❄️Refrigerator

Jenn-Air · JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration

Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration dt Error Fix: Defrost Thermostat (Bi-Metal) Fault

The defrost thermostat (bi-metal thermal cutout) has failed — this safety device opens the defrost heater circuit when the evaporator reaches approximately 50°F to prevent overheating; if the thermostat fails open (stuck open), the defrost heater never receives power and ice accumulates; if it fails closed (stuck closed), the heater runs too long and can overheat the evaporator area; test with a multimeter at a cold temperature — should show continuity (closed/0 ohms); if open at cold temperatures, replace the thermostat

Medium severity2 fixes available✨ Free fix available

Quick Answer

Error dt on the Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration means: Defrost Thermostat (Bi-Metal) Fault. The top-ranked community fix is “Replace Defrost Thermostat (Bi-Metal Thermal Cutout)” (medium difficulty, ~45 min, DIY cost: $10-$20). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · refrigerator

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

When to Call a Professional

While many refrigerator repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $120-$180.

Other Jenn-Air Models with Error dt

JB36NXFXLE 36 in Built-In French Door Refrigerator with Preserva Food Care

refrigerator · 2 fixes

JFFCC72EFS French Door 22.1 cu ft French Door Refrigerator with Turbo Cool and LED Lighting

refrigerator · 2 fixes

Other Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration Error Codes

Communication Failure

2 fixes

Compressor Overload / Overcurrent

2 fixes

Defrost Failure

2 fixes

Defrost Heater Open

2 fixes

Fresh Food Fan Not Operating

2 fixes

Freezer Fan Failure

2 fixes

Freezer Ice Probe / Ice Level Sensor

2 fixes

High Temperature Alert — Fresh Food

2 fixes

People Also Ask About Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration Error dt

What does error code dt mean on a Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration?

Error code dt on the Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration means: Defrost Thermostat (Bi-Metal) Fault. The defrost thermostat (bi-metal thermal cutout) has failed — this safety device opens the defrost heater circuit when the evaporator reaches approximately 50°F to prevent overheating; if the thermostat fails open (stuck open), the defrost heater never receives power and ice accumulates; if it fails closed (stuck closed), the heater runs too long and can overheat the evaporator area; test with a multimeter at a cold temperature — should show continuity (closed/0 ohms); if open at cold temperatures, replace the thermostat

How do I fix error code dt on my Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration?

The most successful fix is "Replace Defrost Thermostat (Bi-Metal Thermal Cutout)" (medium difficulty, ~45 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $10-$20. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code dt on a Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration serious?

This error is rated medium severity. It should be addressed soon, but your appliance may still function in a limited capacity.

Can I fix Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration error dt myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Replace Defrost Thermostat (Bi-Metal Thermal Cutout)") is rated medium difficulty and takes about 45 minutes. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, Multimeter, Needle-nose pliers.

How much does it cost to repair Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration error dt?

DIY cost: $10-$20. Professional repair typically costs $120-$180. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration have?

The Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration has 8 other known error codes, including: CF (Communication Failure), CO (Compressor Overload / Overcurrent), dF (Defrost Failure), dH (Defrost Heater Open), FC (Fresh Food Fan Not Operating), and 3 more.

Which other Jenn-Air models have the dt error?

Error code dt also appears on 2 other Jenn-Air models: JB36NXFXLE 36 in Built-In French Door Refrigerator with Preserva Food Care, JFFCC72EFS French Door 22.1 cu ft French Door Refrigerator with Turbo Cool and LED Lighting. The fix may vary by model, so check each model's specific page for tailored repair steps.

What other error codes does the Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration have?

The Jenn-Air JS42NXFXDE Built-In 42 in 20.7 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Advanced Water Filtration has 8 other known error codes:

CF — Communication Failure (2 fixes)
CO — Compressor Overload / Overcurrent (2 fixes)
dF — Defrost Failure (2 fixes)
dH — Defrost Heater Open (2 fixes)
FC — Fresh Food Fan Not Operating (2 fixes)
FF — Freezer Fan Failure (2 fixes)
FI — Freezer Ice Probe / Ice Level Sensor (2 fixes)
HF — High Temperature Alert — Fresh Food (2 fixes)

Which other Jenn-Air models have the dt error?

Error code dt also appears on 2 other Jenn-Air models:

JB36NXFXLE 36 in Built-In French Door Refrigerator with Preserva Food Care (refrigerator) · 2 fixes
JFFCC72EFS French Door 22.1 cu ft French Door Refrigerator with Turbo Cool and LED Lighting (refrigerator) · 2 fixes

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