Whirlpool Refrigerator LO Error: Low temperature warning
What Is the Whirlpool Refrigerator LO Error Code? The LO error code indicates the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor is reading lower than the minimum safe threshold — typically below 28 °F (-2 °C) in the fresh food section on Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ, WRT518SZFM, and WRF535SWHZ models. This can lead to produce freezing and food damage in […]
Some Steps
DIY Fixable
from $250
Typical Repair Cost
1-2 hours
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. Move sensitive produce away from vents and raise the temperature setting. The appliance is not at mechanical risk, but food damage is a concern.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Adjusting the set point may suppress LO if over-cooling was the cause. A sensor or damper fault requires part replacement to fully resolve.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: LO persists after raising the temperature setting to the recommended range., Produce is freezing consistently even with the set point at 37–38 °F..
Symptoms You May Notice
Lettuce and vegetables freezing
Fresh produce in the crisper drawers is freezing solid, showing that the compartment temperature has dropped below 32 °F.
Ice crystals forming on food
Small ice crystals appear on items stored in the refrigerator section that should never freeze under normal operation.
Beverages freezing in the fridge
Bottles and cans of water or soda are partially or fully frozen inside the refrigerator compartment.
Thermostat reading appears too low
The displayed set temperature looks correct but the actual interior temperature is well below what the thermostat indicates.
Possible Causes
Stuck-open fresh food damper
The motorized damper that controls airflow from the freezer to the fresh food section is stuck open, over-cooling the refrigerator compartment.
Requires ProfessionalFaulty fresh food temperature thermistor
A shorted or failed thermistor sends an artificially low reading to the board, causing the control board to display LO incorrectly.
Requires ProfessionalTemperature set too low by user
The fresh food set point was accidentally lowered to the minimum setting, causing actual over-cooling.
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
-
1
Check and adjust the temperature setting
Navigate to the refrigerator temperature setting on the control panel and confirm it is set between 35–38 °F (2–3 °C). If it is at the minimum, raise it to 37 °F and monitor for 24 hours.
Allow 24 hours for the compartment to stabilize after changing the set point.
-
2
Check for items blocking the air vents
Ensure no food containers or bags are pressed directly against the rear air vents in the fresh food compartment, which can interfere with proper temperature distribution.
Keep items at least 1 inch away from all vents to allow proper airflow.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Thermistor resistance reading is out of specification when measured with a multimeter.
- Damper does not close when the refrigerator reaches set temperature — damper motor has failed.
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
Refrigerator Repair Service Schedule Appointment