Romalon2198202 Refrigerator Cold Control Thermostat Replacement Compatible for WhirlPool Refrigerators Replaces 2161284 2198201 PS11739232 AP6006166 WP2198202

I purchased the Romalon 2198202 Refrigerator Cold Control Thermostat to replace the thermostat in my Whirlpool ED5FHEXMQ00 refrigerator, side-by-side.The problem was my refrigerator would start getting warm inside and when I adjusted the old thermostat, the refrigerator would basically turn into a freezer! Then I would turn the thermostat, and it would go back to getting warm again. Most of the time the freezer side would still stay frozen, but the refrigerator side was either too cold or not cold enough! I drove myself crazy cleaning out the coils, vacuuming everything under and near the compressor, testing the compressor, and checking the fan on the inside that blows the cool air around! I could not understand the problem until I started doing more internet surveilling! Finally, I found others that said it was the thermostat that was malfunctioning!So, I order this part for about $10.....it was well worth a try! I used a YouTube video to show me how to remove the old thermostat from this model refrigerator. It really wasn't that difficult to get the old part out! All the work to replace the thermostat is done in the refrigerator compartment. Unplug the refrigerator before changing out the thermostat!!! You basically needed a screwdriver, although a putty knife/pocket knife was helpful to remove the front off of the thermostat housing that held the old thermostat. You will also have to remove the housing for the tubing that runs from the thermostat, across the wall that separates the freezer/refrigerator compartments to the back of the refrigerator, where a small door is controlled to regulate the freezer/refrigerator temp. If there is one thing to remember, do NOT bend (or put a bend) in the small thermostat tubing that runs inside the wall housing to the regulated door!If you can remember how the thermostat came out, just "reverse engineer" it the same way....making sure you don't bend the tubing! It fit perfectly! This new thermostat has now been operating my refrigerator correctly for over 3 weeks now! What a relief as the refrigerator is now cooling correctly! It does take a little patience adjusting the temperature, so give it 48 hours to get it operating correctly. Once mine was installed it took about 10-15 minutes for the refrigerator/freezer to cycle on, which was a little surprising. But, it works! And, it has not given me any problems thus far! For $10 (approx.), it was well worth it!

I was having problems with my fridge getting too warm. I called a friend who repairs such things and he ask, "Is that the one with the knobs in the top of the fridge?" It was.He said, "Reach up in there and smack that panel, see if that makes it run!" I did, and it started running.So skipping to the end, this thing has a (I assume rubber) diaphragm in it. When the fridge gets warm enough it has to turn on again, the gas in the capillary tube puts pressure on the diaphragm activating the switch. The potentiometer (knob) sets what level it will turn on at.Smacking the panel vibrates the diaphragm to the switch activates.Anyway, I found OEM prices on this from $150 to $49. My friend told me there's nothing wrong with the $13 ones. So I bought this, and it works great.Added plus, this comes with a plastic sheath already on the capillary tube, you don't have to pull off the old one and try to put it on the new one.Maybe I'm over excited because my 22 year old side by side is still running great, but I give this 5 stars for functionality and price.

This seems to be the very same (place of manufacture) part that I got from Whirlpool when the original thermostat from 1999 failed about 10 years ago. This was vastly less expensive, with the same installation steps, and totally solved my refrigerator's failing temperature control issue this time. I bet it paid for itself very quickly in electrical bill savings.

works just fine but they only last 1 to 2 years. but it beats buying a new $1200 ++ frig

Very similar to the OEM I replaced. Repair guy wanted $300 to replace this thermostat but I assumed it might be an easy install. I was right, very simple. At first I thought the screws holding it in were stripped when I removed it but soon realized that I didn’t place it in front of the bracket so when I tried to attach the knob control on it would push back and I could not get it on. Once I corrected the placement I was able to put it all back together with no problem. Fridge & Freezer are now working perfectly.

An exact fit, not too difficult to install if you’ve been around many appliances. I would suggest a YouTube video or something that might help so you don’t remove things you don’t have to.

worked great and good price

The original item didn't work, fridge runs nonstop.Asked for a replacement, it worked for 2 days. Then the fridge won't come on. Wouldn't recommend.