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Error code reference

Norcold Refrigerator Error Code Flashing Temperature Setting Icon

Electronic controls sensed the fin thermistor is inoperable

Norcold codesNorcold refrigerator codes

Electronic controls sensed the fin thermistor is inoperable. Controls revert to BOS (Backup Operating System) duty cycle mode. Can be displayed in any mode.

First step from the service manual

Verify lamp-thermistor wire assembly is plugged in and connections are not dirty or broken; measure thermistor resistance.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What Flashing Temperature Setting Icon means on a Norcold refrigerator

The flashing Temperature Setting Icon on a Norcold refrigerator indicates that the electronic control board has detected the fin thermistor as inoperable. The fin thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor mounted in the refrigerator's fin or evaporator area. It continuously sends resistance-based temperature readings to the control board so the unit can regulate cooling cycles accurately. When the control board receives a signal that falls outside the expected resistance range, or receives no signal at all, it flags the thermistor as failed and triggers this fault condition.

When this fault is active, the controls automatically shift into BOS (Backup Operating System) duty cycle mode. In BOS mode, the refrigerator operates on a fixed heating and cooling cycle rather than responding dynamically to actual compartment temperatures. This allows the unit to continue functioning, but temperature regulation becomes less precise. The fault can appear regardless of whether the refrigerator is running on AC power, DC power, or LP gas mode.

The most common causes include a disconnected or corroded connector at the lamp-thermistor wire assembly, a broken wire in the harness, or a thermistor that has drifted out of its normal resistance specification or failed entirely. The first diagnostic step is to inspect the lamp-thermistor wire assembly connector for secure seating, corrosion, or physical damage, then measure the thermistor's resistance with a multimeter to determine whether the component itself has failed or whether the issue is a wiring or connection problem.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Flashing Temperature Setting Icon

  1. 01

    Disconnected lamp-thermistor wire assembly connector

    Wiring / connection

    The connector linking the thermistor to the control harness may have vibrated loose or was never fully seated. Inspect the plug at the lamp-thermistor assembly and press it firmly into place, checking for any visible separation.

  2. 02

    Dirty or corroded connector contacts

    Wiring / connection

    Corrosion or debris on the connector pins can increase electrical resistance to the point where the control board reads the circuit as open or out of range. Cleaning the contacts with an appropriate electrical contact cleaner can restore proper signal continuity.

  3. 03

    Failed fin thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself may have drifted outside its normal resistance specification or failed completely. Measuring resistance across the thermistor with a multimeter will confirm whether it is within the expected range or needs replacement.

  4. 04

    Broken or damaged wire in the thermistor harness

    Part replacement

    A wire in the lamp-thermistor assembly harness may have cracked, been pinched, or broken internally, interrupting the signal to the control board. Visually inspect the wiring run for any damage and use a multimeter to check for continuity through the harness.

  5. 05

    Faulty electronic control board

    Part replacement

    If the wiring, connector, and thermistor all test within specification, the control board's input circuit for the thermistor signal may have failed. This is the least common cause and should only be considered after all other components are ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Flashing Temperature Setting Icon

What does Flashing Temperature Setting Icon mean on a Norcold refrigerator?
The flashing Temperature Setting Icon means the electronic control board has detected the fin thermistor as inoperable. The thermistor is a resistance-based temperature sensor located in the fin or evaporator area of the refrigerator. When the sensor signal is missing or out of range, the unit automatically switches to BOS (Backup Operating System) duty cycle mode and continues operating on a fixed cycle. The fault can appear in any operating mode, whether running on AC, DC, or LP gas.
Will resetting the refrigerator clear the flashing Temperature Setting Icon fault?
A simple reset is unlikely to permanently clear this fault because the control board will re-detect the thermistor as inoperable as soon as it resumes normal operation. The underlying cause, such as a loose connector, corroded contacts, or a failed thermistor, needs to be corrected first. Once the thermistor circuit is restored to proper working condition, the fault indication should clear on its own.
Is it safe to continue using my Norcold refrigerator while the Temperature Setting Icon is flashing?
The refrigerator will continue to run in BOS backup mode, so it is not an immediate safety hazard. However, because the unit is operating on a fixed duty cycle rather than responding to actual temperatures, it may not maintain consistent temperatures. Perishable foods should be monitored closely, and the fault should be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to ensure proper food safety.
How do I fix the flashing Temperature Setting Icon on my Norcold refrigerator?
Start by locating the lamp-thermistor wire assembly and checking that its connector is fully plugged in and free of corrosion or damage. If the connection looks secure, use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the thermistor to determine whether it is within its normal operating range. If the thermistor resistance is out of specification, replacing the lamp-thermistor assembly is the likely fix. If the wiring and thermistor test correctly, the control board may need further evaluation.
How much does it cost to repair the fin thermistor fault on a Norcold refrigerator?
If the fix is simply cleaning or reseating a connector, there may be little to no parts cost involved. Replacing a failed lamp-thermistor wire assembly typically costs anywhere from $20 to $80 or more depending on the specific model and where the part is sourced. If a control board replacement is ultimately needed, costs can range from $150 to $400 or higher. Having a technician perform the diagnosis and repair will add labor costs on top of any parts.

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