavior, the thermostat mechanism has failed internally and needs replacement.

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