How to Fix or Replace a Broken Refrigerator Damper

The damper in your refrigerator is located on the top of the left wall of the fresh food compartment and allows for the flow of air from the freezer compartment into the fresh food compartment. The damper has a door that opens and closes, allowing or preventing air from passing through the walls. If the damper door breaks or becomes stuck, you must replace the entire module, which is possible without the assistance of a service technician.

Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet.
- 2
  Open the fresh food compartment door, and remove the screws securing the damper housing cover to the top of the side wall. Remove the cover and set it aside.
- 3
  Disconnect the wire harness from behind the damper.
- 4
  Follow the thermistor wire to locate the thermistor, which is either behind a plastic strip in the left rear corner of the fresh food compartment or inserted in the left wall. Pull the thermistor out of its position to remove it.
- 5
  Grasp the damper and pull it away from the refrigerator wall. The damper is secured using an adhesive strip rather than screws or brackets.
- 6
  Remove any remaining adhesive from the wall. Clean it with a mild detergent and water, if necessary.
- 7
  Peel one of the backings off of the new adhesive strip, and stick the adhesive strip to the new damper.
- 8
  Peel off the other backing and affix the damper to the refrigerator wall.
- 9
  Install the new thermistor behind the plastic strip or insert it into the wall, depending on the model.
- 10
  Connect the new damper's wire connector to the refrigerator's wire harness.
- 11
  Replace the damper housing cover, using the screws that were removed to secure it into position.
- 12
  Restore power to the refrigerator.

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