# True T-19: Used-Buy Risk, Repairs & What to Check | KitchenRisk

> Used True T-19 buying guide, mechanical temperature control risk, repair costs and what to inspect.

**Verdict:** inspect

Very common workhorse 1-door reach-in with deep OEM parts support (mechanical temp control ~$243, door switch kit ~$97); True's own manual warns that dirty condensers (required cleaning every 30 days) cause compressor failure and product loss, and that solid-door cabinet lights and defrost behavior both hinge on the mechanical temperature control and door switch, so confirm the unit cycles correctly and holds temperature before buying used.

**Documented failure risks:**
- Mechanical temperature control: OEM temperature control kit (True 800366, 077B6806) lists at $242.67 on Parts Town. Per True's IOM, on mechanical-control models "the compressor and evaporator fans will start if the temperature control is calling for cooling. (If the compressor does not start, verify that the temperature control is not in the 'OFF' or '0' position.)" A failed or miscalibrated control is a direct cause of a cabinet that won't cool or won't cycle off.
- Door switch: OEM door switch kit (True 815827) lists at $96.81 on Parts Town. True's manual states "Solid door cabinet lights are controlled by the door switch" and that light may be controlled by the interior door switch, located inside the unit; a failed switch can present as an interior light that never comes on or fan behavior tied to door-closed sensing that misbehaves.
- Condenser coil: True's IOM states plainly: "Condensers accumulate dirt and require cleaning every 30 days. Dirty condensers result in compressor failure, product loss, and lost sales." Verify the condenser is clean and free of lint/dust buildup during inspection, since a dirty condenser on a used unit is a leading precursor to compressor failure.

## Sources
- [True 800366 Temperature Control, 077B6806, Kit #077B7172 | Parts Town](https://www.partstown.com/p/true/true800366) — "My Price: $ 242.67 ... Manufacturer #: 800366 ... Parts Town #: TRUE800366"
- [True 815827 Door Switch Kit | Parts Town](https://www.partstown.com/p/true/true815827) — "My Price: $ 96.81 ... Manufacturer #: 815827 ... Parts Town #: TRUE815827"
- [True T-Series Solid Door Installation and Operation Manual](https://www.partstown.com/modelManual/TRUE-TSD_iom.pdf?v=1655476561739) — "MECHANICAL CONTROL REFRIGERATOR GENERAL SEQUENCE OF OPERATION ... The compressor and evaporator fans will start if the temperature control is calling for cooling. (If the compressor does not start, verify that the temperature control is not in the 'OFF' or '0' position.) ... Solid door cabinets may or may not have lights that may be controlled by the door switch. ... Condensers accumulate dirt and require cleaning every 30 days. Dirty condensers result in compressor failure, product loss, and lost sales."

_Last verified 2026-09-20. Source: KitchenRisk — https://kitchenrisk.com/models/true-t-19/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._