Choice 240597203 Refrigerator Temperature Sensor Replaces 240597220
The Choice 240597203 is an aftermarket replacement refrigerator temperature sensor compatible with a wide range of Frigidaire, Electrolux, Kenmore (253/106/795 prefix), Crosley, White-Westinghouse, Kelvinator, Gibson, Tappan, Viking, and Ikea refrigerators and household freezers. This NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor continuously monitors the temperature inside the refrigerator or freezer compartment and sends resistance-based readings to the main control board, which uses this data to cycle the compressor, fans, and defrost heaters to maintain accurate temperatures. As the thermistor heats up or cools down, its electrical resistance changes predictably, allowing the control board to calculate the exact temperature in real time.
When this sensor fails or drifts out of range, the refrigerator may run too cold or too warm, cycle excessively, freeze up the evaporator, fail to maintain set temperatures, or display OP error codes. Rated 10K Ohm NTC, with a 5/16" diameter probe, 12" wire, and overall dimensions of 3-5/8"L x 5/8"W x 5/16"H (sensor probe itself measures ~1-3/16"L x 5/16" diameter). Compatible with 20-28 cubic foot North American household refrigerators in French door, side-by-side, top-freezer, and bottom-freezer configurations (post-2005 production). It directly replaces 240597203, 240597220, 240597201, 240597202, 7240597203, AP4032998, AH1765215, EA1765215, EAP1765215, EAP17647917, 1258948, 4985585, OEM21729470, PD00000590, PD00088922, PS1765215, and PS17647917. Not compatible with mini fridges, car refrigerators, commercial units, wine coolers, or ice makers. Installs in 15–20 minutes with basic hand tools.
Quick Answer
The Choice 240597203 Refrigerator Temperature Sensor fixes Frigidaire, Electrolux, Kenmore, Crosley, White-Westinghouse, Kelvinator, Gibson, Tappan, Viking, and Ikea refrigerators that run too cold or warm, cycle excessively, freeze up the evaporator, or display OP error codes. NTC thermistor — 10K Ohm at room temperature. 5/16" probe diameter, 12" wire. Overall 3-5/8"L x 5/8"W x 5/16"H. Replaces 240597220, 240597201, 240597202, 7240597203, AP4032998, AH1765215, EA1765215, EAP1765215, EAP17647917, 1258948, 4985585, OEM21729470, PD00000590, PD00088922, PS1765215, PS17647917. For 20–28 cu ft household refrigerators built 2005 or later.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Refrigerator running too cold or too warm — sensor not accurately reporting temperature
- Inconsistent temperatures — fluctuating cooling that can't maintain set point
- OP error code displayed on the control panel (open sensor circuit)
- Excessive frost or ice buildup on evaporator coils from erratic defrost timing
- Refrigerator running continuously without cycling off
- Freezer over-freezing food or fresh food compartment freezing groceries
- Food spoilage from temperature instability
- Multimeter test shows 0 ohms (shorted), infinite resistance (open), or drifted resistance instead of the expected ~10K Ohms at room temperature
Replaces Part Numbers
This temperature sensor directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
240597220, 240597203, 240597201, 240597202, 7240597203, 4985585, AFR15666, AP7243155, EAP17647917, OEM21729474, PD00088922, PS17647917.
If your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This temperature sensor is compatible with select household refrigerators and freezers from the following brands (20–28 cu ft, built 2005 or later):
- Frigidaire refrigerators — Gallery and Professional series, plus standard Frigidaire models (BFHS2611LM, BGHS2634KE, BGHS2634KP, BGHS2644KF, CRSH237LB, PRFG2383AF, PRFC2383AF, ERFG2393AS2, FRSS2323AS8, FFHB2740PP5A and many related models)
- Frigidaire upright freezers — FFFH21F7QW, FGU19F6QWB and related models
- Electrolux refrigerators — EI24RD65KS0, EI24RD65HS0, EI24RD65HS1, E24RD75KPS0 and related models
- Kenmore / Sears refrigerators — 253-prefix, 106-prefix, and 795-prefix models (select Frigidaire/Electrolux-built units)
- Crosley refrigerators (select Frigidaire-built models)
- White-Westinghouse refrigerators (select models)
- Kelvinator refrigerators (select models)
- Gibson refrigerators (select models)
- Tappan refrigerators (select models)
- Viking refrigerators (select Frigidaire-platform models)
- Ikea refrigerators (select Frigidaire-platform models)
Not compatible with: mini fridges, car refrigerators, commercial refrigerators/freezers, wine coolers, or dedicated ice makers. Verify your refrigerator was produced after 2005 and check the original part number on the fridge nameplate matches one of the cross-references listed. Contact our support team with your model number if you're unsure.
Key Features
- NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor — resistance changes predictably with temperature, allowing precise temperature monitoring
- Rated 10K Ohms at room temperature (approximately 25°C / 77°F)
- Sends real-time temperature data to the main control board to regulate compressor cycling, fan operation, and defrost timing
- Sensor probe: 5/16" diameter x 1-3/16" length · Overall assembly: 3-5/8"L x 5/8"W x 5/16"H · 12" wire lead
- White plastic/metal construction with glossy finish
- Resolves OP error codes when caused by an open sensor circuit
- Compatible with 20–28 cu ft French door, side-by-side, top-freezer, and bottom-freezer refrigerators built 2005 or later
- Replaces 18+ OEM and cross-reference part numbers including 240597220, 240597201, 240597202, AP4032998, AH1765215, PS1765215, PS17647917
- Compatible with Frigidaire, Electrolux, Kenmore, Crosley, White-Westinghouse, Kelvinator, Gibson, Tappan, Viking, Ikea
- Aftermarket replacement built to OEM-equivalent quality standards
- Quick DIY repair — installs in 15–20 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
240597203CM |
| Part Type |
Refrigerator Temperature Sensor (NTC Thermistor) |
| Condition |
Aftermarket Replacement |
| Application |
Household Refrigerators and Freezers (Frigidaire/Electrolux platform, 20–28 cu ft, 2005+) |
| Sensor Type |
NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) |
| Resistance |
10K Ohms at room temperature |
| Probe Dimensions |
5/16" Diameter x 1-3/16" Length |
| Overall Dimensions |
3-5/8"L x 5/8"W x 5/16"H |
| Wire Length |
12" |
| Color |
White |
| Finish |
Glossy |
| Material |
Plastic / Metal |
| Error Codes Resolved |
OP (open sensor circuit) |
| Compatible Brands |
Frigidaire, Electrolux, Kenmore, Crosley, White-Westinghouse, Kelvinator, Gibson, Tappan, Viking, Ikea |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Refrigerator and Move Perishable Food Before Starting — Wear Work Gloves Unplug the refrigerator and safely store any food that could spoil while the power is off. Wear work gloves to protect your hands. Depending on your refrigerator model, the fresh-food temperature sensor is typically located behind the air tower or damper assembly on the rear interior wall of the refrigerator compartment; the freezer temperature sensor is typically located behind the rear freezer access panel near the evaporator coils. Confirm which sensor location matches your symptom and the parts diagram for your specific model before starting. Remove all shelves, drawers, and any items blocking access to the sensor location. Remove the screws holding the air tower/damper cover (fresh food side) or rear freezer access panel to expose the sensor. Photograph the sensor position, wire routing, and connector before removing. Disconnect the wire connector (gently — the connector can be fragile) and release the sensor from its mounting clip. Fully insert the new 240597203 sensor probe into the card slot (no exposure) and secure with the mounting clip. Reconnect the wire connector — plug wiring terminals tightly to avoid poor contact. Use cable ties to secure any loose wire routing as before. Reinstall the cover or panel, replace the shelves and drawers, and plug the refrigerator back in. Allow several hours for the refrigerator to return to its set temperature before reloading with food. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, cable ties, multimeter (for testing), work gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OP error code mean on my Frigidaire refrigerator?
The OP error code (Open) indicates the control board is detecting an open circuit on a temperature sensor input — meaning the sensor is failing to send a resistance signal, either because the sensor itself has failed open internally, the wire has broken, or the connector isn't seated. Replacing the temperature sensor typically resolves the code when the sensor itself is the cause. If the code persists after replacement, check the wire harness between the sensor and the control board for damage, and confirm the connector is fully seated. If the OP code appears alongside other symptoms like frost buildup and cooling issues that persist after sensor replacement, the defrost temperature sensor (on the Harness-Low Side, a different part number) may also need to be replaced, or the main control board may be at fault.
How do I test if the temperature sensor has failed?
Unplug the refrigerator, disconnect the sensor's wire connector, and set your multimeter to resistance mode. At room temperature (approximately 25°C / 77°F), a working NTC thermistor should read approximately 10K Ohms. If the sensor reads 0 ohms, it has shorted internally. If it reads infinite resistance (open circuit, often shown as "OL" on the multimeter), the sensor has failed open. If it reads significantly off from 10K (for example 8.4K or 5K at room temp), the sensor has drifted and is no longer providing accurate readings — replacement is recommended. Any of these results confirms the sensor needs replacement.
My refrigerator has multiple temperature sensors — which one do I replace?
Frigidaire refrigerators typically use multiple temperature sensors: one in the fresh food compartment (behind the air tower/damper), one in the freezer compartment (near the evaporator coils), and often a separate defrost temperature sensor on the Harness-Low Side. The 240597203 is used as the fresh food or freezer compartment temperature sensor. If your symptom is "fresh food too warm" or "freezer over-freezing," the fresh food sensor is the likely candidate. If your symptom is "freezer icing up despite defrost heater working," the defrost temperature sensor may be the culprit — a different part number. Check your refrigerator's parts diagram to confirm the correct sensor location for your specific symptom.
Does this sensor fit my Kenmore refrigerator?
On many Kenmore refrigerators, yes — Sears sells Kenmore-branded refrigerators that are manufactured by Frigidaire/Electrolux, Whirlpool, LG, and Samsung. The 240597203 sensor fits Kenmore refrigerators with model numbers beginning with the 253, 106, or 795 prefixes that are Frigidaire/Electrolux-built. Kenmore refrigerators built by other manufacturers (Whirlpool, LG, Samsung) use different sensors. Check the first three digits of your Kenmore model number — if it's 253, 106, or 795 and falls within the compatible model list, this is the correct part.
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?
This is an aftermarket replacement part built to OEM-equivalent quality standards. It is not a genuine Frigidaire/Electrolux OEM part, but is manufactured to match the electrical specifications (10K Ohm NTC), probe dimensions (5/16" diameter x 1-3/16" length), wire length (12"), and connector configuration of the original 240597203 temperature sensor used in compatible refrigerators.
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