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Error code reference

Whirlpool Freezer Error Code 00

FC Thermistor diagnostic step

Whirlpool codesWhirlpool freezer codes

FC Thermistor diagnostic step - displays temperature in °F/°C; shows 'OP' for open circuit (>88kΩ) or 'SH' for short circuit (<1600Ω).

First step from the service manual

Check wires and connectors. Disconnect power or unplug product. Check resistance given in the diagram on page 1.

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

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What 00 means on a Whirlpool freezer

Error code 00 on a Whirlpool freezer is a diagnostic display mode for the FC (Freezer Compartment) thermistor. Rather than indicating a hard fault in the traditional sense, this code puts the control board into a live readout mode that shows the current temperature sensed by the FC thermistor in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. If the thermistor circuit is functioning correctly, a temperature value will appear on the display. If the display shows 'OP', the control has detected an open circuit condition, meaning the thermistor resistance has exceeded 88 kilohms. If the display shows 'SH', the circuit has shorted and resistance has dropped below 1,600 ohms.

The FC thermistor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor, meaning its resistance decreases as temperature rises. A healthy thermistor will present a resistance value that falls within the expected range for the freezer's operating temperature, as specified in the resistance-temperature chart referenced in the wiring diagram. Deviations beyond the 88 kilohm upper limit or below the 1,600 ohm lower limit indicate that the sensor or its wiring circuit has failed and the control cannot accurately monitor compartment temperature.

The most reliable first step when this code appears is a wiring inspection followed by a resistance measurement. With power disconnected, the thermistor harness should be inspected for damaged connectors, pinched wires, or corrosion. The thermistor resistance should then be measured at the component itself and compared against the values shown in the wiring diagram. This isolates whether the fault lies in the sensor, the wiring harness, or the connector assembly.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 00

  1. 01

    Faulty FC thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself has failed, causing resistance to fall outside the acceptable range. This is confirmed by measuring resistance directly at the sensor terminals and comparing against the diagram values.

  2. 02

    Damaged or disconnected wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    Wires leading to the thermistor may be pinched, broken, or pulled loose from their connectors, creating an open circuit that triggers the 'OP' display. Visually inspecting the full harness run from the sensor to the control board can identify this issue.

  3. 03

    Corroded or loose connector

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture inside the freezer cabinet can corrode the thermistor connector pins, increasing resistance beyond the 88 kilohm threshold or causing intermittent open circuit readings. Cleaning or replacing the connector may resolve the fault.

  4. 04

    Short circuit in the thermistor wiring

    Wiring / connection

    If two wires in the thermistor circuit have made contact with each other or with a grounded surface, resistance will drop below 1,600 ohms and the display will show 'SH'. Inspecting the harness for bare wire sections or chafing against cabinet edges can locate this fault.

  5. 05

    Failed control board

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor and all associated wiring test within specification but the code persists, the control board's thermistor input circuit may have failed. This is the least likely cause and should only be considered after all other components have been ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 00

What does 00 mean on a Whirlpool freezer?
Code 00 on a Whirlpool freezer activates a diagnostic mode for the FC (Freezer Compartment) thermistor, displaying the current temperature reading in Fahrenheit or Celsius. If the thermistor circuit is working normally, a numeric temperature will appear. If the display shows 'OP', the sensor or wiring has an open circuit with resistance above 88 kilohms. If it shows 'SH', a short circuit is present with resistance below 1,600 ohms.
How do I fix the 00 error code on my Whirlpool freezer?
Start by disconnecting power to the freezer and inspecting the thermistor wiring harness and connectors for visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections. With power disconnected, measure the resistance of the FC thermistor and compare it to the values in the wiring diagram. If resistance is above 88 kilohms or below 1,600 ohms, the thermistor or its wiring will need to be repaired or replaced.
Is it safe to keep using my Whirlpool freezer when code 00 is showing?
If code 00 is displaying a live temperature reading and the freezer appears to be cooling normally, the diagnostic mode itself is not dangerous. However, if the display shows 'OP' or 'SH', the freezer's control system cannot accurately monitor temperature, which means it may not maintain safe food storage conditions. In that situation, the freezer should not be relied upon until the thermistor circuit is repaired.
Will resetting my Whirlpool freezer clear the 00 error code?
Code 00 is a diagnostic mode that is entered intentionally through a specific button sequence, so a power reset alone may clear the display. However, if the underlying cause is an open or shorted thermistor circuit, the fault condition will remain even after the display resets. The thermistor and its wiring must be tested and repaired to resolve the root problem.
How much does it cost to repair a Whirlpool freezer thermistor?
A replacement FC thermistor for a Whirlpool freezer typically costs between $15 and $50 for the part alone, depending on the model. If professional labor is involved, total repair costs generally range from $75 to $200 including diagnosis and installation. In some cases, the fix is as simple as reseating a loose connector, which involves no parts cost at all.

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