FixByModel
LO

Whirlpool LO: Compartment temperature too cold

LO is a low-temperature warning that a compartment has dropped below its safe range, for example produce freezing in the fridge section. It is usually a control-setting or sensor issue rather than a mechanical breakdown.

May need a technician

By the FixByModel editorial team · Verified 2026-09 · Researched against manufacturer support & repair references (below)

Most likely causes

  1. Temperature set colder than needed
  2. A faulty or misreading temperature sensor (thermistor)
  3. A stuck damper letting too much cold air into the fresh-food section
  4. Control-board fault driving overcooling
Before you start — unplug the refrigerator before working on it. Mind sharp metal edges, and never open the sealed refrigerant system — compressor, sealed-system and refrigerant work must be left to a qualified technician.

Step-by-step fix

1Check the settingConfirm the compartment is not set colder than recommended and raise it a step if needed.
2Reset powerUnplug the refrigerator or trip its breaker for about 5 minutes, then restore power to clear a temporary glitch.
3Move food off the ventsKeep items away from the cold-air outlets and back wall where they can freeze.
4Wait and recheckGive the unit several hours to stabilize and see whether the warning clears.
5Call a technicianIf LO persists, have a professional test the temperature sensor and damper and replace the faulty part.

Still showing LO?

If you’ve worked through every step and LO keeps returning, an internal part likely needs testing and replacement. That’s a job for a qualified appliance technician, who can measure the suspect part against the service-manual spec before replacing it.

Which models this applies to

Whirlpool refrigerators. Whirlpool refrigerators with digital temperature displays and low-temperature alerts

FAQ

What does Whirlpool LO mean?

Compartment temperature too cold. LO is a low-temperature warning that a compartment has dropped below its safe range, for example produce freezing in the fridge section. It is usually a control-setting or sensor issue rather than a mechanical breakdown.

What causes Whirlpool LO?

The most likely cause is temperature set colder than needed. Other causes include A faulty or misreading temperature sensor (thermistor); A stuck damper letting too much cold air into the fresh-food section; Control-board fault driving overcooling.

Can I fix Whirlpool LO myself?

Some checks are DIY, but this code often points to an internal component, so it may need a qualified technician.