Whirlpool Refrigerator Air Duct WP2316186 Replacement Guide

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling evenly, leaving your groceries in a warm spot? A blocked or damaged air duct might be the culprit, disrupting airflow and efficiency. Don’t worry! Our step-by-step guide and video tutorial below will show you exactly how to replace the air duct and get your fridge back to optimal performance in no time.

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If your Whirlpool refrigerator isn’t cooling evenly or the fresh food section feels warmer than it should, a damaged or blocked air duct might be the reason. The air duct, part number WP2316186, helps direct cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment. When it’s broken or not working properly, airflow gets disrupted and cooling performance drops. The good news is that replacing the air duct is a simple repair you can do yourself. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to remove the old duct and install a new one to restore proper airflow. Let’s get started.

Watch here: How to replace the air duct on 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 air duct?

In a refrigerator, the air duct is responsible for transporting the cooled air from the evaporator coil to the various compartments. The evaporator coil, which is located in the freezer section, absorbs heat from the surrounding air, causing it to cool down. The cooled air then needs to be distributed throughout the entire appliance, and that’s where the air duct comes into play.

The air duct guides the cooled air from the freezer to the fresh food compartment. If the air duct becomes damaged or deteriorates over time, it can restrict the flow of air, resulting in warm spots or uneven cooling. This not only affects the performance of the refrigerator but can also lead to increased energy consumption as the appliance works harder to compensate for the lack of proper air circulation.

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.
• 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.

Tools and materials needed

Before you begin the replacement process, make sure you have the following tools and materials on hand:

• 1/4-inch nut driver 
• Replacement Air Duct Part #WP2316186– Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your unit. 

Replacement Steps

Start by unplugging the refrigerator or turning off the circuit breaker to prevent electrical shock while working.

1. Fully open the freezer compartment to access the lower area.
2. Slide out the glass shelf above the lower rear panel to create room for the repair.
3. Use a ¼-inch nut driver to remove the two screws, one at each top corner of the panel.
4. Lift the panel slightly and pull it out to expose the air ducts.
5. You’ll see two identical air ducts at the bottom rear of the freezer. These are return air ducts that circulate warmer air back through the evaporator coil.
6. Locate the duct that needs replacing.
7. Grasp it at the top and sides and gently wiggle it side to side while pulling upward.
8. Do not use tools, the duct is made of soft foam and can tear easily.
9. Slide the new air duct into the opening where the old one was, making sure it fits fully and securely.
10. Place the panel back over the air ducts.
11. Use your ¼-inch nut driver to reinstall the two screws and secure the panel in place.
12. Slide the glass shelf back into the freezer above the cover panel.
13. Make sure the ice bin is properly placed.
14. Ensure the ice maker arm is in the downward/on position so it resumes operation.
15. Plug the refrigerator back in or restore power at the breaker.
16. Close the freezer door and allow the unit to begin cooling again.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the air duct 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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