How to Replace Whirlpool Fridge Damper Control WP67003903

Is your Whirlpool fridge acting up with odd temperatures or mysterious clicking sounds? Say goodbye to spoiled groceries and high utility bills by replacing the faulty damper control with ease. Watch our step-by-step how-to video below and discover just how simple it is to restore your fridge’s perfect chill.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

Noticing your Whirlpool fridge is too warm, too cold, or making odd clicking sounds? The damper control—part number WP67003903—might be acting up. This little part controls airflow between the fridge and freezer sections, and when it fails, your food’s freshness takes a hit. The good news? Replacing it is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to swap out the damper and get your fridge cooling like it should. Let’s fix it up!

Watch here: How to install a damper control in a refrigerator

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.

What is the damper control?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of this Whirlpool refrigerator repair, let’s take a quick look at what the damper control is and why it might need to be replaced.

• The damper control controls how much cold air can move between the freezer and fresh food compartments.
• It uses a motorized damper door inside the vent between compartments to open and close the airflow pathway.
• Over time, the mechanisms start to wear out. And when that happens, you lose the temperature control. So, you might end up with a fridge that’s always too warm or things freezing up from uncontrolled cold air.

Tools and materials needed

• Flatblade screwdriver 
• Phillips screwdriver
• Damper control WP67003903-Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your unit.

Safety first 

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. 
• 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.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• 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

Access the Damper Control Area

1. Open the refrigerator doors to expose the fresh food compartment.
2. Locate the grill insert at the top of the compartment.
3. Insert a Phillips screwdriver into the seam at the bottom of the insert grill.
4. Carefully pry the insert out to release it from the compartment ceiling.

Remove the Damper Cover

1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws securing the bottom of the damper cover.
2. Release the bottom edge of the damper cover and pull it off to expose the damper control assembly.

Disconnect the Existing Damper Control

1. Locate the wire harness plug and press the locking tabs to disconnect it.
2. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to gently press the locking tabs on the sides of the damper control unit and release it from its housing.

Remove the Old Wiring Harness

1. Using the flat-blade screwdriver, carefully pry off the plugs from both the micro switch and the motor of the old damper control.
2. Disconnect the green ground wire from the damper unit.
3. Set aside the old damper control once all wires are removed.

Prepare and Install the New Damper Control

1. Take the wire harness removed from the old unit and install it onto the new damper control.
2. Position the new damper control onto the bottom supports in the compartment.
3. Push the unit in until the side locking tabs click into place.

Reconnect the Harness and Reassemble

1. Plug the wire harness back into the connector.
2. Install the damper insulation around the new damper control, if included.
3. Reinsert the bottom tabs of the damper cover into their corresponding slots.
4. Push the damper cover upward and secure it using the two Phillips screws removed earlier.

Reinstall the Grill Insert

1. Align the three top tabs of the grill insert with the openings in the refrigerator ceiling.
2. Push the grill insert into place.
3. Press the bottom edge until it locks securely.

Final Steps

1. Close the refrigerator doors.
2. Plug the refrigerator back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.
3. Verify that the refrigerator begins cooling properly.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the damper control in your Whirlpool refrigerator. 

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.

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