The 134587700 Frigidaire Washer Control Thermistor is a temperature-sensing component used in Frigidaire washing machines’ electronic control systems. As a thermistor, it is indeed a resistor whose resistance varies predictably with temperature; in appliance applications this sensor is most commonly implemented as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) device so that resistance falls as temperature rises. The part is compact and designed for integration into the washer’s sensing circuit, providing the control board with real-time temperature information.
Inside the appliance the thermistor provides temperature feedback to the main control module and participates in closed-loop control of wash and rinse temperatures,heater control (where present),and certain cycle logic that depends on water or tub temperature. Electrically it is read by the control board-typically as part of a voltage divider or analog input-and translated into a temperature value the software uses to enable or disable heaters, adjust cycle timing, or trigger error states. Physically the sensor is usually mounted where it can accurately sense water or tub temperature (for example near the tub or heater assembly) and must be protected from moisture and mechanical stress; it therefore interacts not only with the control electronics but also with harnesses, connectors, and any nearby heating elements.
This article will explain the thermistor’s operating principle and expected electrical behavior,outline compatibility and mounting considerations for the 134587700 part number,and describe common failure symptoms such as incorrect temperature readings,extended or shortened cycles,and related error codes. It will also cover practical troubleshooting steps-resistance measurements, connector and harness inspection, and in-circuit checks-and replacement considerations including proper thermal coupling, connector mating, and verification after installation. The focus is on providing technicians,engineers,and appliance owners with the technical context needed to diagnose,test,and replace the thermistor safely and effectively without relying on marketing claims.
Table of Contents
- Functional Role and Thermal Sensing Requirements of the Washer Control Thermistor
- How the 134587700 Frigidaire Washer Control Thermistor Integrates with the Control Board and Temperature Sensing Circuit
- Common Failure Symptoms and Measured Electrical Indicators for Thermistor faults
- Troubleshooting Procedures, Diagnostic Tests, and Replacement Considerations for Service Installation
- Q&A
- To Wrap It Up
Functional Role and Thermal Sensing Requirements of the Washer Control Thermistor
The 134587700 Frigidaire Washer Control Thermistor is a negative temperature coefficient sensor used by the washer control board to monitor wash water temperature. It functions as a variable resistor whose resistance falls predictably as temperature rises; the control board measures that resistance to determine whether the water has reached the setpoint for a given cycle. In practice this part provides closed‑loop feedback for temperature‑dependent features such as sanitize, permanent press, and temperature‑sensitive detergent dispensing, and must match the washer’s expected resistance curve and connector pinout to communicate correctly with the electronic control module.
In operation the thermistor’s electrical behavior (resistance vs. temperature) is the critical characteristic: replacement must follow the OEM specification rather than only matching physical fit. Faulty or out-of‑spec thermistors produce symptoms such as prolonged heat soak times, false temperature error codes, or premature termination of heating elements; diagnostics typically involve measuring resistance at a known temperature and comparing the result to the service specification. For compatibility, verify the wiring harness, mounting location, and the thermistor’s resistance table against the service manual; installers frequently enough confirm operation by observing expected resistance change when the sensor is warmed with a calibrated source or by tracing the corresponding temperature readings on the washer’s diagnostic mode.
- Function: provides real‑time temperature feedback to the control board for cycle control and safety interlocks.
- Behavior: NTC characteristic – resistance decreases as temperature increases; requires an ohmmeter for fast bench checks.
- Compatibility checks: confirm connector,mounting orientation,and resistance curve match OEM specs before installation.
- Common symptoms of failure: slow heating, incorrect cycle selection, or specific temperature fault/error codes.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor used for water temperature sensing |
| Typical diagnostic reference | Measure resistance at a known temperature and compare to service chart; typical washer thermistors are often in the kiloohm range at room temperature (consult model service data) |
How the 134587700 Frigidaire Washer Control Thermistor Integrates with the Control Board and Temperature Sensing Circuit
The 134587700 Frigidaire Washer Control Thermistor is an NTC-type temperature sensor that interfaces directly with the washerS main control board as part of the temperature-sensing circuit. It is mounted in the tub or near the heater assembly and wired into a resistor network on the PCB so that changes in its resistance produce a measurable voltage change at an analog input of the microcontroller. The control board firmware interprets that analog voltage against a calibrated resistance-vs-temperature curve to manage heating cycles, soak times, and safety interlocks; therefore the thermistor’s impedance curve and connector pinout must match the board’s expected values for accurate control and diagnostics.
In operation the thermistor behaves as a passive element in a feedback loop: rising water or component temperature lowers its resistance, the control board reads the corresponding voltage shift, and the firmware adjusts heater power or generates faults if readings fall outside defined thresholds. Typical failure modes include open-circuit (infinite resistance) or drifted resistance that yields incorrect temperature readings; both can trigger error codes or improper heating. Technicians verify function with a cold-resistance measurement and by observing a smooth, monotonic resistance change while warming or cooling the sensor; replacements should match the original part’s resistance profile and connector to ensure compatibility with the control board’s sensing algorithm.
- Function: NTC thermistor providing analog temperature feedback to MCU ADC via a voltage divider.
- Interface: two‑wire connector to control board; must match pinout and impedance.
- symptoms of failure: error codes, no heating, overheating, or inconsistent cycle behavior.
- Testing: measure resistance vs. temperature for smooth, predictable change; check for opens/shorts.
- Compatibility: replacement must match resistance curve and mechanical mounting for accurate control.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Signal type | Analog resistance-based (NTC) sensor read by control board ADC |
| Interface | voltage divider on PCB; two-wire connector to main harness |
| Location | Mounted near tub or heater element for direct temperature sensing |
| Failure indicators | Open/short circuits, resistance drift, error codes related to temperature |
Common Failure Symptoms and Measured Electrical Indicators for thermistor Faults
The 134587700 Frigidaire Washer Control Thermistor is a negative-temperature-coefficient (NTC) sensor that provides the control board with real-time wash-tub or heater temperature readings. In normal operation its resistance falls as temperature rises, and the control algorithm uses that resistance-to-temperature mapping to time heater cycles, select wash programs, and detect out-of-range conditions. Compatibility depends on the control board expecting an NTC characteristic; replacing the thermistor with a part of a different nominal curve or resistance at 25 °C will produce incorrect temperature readings and can cause improper heating or false error codes. When diagnosing, consider both the sensor element and the connector/harness-corroded pins or intermittent wiring often mimic a failed thermistor by producing unstable readings in-circuit.
- Symptoms visible to the user: error codes related to temperature, long wash cycles, failure to heat or over-heating, or inability to reach selected temperature.
- Electrical indicators: a stable resistance at ambient temperature that changes smoothly with applied heat/cold; open circuit (infinite resistance) or a near-short (very low ohms) indicate failure.
- Practical test: measure resistance at the thermistor connector with the harness disconnected; warm the sensor with a heat gun or cooling spray and confirm monotonic resistance change.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| expected behavior | NTC characteristic – resistance decreases as temperature increases. Manny washer thermistors measure on the order of kiloohms at room temperature; confirm exact value in the service literature. |
| Failure signatures | Open: infinite Ω; Short: near 0 Ω; No change in resistance with temperature or highly noisy/fluctuating readings indicate internal degradation or wiring faults. |
Troubleshooting Procedures, Diagnostic Tests, and Replacement Considerations for Service Installation
The 134587700 Frigidaire Washer Control Thermistor is the temperature-sensing element used by the washer’s electronic control to monitor tub or incoming water temperature and to control heater and cycle logic. As an NTC-type sensor,its electrical resistance changes predictably with temperature; the control board interprets that resistance to determine whether to enable heating,adjust soak timing,or detect fault conditions. Typical failure modes are an open circuit, a short, or drifted resistance that yields incorrect temperature readings; these failures commonly produce symptoms such as heater not engaging, prolonged fills, or temperature-related error codes recorded by the machine.
Service diagnostics rely on direct electrical tests and functional observation. Use a digital multimeter to confirm continuity and to measure resistance at known temperatures,verifying that the sensor’s resistance decreases as temperature rises (for clarity,resistance decreases with increasing temperature). Inspect connectors and harness for corrosion or broken wires and perform a wiggle test during operation to reveal intermittent faults. When replacing the thermistor, match the OEM part number and connector style, verify mounting location and thermal contact to the tub or water line, and secure strain relief to prevent wire fatigue; incompatibilities in connector pinout or sensor placement can produce correct-looking electrical readings but incorrect control behavior.
- Visual: check connector pins,insulation,and mounting position.
- electrical: measure open/short and verify NTC behavior with cold and warm water checks.
- Operational: observe control reactions (heater enable, error codes) during a monitored cycle.
- Replacement: confirm part number,connector fit,and mounting orientation before installation.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Part number | 134587700 Frigidaire Washer Control Thermistor – OEM temperature sensor for selected frigidaire models |
| Function | Provides temperature feedback to the control board for heating and cycle management |
| Common fault | Open/short or drifted resistance leading to no-heat or temperature error codes |
Q&A
what is the 134587700 Frigidaire washer control thermistor and what does it do?
The 134587700 thermistor is a temperature sensor used by Frigidaire washers to monitor water or internal tub temperature. It is typically an NTC (negative temperature coefficient) device: its electrical resistance decreases as temperature increases. The washer control board reads the thermistor signal to regulate fill temperature, manage cycle logic, and control the heater (on models with a water heater).
What symptoms indicate the thermistor may be failing?
Common symptoms include incorrect water temperature, failure to advance past certain cycle steps, long or stuck cycles, inability to heat water (if the machine has a heater), or temperature-related error codes. You might also see erratic temperature readings or intermittent faults that clear after tapping the sensor or connector.
Where is the thermistor located and how do I access it?
Location varies by model but the thermistor is usually mounted near the tub,behind the front or rear panel,or attached to the tub or heater assembly.Consult your model’s service manual for the exact location. To access it safely: unplug the washer, turn off the water, remove the panels indicated in the manual, and locate the sensor and its wiring harness.
How can I test the thermistor with a multimeter?
With the washer unplugged, disconnect the thermistor from the wiring harness and measure resistance across its two terminals with a digital multimeter set to ohms. Because it is an NTC device, resistance should decrease as the sensor is warmed (for example, by placing it in warm water). Compare readings to the specification chart in the service manual. if the resistance is open, shorted, or does not change with temperature, the thermistor is defective.
What resistance values should I expect from the thermistor?
Exact resistance vs. temperature values are specified in the washer’s service documentation and can vary by part. Frigidaire thermistors commonly used in washers are typically in the kilo-ohm range at room temperature (many are around 10 kΩ at 25 °C), and resistance falls as temperature rises. Do not rely on generic numbers for a repair-use the model-specific chart in the service sheet to determine pass/fail criteria.
Can I run the washer without the thermistor or jumper it to bypass the sensor?
No-bypassing or running the washer without a proper thermistor is not recommended. The control board expects a temperature input; removing or shorting the sensor can produce incorrect temperatures, prevent certain cycles from running, or cause the control to lock out with error codes. Repairs should use a correct, functioning sensor.
What should I check before replacing the thermistor?
Before replacing the part, inspect the wiring harness and connector for corrosion, bent pins, or damaged wires. Verify the control board input is receiving a changing resistance from the thermistor (to rule out a board fault).Also check for loose mechanical mounting that could create intermittent readings. If wiring and connectors are good but the sensor is out of spec, replace the thermistor.
Is the 134587700 an OEM part and do I need to do any calibration or programming after replacement?
Part 134587700 is offered as an OEM Frigidaire replacement thermistor. Installation typically requires no programming or calibration-the control reads the new sensor automatically. After installation, reassemble the washer, restore power, and run a diagnostic or a temperature-related cycle to confirm the readings and proper operation. Always verify compatibility with your washer model before purchasing.
To Wrap It Up
The 134587700 Frigidaire Washer Control Thermistor serves as a critical sensor within the washing machine’s control system, providing temperature feedback that allows the electronic control board to manage wash cycles, water heating, and safety functions accurately.By converting temperature variations into electrical signals, this thermistor helps maintain consistent cycle performance, supports energy-efficient operation, and protects internal components from overheating or improper temperature exposure.
Because temperature sensing directly affects cycle outcomes and appliance longevity, accurate diagnosis and timely replacement of a failing 134587700 Frigidaire Washer Control Thermistor are vital steps in maintaining reliable washer performance. Professional evaluation ensures the underlying issue is correctly identified and that any replacement part is appropriate and installed correctly,helping to restore optimal operation and reduce the risk of secondary damage.
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