Maytag Fridge Temp Inconsistent. Model MTF2142ME500

[Steve M]

The Compressor works. The fridge gets too cold at lowest setting, as expected. But when I bump the temp control up just a little, fridge gets too warm. Freezer is same way.  No in between. Fridge varies between 28F at coldest setting, and approx 50F when control is moved only a little.  Cleaned all the coils, the fan by the compressor works. Door seals are good. The problem came on suddenly.

Fridge is approximately 10 yrs old, but in great shape. I’m not an appliance repairman, but I’ve worked in electronics repair, and handy with tools. My obvious guess is to replace the thermostat control assembly, but looking for advice before I dig in and waste time and money.

 

Thanks!

[Budget Appliance Repair]

Every thing you have written and observed point to bad contacts in the cold control/T-Stat or control has lost the pressure in it's capillary sensor tube.

 

[Steve M]

From what you say, it appears as though this is the part to replace:

Cold Control WP2200859 / AP6006464

https://www.appliancepartspros.com/whirlpool-thermostat-weight-assy-wp2200859-ap6006464.html

Which shows, at least on the above website, as ‘part no longer available’. Before I try tracking this part down elsewhere, am I barking up the right tree, in your opinion?

[Steve M]

I found part #2200859 “Refrigerator Thermostat Control” on Amazon. Since it was only $19.99, it wasn’t much of a gamble, so I went ahead and ordered the part. Should have it Wednesday. Fingers crossed, and thanks for the help, Willie!

Much appreciated,

Steve

[Steve M]

I replaced the cold control/thermostat assembly as suggested, and the fridge and freezer are now at the correct temps, however…

Now the compressor cycles on and off what I believe is far too frequently. If we get something out of the fridge, the compressor turns on for about 10 seconds then off for about 10 seconds. This cycling back and forth goes on for several minutes to bring things to the proper temp before it seems to settle in.

It never did this before. I’m guessing I got a bad part? It was easy enough to replace if I need to do it again.

[Daniel Rufledt]

Did you ever get this fixed. I have one also that turns on and off in short bursts. T

ks

 

[Alanna Farrell]

Your symptoms—extreme temperature swings with very little adjustment range—strongly point to a failing thermostat or temperature control assembly. If the compressor runs and cools properly at the coldest setting but doesn’t cycle correctly when slightly adjusted, it's likely the thermostat is no longer accurately sensing or regulating internal temperatures. Since the issue came on suddenly and you’ve already ruled out airflow, coils, fan, and door seals, replacing the thermostat is a logical and cost-effective first step. Given your background in electronics and comfort with tools, swapping the control assembly should be straightforward and worth trying before considering more complex issues.

[Daniel Rufledt]

Swapped out control with one off eBay as mfgsNLA. Cools down and then starts and stops every 8 seconds or so