Where is the temperature sensor located in the refrigerator: search, check and replacement

Have you opened the refrigerator, and inside, instead of the usual cold, there is a suspicious “room” temperature? Or, on the contrary, do the products freeze slightly, although the regulator is at the minimum level? In 80% of such cases, the culprit is temperature sensor (thermostat or thermistor). But before you run for a new one or call a repairman, you need to know exactly where this sensor is located. Its location depends on brand of refrigerator, cooling system (No Frost, drip) and even compressor model.

In this article you will find exact sensor placement diagrams for popular brands (LG, Bosch, Biryusa etc.), learn how to check them with a multimeter, and when to suspect not the sensor, but electronic control unit. And if you have already disassembled the refrigerator, but cannot find the thermistor, at the end of the article there is FAQ with photos of typical ones “hide and seek” from the manufacturers.

Why is it important to know where the temperature sensor is located

The temperature sensor is the “eyes” of the refrigerator. It transmits temperature data to control module, which decides when to turn on the compressor or fan (in systems No Frost). If the sensor is lying or silent, the refrigerator begins to work chaotically:

• 🔥 Compressor overheating —the motor works nonstop, trying to cool the chamber to “false” readings.
• ❄️ Icing of the evaporator —the sensor does not “see” the real cold, and the No Frost system refuses defrost.
• 💧 Puddles under the refrigerator —if the data from the sensor is incorrect, the defrost turns on too often, the water does not have time to evaporate.

Without the exact location of the sensor, you will not be able to:

1. Check its resistance with a multimeter (the norm for most thermistors is 5–7 kOhm at +20°C).
2. Clean it from ice or dirt (a common cause of failures in drip systems).
3. Replace it yourself, saving 1 500–3 000 ₽ on calling a technician.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with linear compressor (for example Samsung Digital Inverter), the temperature sensor is often integrated into the control board. Replacing it requires soldering and adjusting the firmware - do not undertake this without experience!

General principles for the location of sensors in refrigerators

Manufacturers adhere to standard schemes, but with nuances. Here basic rulesthat work for 90% of models:

Exceptions:

• 🔧 In refrigerators with a freshness zone (0°C) the sensor is often duplicated - one controls the main chamber, the second - the zone.
• 🔌 In models with electronic control (display) sensors can be hidden under the control panel.

Where the sensor is located in refrigerators of popular brands

Let’s figure it out specific schemes for brands that most often repair themselves. If your model is not in the list, see universal search algorithm at the end of the section.

Atlant and Biryusa (single and double chamber)

In most models (Atlant XM-4021, Biryusa 130), the refrigerator temperature sensor is hidden behind plastic cover on the back wall (at the top or in the middle). To get to it:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the shelves and boxes.
3. Pry the lid with a screwdriver (it is held on by latches).
4. The sensor will be attached to the evaporator or tube capillary system.

In the freezer, look for it on evaporator (metal panel on the back) - usually this is a black or white cylinder with two wires.

Photo of the sensor in Atlant XM-6026

The image shows a thermistor (arrow) attached to the tube evaporator clamp. The wires go up to the control board through the technological hole in the housing.

Indesit, Ariston, Hotpoint

In models with electromechanical control (Indesit BIA 16), the refrigeration chamber sensor is located in upper left corner (behind the plastic cover). B No Frost (Hotpoint HBM 1181) - inside the air duct, next to the fan.

Feature: sensors of these brands are often filled with compound (protective resin), so when replacement will have to cut off the wires and solder new ones.

Samsung i LG (No Frost)

In Korean refrigerators, temperature sensors duplicated:

• 🔵 B refrigerator compartment — behind the back panel, on the evaporator tube (next to the fan).
• ❄️ B freezer — on the evaporator (top or side).
• 📱 In models with SmartThinQ (Samsung Family Hub) there may be additional sensor on the display board.

Example: in LG GA-B489 YDZL The refrigerator compartment sensor is hidden under decorative grille in the upper part (see photo in FAQ).

Bosch, Siemens, Gorenje

German brands like to hide sensors in unexpected places places:

• 🧊 In the freezer - under the drawers, on the bottom of the chamber (for example, Bosch KGN39VI35).
• 🌡️ In the refrigerator compartment - behind lighting (need to be removed ceiling light). data-i="174">) sensor is

In models with VitaFresh (freshness zone) the sensor of this zone can be built into the shelf.

Stinol, Pozytron, Snaige

In older models (Stinol 102) sensor is thermostat with siphon tubewhich is attached to the evaporator metal clamp. In new ones (Pozytron KR-110) there is an electronic thermistor on the board.

Universal algorithm: how to find the sensor in any model

If your refrigerator is a rare model or brand not from the list above, follow these instructions:

1. Look for the wires. The sensor is always connected to a control board two thin wires (most often white or black). Trace them from the board to the cameras.
2. Check “suspicious” parts. The thermistor looks like:
   • 🔘 Small cylinder (5–10 mm) with a metal tip.
   • 📦 Flat rectangle in a heat-shrinkable tube.
   • 🧲 Drop made of epoxy resin with two contacts.

Use a flashlight. B No Frost the sensor can be hidden behind a fan or under a layer of insulation.

Tip: if the sensor is “lost”, check the temperature of the tubes by touch. Where the tube colder rest is most likely the thermistor is located.

How to check a temperature sensor with a multimeter

Did you find the sensor? Now we need to make sure it works. To do this:

1. Disconnect the wires from the sensor (remember or take a photo of their location!).
2. Switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (20 kOhm).
3. Apply the probes to the sensor contacts.
4. Measure the resistance at different temperatures:

   Temperature	Normal resistance (kOhm)
   +20°C (room)	5–7
   0°C (ice)	12–15
   -18°C (freezer)	25–30

If indicators does not change when the sensor is heated/cooled or equal 0/∞ —the thermistor is faulty. If there is resistance, but it is does not correspond normalthe sensor is “lying” and also needs to be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with inverter compressor (Hitachi, Panasonic) sensors may have non-linear characteristic. For them, normal resistance values ​​are indicated in the service manual (search by model).

Symptoms of a malfunctioning temperature sensor

Before disassembling the refrigerator, check the symptoms. The sensor is definitely to blame if:

• ❄️ Refrigerator does not turn off (the compressor runs 24/7), but the temperature in the chamber above normal.
• 🔥 Freezer freezes food, but the refrigerator compartment does not cool.
• 💨 Fan No Frost does not turn off or works with pauses of 1-2 seconds.
• 📛 An error flashes on the display (for example, ER DS y Samsung, F02 y Indesit).

But sometimes these same symptoms cause:

• 🔌 Control board — if the sensor is working, but the refrigerator behaves strangely.
• 🧊 Freon leak —the compressor works, but does not cool.
• 🌀 Clogged capillary tube —the freezer is cold, the refrigerator compartment warm.

How to replace the temperature sensor yourself

If the diagnostics confirmed a malfunction, prepare:

• 🔧 Screwdriver (Phillips/flat).
• 🔌 New sensor (pick by refrigerator model or resistance rating).
• 📸 Camera (to record the location of the wires).
• 🧲 Multimeter (for checking after replacement).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost (if there is ice).
2. Remove covers/panels to access the sensor.
3. Disconnect the wires (remember the polarity!).
4. Remove the sensor from the mount (clamp, screw or glue).
5. Install a new sensor, connect the wires.
6. Check the resistance with a multimeter.
7. Assemble the refrigerator, turn it on and observe for 2-3 hours.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Liehberr and Miele after replacing the sensor, you may need to reset errors through the service menu. Look for instructions for the model (for example, for Liehberr you need to press Set + Mode and hold for 5 seconds).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about temperature sensors

🔍 Where is the sensor located in the refrigerator Samsung RL-33 with No Frost?

B This model has two sensors:

1. Refrigerator compartment: behind the rear panel, on the evaporator tube (next to the fan). It looks like a black cylinder with white wires.
2. Freezer: on the evaporator (top part), attached with a plastic clamp.

Photo: see spoiler above.

🛠️ Is it possible to repair the sensor, or just replace it?

Thermistors and thermostats cannot be repaired —they are only replaced. Exception: if the problem is oxidized contacts (they can be cleaned with an eraser or alcohol). In other cases, a new sensor is required.

💰 How much does a replacement cost? sensor in the service?

The cost depends on the model:

• Simple mechanical thermostats (Atlant, Biryusa): 800–1 500 ₽ (with work).
• Electronic thermistors (Samsung, LG): 1 500–3 000 ₽.
• Sensors in Side-by-Side: up to 4 000 ₽ (due to difficult access).

The sensor itself is standing 300–1 200 ₽ (the price depends on the rarity of the model).

⚡ The refrigerator Indesit shows an error F02. Is this really the sensor?

Error F02 in Indesit/Ariston indicates a problem with fridge compartment sensor. But before replacing:

1. Check wires for breaks (they often rub against the body).
2. Test the sensor with a multimeter (resistance at +20°C should be 5–7 kOhm).
3. If the sensor is working, the problem is in control board.

🧊 Ice is building up in the freezer, but it’s warm in the refrigerator compartment. What should I check? No Frost Ice builds up, but the refrigerator compartment is warm. What to check?

Most likely, it’s the culprit (not to be confused with the temperature sensor!). is responsible for turning on the heater for defrosting. Signs of its malfunction: defrost sensor (not to be confused with a temperature sensor!). He is on freezer evaporator and is responsible for turning on the defrosting heater. Signs of its malfunction:

• Ice on rear wall of the freezer (even if No Frost).
• Fan stops periodically (clicks are heard).
• Refrigerator compartment does not coolalthough the freezer is working.

Check the resistance of the defrost sensor - at +20°C it should be 1–1.5 kOhm.