How to replace the damper motor in a Frigidaire fridge

Frigidaire refrigerator got you feeling hot and not so cold? The problem might be a broken damper motor, which needs to be replaced if it’s damaged or fails testing. This part helps circulate chilly air between compartments to keep things cool. When it seizes up, your fridge can quickly become a hot mess. But stick with us to see that swapping out the damper motor is an easy DIY repair that will get your refrigerator chilled in no time.

If you need replacement parts for your Frigidaire fridge, you can use your model number to find what you need at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your fridge yourself. 

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Replacement damper motor (make sure it’s compatible with your fridge model)

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or parts. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock. 
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Replacement steps

Step 1 – Access the damper motor

1. Turn off the refrigerator and unplug it from the power supply.
2. Remove the 3 – 1/4-inch screws under the control panel. These will be recessed into the panel. 
3. Take out the filter. 
4. At the top of the back of the refrigerator, you should see a 1/4-inch screw on the right side behind where the filter is located. Remove this screw, then drop the cover down.
5. Remove the 1/4-inch screw under the cover at the back of where the filter would be.
6. There will be 2 – 1/4-inch screws on the corner of the left side that are recessed in. Remove both of them.
7. Drop the control housing down so you can access the damper, which is on the upper left side.
8. Disconnect the wire connector at the top of the refrigerator and lower the control housing. 
9. Disconnect the wires from the damper and pull the damper off the control housing. It’s glued into place, so it can be a little difficult to remove.
10. Clean any of the residual glue from the housing. 
11. Remove the thermistor to the freezer from the damper. 

Step 2 – Install the damper motor

1. Attach the thermistor for the freezer to the new damper. 
2. Place the new damper onto the control housing. 
3. Reconnect the wiring to the damper.
4. Put the control housing back on the ceiling and install the 3 – 1/4-inch screws that hold the housing in place. 
5. Install the 2 – 1/4-inch screws in the side panel at the upper side. 
6. Install the single 1/4-inch screw behind the water filter. 
7. Put the cover back over the tubing and install the 1/4-inch screw that holds it in place.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the damper motor in your Frigidaire fridge. 

If you still need some 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 some 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. We can also help you troubleshoot common fridge problems here.

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