Freezer thermistor open circuit

Trace the freezer thermistor — it clips to the evaporator shroud or rides on the freezer sidewall behind the drawers
Unplug it and read it cold; a working bead sits around sixteen-thousand ohms at freezing, an OL reading means it is open
Confirm the open at the bead itself so you are not chasing a broken wire when the sensor is fine
Run the harness where it threads through the cabinet foam and check for a pinch or an abraded conductor
Pro Diagnostic Tip
When this freezer bead reads open the control loses its cold-side feedback, and a Maytag board that has gone blind defaults to full-time cooling to stay safe — so the compressor never cycles off and the evaporator packs with frost. That runaway-cold, frosted-coil picture is the signature that separates it from a warming fault.
Repair Difficulty
Moderate — Some Experience NeededEstimated Repair Cost
$75–$200
Parts + labor. Free diagnosis with repair.
Parts That May Need Replacement
Refrigerant gauges ($200+), vacuum pump ($250), leak detector ($150), and EPA-certified recovery equipment. Our technician arrives with $3,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Refrigerant (R-134a/R-600a) requires EPA certification to handle. Improper discharge is a federal violation and health hazard. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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Error code C1 is a high-severity issue that can cause further damage to your refrigerator if left unresolved. A licensed technician can diagnose and fix it the same day.
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Maytag error code C1 indicates: Freezer thermistor open circuit. This is a high-severity issue affecting your refrigerator.
Trace the freezer thermistor — it clips to the evaporator shroud or rides on the freezer sidewall behind the drawers Then, Unplug it and read it cold; a working bead sits around sixteen-thousand ohms at freezing, an OL reading means it is open Then, Confirm the open at the bead itself so you are not chasing a broken wire when the sensor is fine There are 1 more steps — see the full troubleshooting guide above. This repair typically requires professional tools and expertise.
Besides the error code on the display, common signs include: The compressor runs nonstop and never satisfies; Frost sheets up across the evaporator fins; The freezer overshoots well below its setting. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your refrigerator's display panel for error code C1.
Repair costs for Maytag C1 typically range from $75 to $200 depending on the specific cause and parts needed. EasyBear offers free diagnosis when you proceed with the repair. Call (415) 795-7300 for a same-day appointment.