Damper Control Assembly, Air Damper Control, Temperature Control Damper, Air Flow Damper, Fresh Food Damper, Refrigerator Air Damper

W10196393, WPW10196393, AP6017375, PS11750106, EAP11750106, 2188746, 2198202, 2209678

Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Kenmore

10678586800, 59665232402, 59665232403, 59665232404, 59665232405, 59665234402, 59665234403, 59665234404, 59665234405, 59665239402, 59665239403, 59665239404, 59665239405, 59665262700, 59665264700, 59665269700, 59665332600, 59665332602, 59665333602, 59665333700, 59665339602, 59665339700, 59665932402, 59665932403, 59665932404, 59665932405, 59665934402, 59665934403, 59665934404, 59665934405, 59665939402, 59665939403, 59665939404, 59665939405, 59665962700, 59665962701, 59665964700, 59665964701, 59665969700, 59665969701, 59666032600, 59666032601, 59666032602, 59666032603, 59666032702, 59666039600, 59666039601, 59666039602, 59666039603, 59666039702, 59666132700, 59666132703, 59666133700, 59666133703, 59667252600, 59667252601, 59667253600, 59667253601, 59667253602, 59667254600, 59667254601, 59667259600, 59667259601, 59667952600, 59667952601, 59667953600, 59667953602, 59667954600, 59667954601, 59667959600, 59667959601, 59667992606, 59667993608, 59668042801, 59668042802, 59668043801, 59668043802, 59668049801, 59668049802, 59668252801, 59668252802, 59668253801, 59668253802, 59668254801, 59668254802, 59668259801, 59668259802, 59668942800, 59668942801, 59668942802, 59668943800, 59668943801, 59668943802, 59668949800, 59668949801, 59668949802, 59668952801, 59668952802, 59668953801, 59668953802, 59668954801, 59668954802, 59668959801, 59668959802, 59669280000, 59669280001, 59669280011, 59669280012, 59669280013, 59669280014, 59669282000, 59669282001, 59669282011, 59669282012, 59669282013, 59669282014, 59669283000, 59669283001, 59669283011, 59669283012, 59669283013, 59669283014, 59669284000, 59669284001, 59669284011, 59669289000, 59669289001, 59669289011, 59669289012, 59669289013, 59669289014, 59669912000, 59669912001, 59669912010, 59669912011, 59669912012, 59669912013, 59669928011, 59669932000, 59669932001, 59669932010, 59669932011, 59669932012, 59669932013, 59669933000, 59669933001, 59669933010, 59669933011, 59669933012, 59669933013, 59669939000, 59669939001, 59669939010, 59669939011, 59669939012, 59669939013, 59669942000, 59669942001, 59669942010, 59669942011, 59669952011, 59669952012, 59669953011, 59669953012, 59669959011, 59669959012, 59669962011, 59669962012, 59669962013, 59669963011, 59669963012, 59669963013, 59669969011, 59669969012, 59669969013, 59669972000, 59669972001, 59669972010, 59669972011, 59669972012, 59669972013, 59669973000, 59669973001, 59669973010, 59669973011, 59669973012, 59669973013, 59669979000, 59669979001, 59669979010, 59669979011, 59669979012, 59669979013, 59669980000, 59669980001, 59669980010, 59669980011, 59669982000, 59669982001, 59669982010, 59669982011, 59669982012, 59669982013, 59669982014, 59669983000, 59669983001, 59669983010, 59669983011, 59669983012, 59669983013, 59669983014, 59669984000, 59669984001, 59669984010, 59669984011, 59669989000, 59669989001, 59669989010, 59669989011, 59669989012, 59669989013, 59669989014, 59675232402, 59675232403, 59675232404, 59675232405, 59675234402, 59675234403, 59675234404, 59675234405, 59675239402, 59675239403, 59675239404, 59675239405, 59675262700, 59675264700, 59675269700, 59675932402, 59675932403, 59675932404, 59675932405, 59675934402, 59675934403, 59675934404, 59675934405, 59675939402, 59675939403, 59675939404, 59675939405, 59675962700, 59675964700, 59675969700, 59676052700, 59676052701, 59676052702, 59676052703, 59676053700, 59676053701, 59676053702, 59676053703, 59676054700, 59676054701, 59676054702, 59676054703, 59676059700, 59676059701, 59676059702, 59676059703, 59676062702, 59676063702, 59676064702, 59676069702, 59676252700, 59676252701, 59676252702, 59676252703, 59676253700, 59676253701, 59676253702, 59676253703, 59676254700, 59676254701, 59676254702, 59676254703, 59676259700, 59676259701, 59676259702, 59676259703, 59676572600, 59676572601, 59676573600, 59676573602, 59676574600, 59676574601, 59676579600, 59676579601, 59676582501, 59676582600, 59676583600, 59676584501, 59676584600, 59676589501, 59676589600, 59676592600, 59676592601, 59676593600, 59676593601, 59676593602, 59676593702, 59676594600, 59676594601, 59676599600, 59676599601, 59676602600, 59676602601, 59676602701, 59676603600, 59676603601, 59676603702, 59676604600, 59676604601, 59676604701, 59676609600, 59676609601, 59676609701, 59677592800, 59677593800, 59677594800, 59677596800, 59677599800, 59677602801, 59677603801, 59677604801, 59677606801, 59677609801, 59678282800, 59678282802, 59678282803, 59678282900, 59678282902, 59678282903, 59678283800, 59678283802, 59678283803, 59678283804, 59678283900, 59678283902, 59678283903, 59678289800, 59678289802, 59678289803, 59678289804, 59678289900, 59678572800, 59678572801, 59678573800, 59678573801, 59678574800, 59678574801, 59678576800, 59678576801, 59678579800, 59678579801, 59678582800, 59678582801, 59678583800, 59678583801, 59678584800, 59678584801, 59678586800, 59678586801, 59678589800, 59678589801, 59679212010, 59679212013, 59679213010, 59679213011, 59679213013, 59679213014, 59679219010, 59679219011, 59679219013, 59679222011, 59679222012, 59679222013, 59679222014, 59679223011, 59679223012, 59679223013, 59679223014, 59679223015, 59679229011, 59679229012, 59679229013, 59679229014, 59679512010, 59679512012, 59679513010, 59679513012, 59679513013, 59679519010, 59679519012, 59679522010, 59679522012, 59679522013, 59679522014, 59679522015, 59679523012, 59679523013, 59679523014, 59679523015, 59679523016, 59679529012, 59679529013, 59679529014, 59679529015, ABB1921WEW0, ABB1921WEW1, ABB1921WEW2, ABB1921WEW3, ABB1922FEB, ABB1922FEB0, ABB1922FEB11, ABB1922FEB2, ABB1922FEB3, ABB1922FED1, ABB1922FED10, ABB1922FED2, ABB1922FEQ, ABB1922FEQ0, ABB1922FEQ11, ABB1922FEQ2, ABB1922FEQ3, ABB1922FES, ABB1922FES0, ABB1922FEW, ABB1922FEW0, ABB1922FEW11, ABB1922FEW2, ABB1922FEW3, ABB1924WEB0, ABB1924WEB1, ABB1924WEB2, ABB1924WEB3, ABB1924WED0, ABB1924WED1, ABB1924WEQ0, ABB1924WEQ1, ABB1924WES0, ABB1924WES1, ABB1924WES2, ABB1924WES3, ABB1924WEW0, ABB1924WEW1, ABB1924WEW2, ABB1924WEW3, ABB1927DEB, ABB1927DEQ, ABB1927DES, ABB1927DEW, ABB1927DEW14, ABB1927VEB1, ABB1927VEB10, ABB1927VEB2, ABB1927VEW1, ABB1927VEW10, ABB1927VEW2, ABB192ZDEB, ABB192ZDEB14, ABB192ZDEB5, ABB192ZDEB6, ABB192ZDEQ, ABB192ZDES, ABB192ZDEW, ABB192ZDEW14, ABB192ZDEW5, ABB192ZDEW6, ABB192ZWEB0, ABB192ZWEB1, ABB192ZWEW0, ABB192ZWEW1, ABB2221WEB0, ABB2221WEB1, ABB2221WEW0, ABB2221WEW1, ABB2222FEB, ABB2222FEB0, ABB2222FEB11, ABB2222FEB2, ABB2222FEB3, ABB2222FED1, ABB2222FED10, ABB2222FED2, ABB2222FEQ, ABB2222FEQ0, ABB2222FEQ11, ABB2222FEQ2, ABB2222FEQ3, ABB2222FES, ABB2222FES0, ABB2222FEW, ABB2222FEW0, ABB2222FEW11, ABB2222FEW2, ABB2222FEW3, ABB2224BRB00, ABB2224BRM00, ABB2224BRW00, ABB2224WEB0, ABB2224WEB1, ABB2224WEB2, ABB2224WEB3, ABB2224WED0, ABB2224WED1, ABB2224WEQ0, ABB2224WEQ1, ABB2224WES0, ABB2224WES1, ABB2224WES2, ABB2224WES3, ABB2224WEW0, ABB2224WEW1, ABB2224WEW2, ABB2224WEW3, ABB2227DEB, ABB2227DEB14, ABB2227DEQ, ABB2227DES, ABB2227DEW, ABB2227DEW14, ABB2227VEB1, ABB2227VEB10, ABB2227VEB2, ABB2227VEW1, ABB2227VEW10, ABB2227VEW2, ABB2522FEB, ABB2522FEB0, ABB2522FEB11, ABB2522FEB2, ABB2522FEB3, ABB2522FEQ, ABB2522FEQ0, ABB2522FEQ11, ABB2522FEQ2, ABB2522FEQ3, ABB2522FES, ABB2522FES0, ABB2522FEW, ABB2522FEW0, ABB2522FEW11, ABB2522FEW2, ABB2522FEW3, ABB2527DEB, ABB2527DEB14, ABB2527DEB2, ABB2527DEW, ABB2527DEW14, ABB2527DEW2, ABC2037DEB, ABC2037DEB14, ABC2037DEQ, ABC2037DES, ABC2037DEW, ABC2037DEW14, ABC2037DPS, ABC2037DTB, ABC2037DTS, ABC2037DTS14, ABC2037DTW, ABD2233DEB, ABD2233DEB0, ABD2233DEB14, ABD2233DEQ, ABD2233DEQ0, ABD2233DES, ABD2233DES0, ABD2233DEW, ABD2233DEW0, ABD2233DEW14, ABD2533DEB, ABD2533DEW, ABD2533DEW2, ABL1922FES, ABL1922FES0, ABL1922FES12, ABL1922FES3, ABL1922FES4, ABL1922FES5, ABL1922FES6, ABL1927FES, ABL1927FES0, ABL1927FES12, ABL1927VES1, ABL1927VES10, ABL1927VES2, ABL1927VES3, ABL1927VES4, ABL192ZFES, ABL192ZFES12, ABL192ZFES3, ABL192ZFES4, ABL192ZFES5, ABL192ZFES6, ABL192ZWES0, ABL192ZWES1, ABL2037FES, ABL2037FES0, ABL2037FES12, ABL2222FES, ABL2222FES0, ABL2222FES12, ABL2222FES3, ABL2222FES4, ABL2222FES5, ABL2222FES6, ABL2227FES, ABL2227FES0, ABL2227FES12, ABL2227VES1, ABL2227VES10, ABL2227VES2, ABL2227VES3, ABL2227VES4, ABL2233FES, ABL2233FES0, ABL2233FES12, ABL2522FES, ABL2522FES0, ABL2522FES12, ABL2527FES, ABL2527FES0, ABL2527FES12, ABL2533FES, ABL2533FES0, ABL2533FES12, ABR1922FES, ABR1922FES0, ABR1922FES12, ABR1922FES3, ABR1922FES4, ABR1922FES5, ABR1922FES6, ABR1927FES, ABR1927FES0, ABR1927FES12, ABR1927VES1, ABR1927VES10, ABR1927VES2, ABR1927VES3, ABR1927VES4, ABR192ZFES, ABR192ZFES12, ABR192ZFES3, ABR192ZFES4, ABR192ZFES5, ABR192ZFES6, ABR192ZWES0, ABR192ZWES1, ABR2037FES, ABR2037FES0, ABR2037FES12, ABR2222FES, ABR2222FES0, ABR2222FES12, ABR2222FES3, ABR2222FES4, ABR2222FES5, ABR2222FES6, ABR2227FES, ABR2227FES0, ABR2227FES12, ABR2227VES1, ABR2227VES10, ABR2227VES2, ABR2227VES3, ABR2227VES4, ABR2233FES, ABR2233FES0, ABR2233FES12, ABR2522FES, ABR2522FES0, ABR2522FES12, ABR2527FES, ABR2527FES0, ABR2527FES12, ABR2533FES, ABR2533FES0, ABR2533FES12, ADD1927DEB14, AFB2234WEB0, AFB2234WEB10, AFB2234WEB2, AFB2234WEB3, AFB2234WEB4, AFB2234WES0, AFB2234WES10, AFB2234WES2, AFB2234WES3, AFB2234WES4, AFB2234WES5, AFB2234WES6, AFB2234WEW0, AFB2234WEW10, AFB2234WEW2, AFB2234WEW3, AFB2534DEB13, AFB2534DEW13, AFB2534FES, AFB2534FES0, AFB2534FES12, AFD2535DEB10, AFD2535DEB11, AFD2535DEB14, AFD2535DEB5, AFD2535DEB6, AFD2535DEB7, AFD2535DEB8, AFD2535DEB9, AFD2535DEQ14, AFD2535DEQ5, AFD2535DEQ6, AFD2535DEW10, AFD2535DEW11, AFD2535DEW14, AFD2535DEW5, AFD2535DEW6, AFD2535DEW7, AFD2535DEW8, AFD2535DEW9, AFD2535FES, AFD2535FES0, AFD2535FES11, AFD2535FES12, AFD2535FES3, AFD2535FES4, AFD2535FES5, AFD2535FES6, AFD2535FES7, AFD2535FES8, AFD2535FES9, AFF2534FEB, AFF2534FEB11, AFF2534FEB2, AFF2534FEB3, AFF2534FEB4, AFF2534FEB5, AFF2534FES, AFF2534FES11, AFF2534FES2, AFF2534FES3, AFF2534FES4, AFF2534FES5, AFF2534FES6, AFF2534FES7, AFF2534FES8, AFF2534FEW, AFF2534FEW0, AFF2534FEW11, AFF2534FEW2, AFF2534FEW3, AFF2534FEW4, AFF2534FEW5, AFI2539ERB00, AFI2539ERB01, AFI2539ERB02, AFI2539ERM00, AFI2539ERM01, AFI2539ERM02, AFI2539ERM03, AFI2539ERW00, AFI2539ERW01, AFI2539ERW02, EB2SHKXVD00, EB2SHKXVD01, EB2SHKXVD02, EB2SHKXVD03, EB2SHKXVQ00, EB2SHKXVQ01, EB2SHKXVQ02, EB2SHKXVQ03, EB9FVBLWS01, EB9FVBLWS02, EB9FVBLWS03, EB9FVBLWS04, EB9FVBLWS05, EB9FVBLWS06, EB9FVBRWS01, EB9FVBRWS02, EB9FVBRWS03, EB9FVBRWS04, EB9FVBRWS05, EB9FVBRWS06, EB9FVBXWB00, EB9FVBXWB01, EB9FVBXWB02, EB9FVBXWQ00, EB9FVBXWQ01, EB9FVBXWQ02, EB9FVBXWQ03, EB9FVHLVS00, EB9FVHLVS01, EB9FVHLVS02, EB9FVHLVS03, EB9FVHLVS04, EB9FVHLWS00, EB9FVHLWS01, EB9FVHLWS02, EB9FVHLWS03, EB9FVHRVS00, EB9FVHRVS01, EB9FVHRVS02, EB9FVHRVS03, EB9FVHRVS04, EB9FVHRWS00, EB9FVHRWS01, EB9FVHRWS02, EB9FVHRWS03, EB9FVHXVB00, EB9FVHXVB01, EB9FVHXVB02, EB9FVHXVQ00, EB9FVHXVQ01, EB9FVHXVQ02, EB9FVHXWB00, EB9FVHXWB01, EB9FVHXWB02, EB9FVHXWB03, EB9FVHXWQ00, EB9FVHXWQ01, EB9FVHXWQ02, EB9FVHXWQ03, EB9SHKXVQ01, EB9SHKXVQ02, EB9SHKXVQ03, EB9SHKXVQ04, EB9SHKXVQ05, EB9SHKXVQ07, HARDWICK, EF36BNDFSS, HARDWICK, EF36LNDFSS, HARDWICK, EF36RNDFSS, GB2FHDXWB00, GB2FHDXWB01, GB2FHDXWB02, GB2FHDXWB03, GB2FHDXWB04, GB2FHDXWB05, GB2FHDXWB06, GB2FHDXWB07, GB2FHDXWD00, GB2FHDXWD01, GB2FHDXWD02, GB2FHDXWQ00, GB2FHDXWQ01, GB2FHDXWQ02, GB2FHDXWQ03, GB2FHDXWQ04, GB2FHDXWQ05, GB2FHDXWQ06, GB2FHDXWQ07, GB2FHDXWQ08, GB2FHDXWS00, GB2FHDXWS01, GB2FHDXWS02, GB2FHDXWS03, GB2FHDXWS04, GB2FHDXWS05, GB2FHDXWS06, GB2FHDXWS07, GB2FHDXWS08, GB2FHDXWS09, GB2SHDXPB02, GB2SHDXPB12, GB2SHDXPQ02, GB2SHDXPQ12, GB2SHDXPS02, GB2SHDXPS12, GB2SHDXPT02, GB2SHDXPT12, GB2SHDXTB01, GB2SHDXTB02, GB2SHDXTB03, GB2SHDXTB11, GB2SHDXTD00, GB2SHDXTD01, GB2SHDXTD02, GB2SHDXTL01, GB2SHDXTL11, GB2SHDXTQ01, GB2SHDXTQ02, GB2SHDXTQ03, GB2SHDXTQ11, GB2SHDXTS01, GB2SHDXTS02, GB2SHDXTS03, GB2SHDXTS04, GB2SHDXTS11, GB2SHTXTB01, GB2SHTXTB02, GB2SHTXTB03, GB2SHTXTB11, GB2SHTXTL01, GB2SHTXTL11, GB2SHTXTQ01, GB2SHTXTQ02, GB2SHTXTQ03, GB2SHTXTQ11, GB2SHTXTS01, GB2SHTXTS02, GB2SHTXTS03, GB2SHTXTS04, GB2SHTXTS05, GB2SHTXTS11, GB2SHTXTT01, GB2SHTXTT11, GB9FHDXWB00, GB9FHDXWB01, GB9FHDXWB02, GB9FHDXWB03, GB9FHDXWB04, GB9FHDXWB05, GB9FHDXWB06, GB9FHDXWB07, GB9FHDXWD01, GB9FHDXWQ00, GB9FHDXWQ01, GB9FHDXWQ02, GB9FHDXWQ03, GB9FHDXWQ04, GB9FHDXWQ05, GB9FHDXWQ06, GB9FHDXWQ07, GB9FHDXWS00, GB9FHDXWS01, GB9FHDXWS02, GB9FHDXWS03, GB9FHDXWS04, GB9FHDXWS05, GB9FHDXWS06, GB9FHDXWS07, GB9FHDXWS08, GB9FHDXWS09, GB9SHDXPB02, GB9SHDXPB12, GB9SHDXPQ02, GB9SHDXPQ12, GB9SHDXPS02, GB9SHDXPS12, GB9SHDXVB00, GB9SHDXVB01, GB9SHDXVB02, GB9SHDXVQ00, GB9SHDXVQ01, GB9SHDXVQ02, GB9SHDXVS00, GB9SHDXVS01, GB9SHDXVS02, GB9SHDXVS03, GI6FARXXB00, GI6FARXXB02, GI6FARXXB03, GI6FARXXB04, GI6FARXXB05, GI6FARXXB06, GI6FARXXB07, GI6FARXXF00, GI6FARXXF01, GI6FARXXF02, GI6FARXXF04, GI6FARXXF05, GI6FARXXF06, GI6FARXXQ00, GI6FARXXQ02, GI6FARXXQ03, GI6FARXXQ04, GI6FARXXQ05, GI6FARXXQ06, GI6FARXXQ07, GI6FARXXY00, GI6FARXXY02, GI6FARXXY03, GI6FARXXY04, GI6FARXXY05, GI6FARXXY06, GI6FARXXY07, GI6FARXXY08, GI6FDRXXB00, GI6FDRXXB01, GI6FDRXXB02, GI6FDRXXB03, GI6FDRXXB04, GI6FDRXXB05, GI6FDRXXB06, GI6FDRXXB08, GI6FDRXXB09, GI6FDRXXQ00, GI6FDRXXQ01, GI6FDRXXQ02, GI6FDRXXQ03, GI6FDRXXQ04, GI6FDRXXQ05, GI6FDRXXQ06, GI6FDRXXQ08, GI6FDRXXQ09, GI6FDRXXY00, GI6FDRXXY01, GI6FDRXXY010, GI6FDRXXY02, GI6FDRXXY03, GI6FDRXXY04, GI6FDRXXY05, GI6FDRXXY06, GI6FDRXXY07, GI6FDRXXY09, GI6SARXXF00, GI6SARXXF01, GI6SARXXF02, GI6SARXXF03, GI6SARXXF04, GI6SARXXF05

Professional Repair Time: 20-30 minutes
DIY Repair Time: 30-45 minutes
Difficulty Rating: Easy-Moderate (2/5) — Requires minimal mechanical skills, careful handling of plastic components, understanding of mounting clip operation, basic electrical connector disconnection/reconnection, attention to proper installation and air sealing

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: This repair involves working inside the refrigerator and handling electrical components. Always unplug the refrigerator before beginning work to prevent electrical shock. Allow the refrigerator to stabilize for 24 hours after installation before verifying proper temperature regulation. If you are not comfortable working with refrigerator components, hire a qualified appliance repair technician.

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet to ensure complete power disconnection. This is critical for safety when working with electrical components.
2. Remove all food items from the fresh food compartment shelves near the damper control location (typically upper rear area). This provides clear access to the damper control and prevents food from being damaged during the repair.
3. Take multiple photos of the damper control installation, mounting position, wire connections, and how the control attaches to the air duct before removal. Document from multiple angles. This is helpful for proper reinstallation. Use a camera or smartphone to capture high-quality images.
4. Locate the damper control assembly in the fresh food compartment (typically in the upper rear wall or ceiling, behind a cover panel or grille).
5. Remove the damper control cover panel or grille (if applicable) by releasing the mounting clips or removing mounting screws. The cover typically snaps off by pulling the bottom edge forward and lifting up, or by removing 1-2 screws. Set the cover aside in a safe location.
6. Take additional detailed photos of the damper control mounting and wire connections before disconnecting.
7. Disconnect the wire harness from the damper control by pressing the release tab and pulling the connector straight off. Use needle-nose pliers to press the release tab if it is difficult to access—do not pull on the wires.
8. Release the mounting latches or clips on both sides of the damper control assembly. The damper typically has spring-loaded clips or tabs that lock it into the air duct opening.
9. Gently pull the damper control assembly forward and out of the air duct opening while releasing the mounting clips. The damper should slide out of the opening once the clips are released. Caution: Do not force the damper—if it doesn't release easily, verify all mounting clips are released.
10. Carefully remove the old damper control from the refrigerator and place it on a clean work surface with adequate space for inspection.
11. Inspect the old damper control for visible damage such as broken or cracked housing, damper door stuck in open or closed position, visible ice buildup on damper door or housing, broken gears or linkage, corroded electrical terminals, or damaged motor. This confirms the diagnosis.
12. Test the old damper control motor (if possible) by connecting it to a 12V DC power source and verifying the motor rotates and the damper door moves. If the motor does not rotate or the damper door does not move, the damper control has failed.
13. Inspect the air duct opening in the refrigerator for ice buildup, debris, or damage. Clean the air duct opening if necessary using a dry cloth. Remove any ice buildup using a hair dryer on low heat (do not use sharp objects, which can damage the plastic).
14. Inspect the wire harness connector for corrosion, damage, or bent pins. Clean or straighten the connector if necessary.
15. Unpack the new WPW10196393 damper control assembly from its packaging. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the damper door or motor.
16. Verify the damper control specifications match the old control: dimensions approximately 4-6 inches length x 3-4 inches width x 2-3 inches depth, damper door size and shape, mounting clip positions, wire harness connector type, motor voltage (12V DC).
17. Compare the new damper control to the old one to verify the dimensions, damper door configuration, mounting clip positions, connector type, and overall appearance match. Ensure you have the correct replacement part.
18. Inspect the new damper control for any damage or defects before installation. The housing should be intact with no visible cracks or damage. The damper door should move freely without binding. The motor should be securely attached. The electrical connector should be clean and undamaged.
19. Test the new damper control motor (optional) by connecting it to a 12V DC power source and verifying the motor rotates and the damper door moves smoothly through its full range of motion. This confirms the new damper control is functional before installation.
20. Position the new damper control at the air duct opening, aligning the mounting clips with the mounting slots in the air duct.
21. Insert the damper control into the air duct opening by pushing it straight in until the mounting clips engage and lock into place. You should hear or feel a click when the clips lock.
22. Verify the damper control is securely mounted by gently pulling on the damper housing. The damper should not move or pull out—it should be firmly locked in place by the mounting clips.
23. Reconnect the wire harness to the damper control by aligning the connector and pushing it firmly onto the damper connector until you hear or feel a click, indicating the connector is fully seated and locked.
24. Verify the electrical connection is secure by gently tugging on the wire harness connector. The connector should not pull off—it should be firmly seated and locked.
25. Reinstall the damper control cover panel or grille (if applicable) by reversing the removal procedure. Snap the cover into place or install the mounting screws.
26. Verify the cover is securely installed and sits flush with the refrigerator wall.
27. Replace the food items in the fresh food compartment.
28. Plug in the refrigerator to restore power.
29. Set the refrigerator temperature control to the desired setting (typically 37-40°F for the fresh food compartment).
30. Listen for the damper motor to activate. You should hear a brief buzzing or clicking sound as the damper motor moves the damper door to the appropriate position. This indicates the damper control is functioning.
31. Allow the refrigerator to run for 2-4 hours to stabilize the temperature.
32. Check the fresh food compartment temperature using a refrigerator thermometer. The temperature should be within the set range (typically 37-40°F).
33. Verify the damper door is cycling properly by listening for the damper motor to activate periodically (every 30-60 minutes) as the refrigerator maintains temperature.
34. Check for frost or ice buildup on the fresh food compartment rear wall near the damper control. There should be no frost or ice buildup if the damper is functioning properly.
35. Allow the refrigerator to stabilize for 24 hours before making any temperature adjustments or verifying final operation.
36. Monitor the refrigerator temperature for the first few days to ensure it remains stable and within the desired range.
37. Verify both the fresh food and freezer compartments maintain proper temperatures (fresh food: 37-40°F, freezer: 0-5°F).
38. Check for any unusual noises from the damper area. The damper motor should operate quietly with only brief buzzing or clicking sounds during cycling.
39. Inspect the damper area periodically for ice buildup or frost, which would indicate improper damper operation or air sealing issues.
40. Adjust the refrigerator temperature setting if necessary to achieve the desired fresh food compartment temperature.

Safety Notes: Always unplug the refrigerator before working on it to prevent electrical shock. Handle plastic components carefully to avoid cracking or breaking. Do not force the damper control during installation—verify all mounting clips are properly aligned. Allow the refrigerator to stabilize for 24 hours after installation before verifying proper temperature regulation. This repair requires minimal mechanical skills but careful attention to detail—most homeowners can complete this repair successfully with proper precautions and patience.

1. Allow the refrigerator to stabilize for 24 hours after damper control installation before verifying proper temperature regulation. The refrigerator's temperature control system needs time to adjust and reach equilibrium after a damper replacement. Check the fresh food compartment temperature with a refrigerator thermometer after 24 hours—it should be 37-40°F. If the temperature is outside this range, adjust the temperature control setting and wait another 12-24 hours before making further adjustments.
2. Clean the air duct opening thoroughly before installing the new damper control. Ice buildup or debris in the air duct will restrict air flow and cause the new damper control to fail prematurely. Use a hair dryer on low heat to melt any ice buildup—do not use sharp objects, which can damage the plastic air duct. A clean air duct ensures proper air flow and optimal damper operation.
3. Verify the mounting clips are fully engaged and locked before reconnecting the wire harness. The damper control must be securely mounted in the air duct opening to ensure proper air sealing and prevent air leaks. Push the damper firmly into the opening until you hear or feel the mounting clips click into place. A loose or improperly mounted damper will cause temperature control problems and excessive frost buildup.
4. Listen for the damper motor to activate after plugging in the refrigerator. You should hear a brief buzzing or clicking sound as the damper motor moves the damper door to the appropriate position. This sound confirms the damper control is receiving power and functioning. If you do not hear the motor activate, verify the wire harness connection is secure and check for error codes on the refrigerator display (if equipped).
5. The damper control regulates fresh food compartment temperature by controlling air flow from the freezer. When the fresh food compartment is too warm, the damper opens to allow cold air from the freezer to flow in. When the fresh food compartment reaches the set temperature, the damper closes to stop air flow. This cycling is normal operation—the damper typically cycles every 30-60 minutes depending on door openings, ambient temperature, and food load.
6. Frost or ice buildup on the fresh food compartment rear wall near the damper indicates the damper is stuck open or not sealing properly. A properly functioning damper should prevent frost buildup by closing when the fresh food compartment reaches the set temperature. If frost continues to build up after damper replacement, verify the damper door moves freely and the mounting clips are fully engaged for proper air sealing.
7. The thermistor (temperature sensor) is integrated into the damper control assembly. If the thermistor fails, the control board receives incorrect temperature readings and cannot regulate the damper properly. This causes temperature fluctuations, excessive cooling, or insufficient cooling. Replacing the complete damper control assembly replaces both the motor/damper and the thermistor, ensuring accurate temperature sensing and control.
8. Do not adjust the refrigerator temperature setting immediately after damper replacement. Allow the refrigerator to run for 24 hours at the current temperature setting to stabilize. The refrigerator's temperature control system needs time to adjust to the new damper control. Making premature temperature adjustments can result in overcorrection and temperature instability.
9. The damper control is located in the air duct between the freezer and fresh food compartments, typically in the upper rear wall of the fresh food compartment. The exact location varies by model—some refrigerators have the damper behind a cover panel, while others have it exposed behind a grille. Refer to your refrigerator service manual or online parts diagram for your specific model to locate the damper control.
10. The damper control typically lasts 8-12 years with normal use. With average use (3-5 door openings per day), the damper control typically lasts 10-12 years before failure. The motor and gears wear from repeated cycling (thousands of cycles per year). Replace the damper control promptly when failure is detected to restore reliable temperature regulation and prevent food spoilage. This repair is cost-effective compared to refrigerator replacement—the cost of damper control replacement ($120-180) is far less than the cost of a new refrigerator ($1,500-3,500+). Proper temperature settings and minimal door openings extend damper control life.

• Fresh food compartment too warm (damper stuck closed, no cold air flow)
• Fresh food compartment too cold or freezing food (damper stuck open, excessive cold air flow)
• Temperature fluctuations in fresh food compartment (damper cycling improperly)
• Frost or ice buildup on fresh food compartment rear wall (damper stuck open)
• Refrigerator running continuously without reaching set temperature
• Clicking or buzzing noise from damper area (motor attempting to move stuck damper)
• Visible ice buildup on or around damper assembly
• Damper door not
• Motor failure or burnout
• Broken gears or linkage preventing damper movement
• Thermistor failure providing incorrect temperature readings
• Damper door seal failure allowing continuous air flow
• Fresh food compartment not cooling evenly
• Food spoiling prematurely due to temperature issues
• Excessive frost in freezer compartment (damper not opening to release cold air)