How to replace: GE fridge damper and fan assembly WR60X23104

Is your GE refrigerator making unsettling noises or struggling to keep your food cold? These symptoms could point to a failing damper and fan assembly, crucial for maintaining airflow and temperature in your fridge. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide and a handy how-to video just below to help you make this repair with confidence.

If you’re experiencing strange noises, rising temperatures or lack of airflow in your GE refrigerator, you might need to replace the damper and fan assembly. This part allows cold air to circulate throughout the lower drawers in the fridge to prevent food inside from spoiling.

If you need a replacement assembly WR60X23104, you can find it here. You can also find over two million other parts for your appliances at AppliancePartsPros.com.

Let’s unpack this part and the replacement steps.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Watch the full repair here

When it’s time for a replacement

The main role of the damper and fan assembly is to push cold air from the evaporator through the lower drawers in the fridge. The part contains mechanical pieces like flaps and motors that can wear out over time.

Issues with the assembly can lead to a few problems such as:

• Unusual noises coming from the bottom of the refrigerator (where the part is located)
• Rising temperatures in the lower drawers that cause food spoilage
• Lack of cold air coming out of the vents

READ MORE: Causes of refrigerator noises and how to quiet them

Parts and tools that you need

• New damper and fan assembly (WR60X23104) – Make sure you order the specific part made for your model of GE refrigerator.
• Quarter-inch nut driver – Helps remove and install the screws that hold the components in place.
• Putty knife – Helps pry off plastic components like housing covers.
• Utility knife – For cutting through adhesive and trimming foam insulation.
• Work gloves – To protect your hands.
• Small container or tray –  To hold screws and other small parts.

READ MORE: How To Keep Food Fresh When Your Refrigerator Fails

Safety tips

While the process of replacing the damper and fan assembly may seem straightforward, refrigerator repair always carries some safety hazards. Always keep safety first during a repair.

• Unplug the refrigerator – This may seem obvious, but it’s the most important safety step. Make sure to unplug the fridge from the electrical outlet before you begin disassembling it.
• Be careful around sharp edges – Refrigerator interiors contain many sheet metal and plastic components with sharp edges. Wear gloves and watch your fingers as you remove and install parts. Take your time and move carefully to avoid cuts and scrapes.
• Pay close attention to wiring and connections – The wiring harness and electrical connections should be handled delicately to avoid damage. Don’t yank cords and be diligent about reconnecting anything you detach.

Step-by-step instructions 

Now that you have all the right parts and tools in hand, you’re ready to dive into replacing the damper and fan assembly.

Open both refrigerator doors and remove interior parts

1. Open both the left and right refrigerator doors so you can gain access to the inside.
2. Remove the crisper drawers from the bottom by pulling them out, lifting them up, and sliding them out. Take out the crisper drawer support frame in the same manner. Be careful not to break the glass.
3. Lift up and remove the glass shelves from the inner doors.
4. Remove the deli drawer cover by taking out the screws, disconnecting the plug, and sliding it out.

Remove the deli drawer and evaporator cover

1. Pull the deli drawer out slightly and remove the side portions of the cover.
2. Fully take out the deli drawer.
3. Remove the left side shelf and drawer support.
4. Use a putty knife to detach the cover box over the fan housing.
5. Take out the screws holding the evaporator cover and remove it along with the plug.

Remove the old damper and fan assembly

1. Use a utility knife to carefully slice through the foam seal on the evaporator cover.
2. Pull out the old damper and fan assembly.
3. Compare it to the new replacement part and make note of any differences. Check that the new part is a match for your model.

Install the new damper and fan assembly

1. Remove the foam insulation block from the new part.
2. Peel off the adhesive backing.
3. Feed the wiring harness through the slots.
4. Place the foam insulation on top.
5. Install the new damper assembly onto the housing.
6. Tuck the wiring into the groove.

Reassemble the refrigerator’s interior

1. Place the evaporator cover back on and reconnect the plug.
2. Install the cover screws.
3. Reattach the cover box with the putty knife.
4. Replace the left side shelf and secure it with a screw.
5. Slide the deli drawer back in fully.
6. Replace the drawer cover pieces and connect the plug.
7. Put the glass shelves, crisper drawers, and support frame back into place.

READ MORE: How To Clean Refrigerator Coils In 5 Easy Steps & Why To Do It

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the damper and fan assembly in your GE refrigerator.

If you still need a damper and fan assembly or other replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days.

If you need help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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