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Electrolux Refrigerator Error Code OP

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Temperature sensor open circuit

The most common cause of the OP error on a Electrolux refrigerator is failed thermistor (~50% of cases); start with: identify the sensor.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$35 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$300 Save $135+ by doing it yourself
Electrolux Refrigerator error code OP on the display panel
How the OP code appears on a Electrolux refrigerator display

What Does Error Code OP Mean on a Electrolux Refrigerator?

Temperature sensor open circuit.

OP indicates the control board is reading infinite resistance on a compartment thermistor circuit — an open (broken) connection rather than a shorted one. The NTC sensor's resistance normally falls into a predictable kΩ range with temperature; when the reading goes off-scale high, the board can't gauge that zone and runs a default duty cycle, causing drift. This distinguishes OP from SH, which flags the opposite fault — a shorted sensor reading near-zero resistance. Corroded connectors mimic a truly failed thermistor.

Models affected: Electrolux refrigerators with digital compartment temperature displays, roughly French-door and side-by-side electronic-control models from the mid-2000s onward
What owners report: Owners commonly report OP appearing after humid spells or a defrost cycle, when condensation reaches a sensor connector, and temperatures then wander from setpoint. A frequent quick win is reseating or cleaning the sensor plug before buying parts, since a loosened or corroded connector can trigger it without the thermistor actually being bad.

What Causes Error Code OP?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Failed thermistor 50% of cases
  2. 2
    Corroded or unplugged sensor connector 35% of cases
  3. 3
    Main control board input failure 15% of cases

How to Fix Electrolux Refrigerator Error Code OP

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Identify the sensor

    The display usually pairs OP with the affected compartment; press the compartment selector to see which zone reports it.

  2. 2

    Test the thermistor

    Unplug the fridge, access the sensor, and measure resistance — a healthy NTC reads a few kΩ to tens of kΩ depending on temperature; open means replace.

    🔩 Electrolux thermistor ($15–$35)
    ⚠️ Unplug the refrigerator before accessing sensors.
  3. 3

    Check the harness

    Inspect the connector for corrosion from condensation before condemning the board.

How to Reset Error Code OP

Unplug for 5 minutes; the code returns immediately if the circuit is still open.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

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When to Call a Professional

If a new sensor doesn't clear OP, the board input circuit needs professional testing.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$300

Related Error Codes

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Electrolux Refrigerator:

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Electrolux Refrigerator Error Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Electrolux Refrigerator when error OP appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the sensor issue behind OP will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes OP on a Electrolux Refrigerator? +
Across reported Electrolux refrigerator repairs, the most frequent is failed thermistor (50% of cases), corroded or unplugged sensor connector (35%), then main control board input failure (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
OP keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored OP fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — identify the sensor, then test the thermistor — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix Electrolux Refrigerator error OP? +
A DIY repair typically runs $15–$35 in parts, versus $150–$300 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $135. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.
Which Electrolux Refrigerator models show error OP? +
OP is documented on Electrolux refrigerators with digital compartment temperature displays, roughly French-door and side-by-side electronic-control models from the mid-2000s onward. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.