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Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Code E0

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Freezer thermistor failure

The most common cause of the E0 error on a Whirlpool refrigerator is thermistor open circuit (~65% of cases); start with: locate the freezer thermistor.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$40 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$300 Save $135+ by doing it yourself
Whirlpool Refrigerator error code E0 on the display panel
How the E0 code appears on a Whirlpool refrigerator display

What Does Error Code E0 Mean on a Whirlpool Refrigerator?

Freezer thermistor failure.

The control board continuously reads a negative-temperature-coefficient thermistor in the freezer compartment, whose resistance changes with temperature (roughly 5k–16k ohms). E0 fires when that reading falls outside the valid range—an open or shorted circuit, or a resistance that never changes—so the board cannot trust the freezer temperature. It differs from a fresh-food sensor code by the compartment monitored, and from a compressor or defrost fault because the sensing element, not the cooling hardware, is at issue.

Models affected: Whirlpool refrigerators that display digital fault codes on the electronic control, particularly French-door and side-by-side models with dedicated freezer thermistors such as the WRS325SDHZ and WRX735SDHZ; basic top-freezer units with mechanical dial controls generally will not show this code.
What owners report: Owners commonly report E0 appearing alongside a freezer running too cold or too warm, and sometimes after a defrost cycle jostles the sensor clip. A loose connector at the evaporator can mimic a failed sensor, so reseating the plug before replacing parts is a frequently mentioned quick win.

What Causes Error Code E0?

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

  1. 1
    Thermistor open circuit 65% of cases
  2. 2
    Thermistor connector loose 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Wiring harness shorted 10% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Code E0

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

    Locate the freezer thermistor

    Usually clipped to the evaporator coil or mounted inside the freezer compartment.

  2. 2

    Test resistance

    Should read approximately 5k–16k ohms depending on temperature.

    🔩 Multimeter
  3. 3

    Replace thermistor

    Clip off old sensor, install new one at same location.

    🔩 Whirlpool freezer thermistor ($15–$40)

How to Reset Error Code E0

After replacement, unplug 5 minutes then restart. Code clears after normal temperature cycle.

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

Full Whirlpool refrigerator reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If thermistor tests good and code persists, the control board sensor input circuit has failed.

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

Find Replacement Parts

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

🔩
Search PartSelect
Whirlpool Refrigerator repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

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

More Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Codes

SY EF Evaporator fan motor failure SY CF Condenser fan motor failure PO Power outage indicator — power was interrupted CF Communication failure between control boards 18 C Ice maker fault — ice maker not cycling correctly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Whirlpool Refrigerator when error E0 appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the sensor issue behind E0 will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes E0 on a Whirlpool Refrigerator? +
Across reported Whirlpool refrigerator repairs, the most frequent is thermistor open circuit (65% of cases), thermistor connector loose (25%), then wiring harness shorted (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
E0 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored E0 fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — locate the freezer thermistor, then test resistance — 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 Whirlpool Refrigerator error E0? +
A DIY repair typically runs $15–$40 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 Whirlpool Refrigerator models show error E0? +
E0 is documented on Whirlpool refrigerators that display digital fault codes on the electronic control, particularly French-door and side-by-side models with dedicated freezer thermistors such as the WRS325SDHZ and WRX735SDHZ; basic top-freezer units with mechanical dial controls generally will not show this code.. 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 10, 2026.

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