Description
Dometic RV Refrigerator Thermistor 3851210025 (44" Lead)
The Dometic 3851210025 is the replacement thermistor (temperature sensor) for many Dometic DM- and RM-series absorption refrigerators, including the popular Americana-style DM/RM 2652, 2662 and 2852 families. It has a 44-inch lead with a 2-pin plug for the control board, and it supersedes Dometic part numbers 2931863035, 2931863076 and 3851059042.
What the thermistor does
A thermistor is a resistor whose resistance changes with temperature: it rises as the sensor gets colder and drops as it warms. The sensor clips to the cooling fins in the fresh-food compartment, and the control board reads its resistance to decide when to start and stop cooling. If the board can't get a valid reading, many Dometic models run the cooling unit continuously, which is why a failed thermistor so often causes freezing.
Signs your thermistor may need replacing
- Food in the fresh-food compartment freezes regardless of the temperature setting
- Changing the temperature setting makes little or no difference
- Poor cooling or no cooling
- The cooling unit seems to run nonstop
How to test your old thermistor
- Unplug the thermistor lead from the control board.
- Place the sensor end in ice water at about 33–35°F (0.5–1.5°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Measure resistance across the two leads. Dometic's service guidance for these models calls for roughly 7,000–10,000 ohms. A reading well outside that range, or an open circuit, means replace it.
Check your refrigerator's service manual, since procedures can vary by model.
Installation
- Turn the refrigerator off and disconnect power before unplugging anything at the board.
- Remove the old sensor from the fin clip and reuse the clip, mounting the new sensor in the same fin position.
- Route the 44" lead the same way as the original and plug it into the thermistor connector on the control board (on many models this is reached through the exterior refrigerator access vent).
- Tools: usually none. Allow 10–30 minutes depending on board access and wire routing.
Note: the product photo shows the sensor and lead only. Reuse the fin clip from your old thermistor, or see our thermistor category for clip kits.
Fits these Dometic refrigerator models
Before ordering, confirm the fit by matching the part number on your old part or in your refrigerator's parts list. Not sure? Send us your refrigerator's model and serial number and we'll confirm the fit.
- Dometic DM2652 parts
- Dometic DM2662 parts
- Dometic DM2663 parts
- Dometic DM2682 parts
- Dometic DM2852 parts
- Dometic DM2862 parts
- Dometic DM2882 parts
- Dometic RM1350 parts
- Dometic RM2611 parts
- Dometic RM2652 parts
- Dometic RM2862 parts
Browse all Dometic RV refrigerator thermistors.
Product details
- Brand: Dometic
- Part number: 3851210025
- Replaces: 2931863035, 2931863076, 3851059042
- Lead length: 44 inches
- Connector: 2-pin plug
- Application: Dometic DM/RM-series RV absorption refrigerators
FAQ
Is 3851210025 the replacement for 2931863035?
Yes. 3851210025 supersedes 2931863035, 2931863076 and 3851059042.
Can a bad thermistor make my RV fridge freeze everything?
Yes, it's the most common symptom. Without a valid reading, many Dometic controls keep cooling continuously.
