Kenmore / Sears Refrigerator Damper & Related

The Damper Control Assembly is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. It regulates the airflow between the refrigerator and freezer compartments, maintaining optimal temperatures and ensuring efficient cooling. This assembly helps control the amount of cold air that enters the refrigerator section from the freezer.

Causes of a bad damper control assembly can include wear and tear over time, damage from temperature fluctuations, or malfunctioning electronic components.

Symptoms of a bad damper control assembly include:

• Inconsistent temperatures in the refrigerator
• Freezer being too cold while the refrigerator is too warm
• Frost buildup in the refrigerator compartment
• Unusual noises coming from the damper area

This OEM part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.

The Air Diffuser is an OEM component for Whirlpool refrigerators. Located inside the refrigerator compartment, it distributes cold air evenly to all storage shelves and ensures balanced temperatures throughout the space.

Causes of a bad air diffuser can include cracks in the plastic housing from years of fluctuating temperatures or jammed louvers obstructing optimal circulation patterns.

Symptoms of a bad air diffuser include:

• Warm or cooler spots noticed on certain shelves
• Faster melting of ice packs or frost buildup in some areas
• Increased humidity causing moisture condensation issues

This Whirlpool replacement part is also compatible with KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, and select Kenmore models.

The Damper Control Assembly is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. This component regulates the flow of cold air from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment, ensuring consistent and optimal temperatures throughout the appliance. It plays a critical role in maintaining the balance between freezer and refrigerator temperatures.

Common causes of a bad damper control assembly include electrical malfunctions, physical damage to the damper, or wear and tear from regular use. Over time, the motor or the damper flap can fail, leading to improper air regulation.

Symptoms of a bad damper control assembly include:

• Inconsistent temperatures between the freezer and refrigerator compartments
• The refrigerator being too warm or too cold
• Frost buildup in the refrigerator compartment
• The damper making unusual noises or not moving as it should

This OEM part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.

The Damper Control is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. It regulates the airflow between the freezer and refrigerator compartments, maintaining the appropriate temperatures in each section. This component ensures that cold air is distributed properly, contributing to the overall efficiency and performance of the refrigerator.

Common causes of a bad damper control can include wear and tear over time, electrical failures, or mechanical obstructions. A malfunctioning damper control can lead to temperature imbalances, affecting the preservation of food.

Symptoms of a bad damper control include:

• Inconsistent temperatures between the freezer and refrigerator
• Freezer overly cold while the refrigerator is too warm, or vice versa
• Frost buildup in the refrigerator compartment
• Unusual noises coming from the damper area

This OEM part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.

The Air Diffuser is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. It regulates the flow of cold air from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment, ensuring proper temperature control and even cooling throughout the fridge.

Over time, the diffuser can fail due to mechanical issues, obstruction by ice or debris, or wear on the moving parts. This can result in uneven cooling, leading to spoiled food and inefficient operation.

Symptoms of a bad air diffuser include:

• Inconsistent temperatures in the refrigerator
• Frost buildup in the freezer
• Warm spots in the refrigerator compartment
• The refrigerator running constantly or not cooling adequately

This OEM part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.

The Damper Control is an OEM replacement part for Whirlpool refrigerators. It is located inside the refrigerator, just above the evaporator cover, and controls the flow of cool air from the refrigerator compartment into the freezer. The damper control works with a bi-metal spring to open and close based on temperature levels, directing cold air where needed for balanced cooling. 

Causes of a bad damper control can include damage or wear to the bi-metal spring over time, failure of electronic components, or blockage preventing proper movement. 

Symptoms of a bad damper control include:

• Inability to maintain proper temperature levels in the refrigerator or freezer
• Frost or ice build-up in unexpected areas  
• warmer temperatures in one compartment and colder in the other
• loud noises or vibrations coming from the damper area

This OEM Whirlpool part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.

The Damper Assembly is an OEM part for Frigidaire refrigerators, crucial for regulating the airflow between the refrigerator and freezer compartments. This part plays a pivotal role in maintaining the desired temperature in your refrigerator, ensuring your food remains fresh and safe for consumption. Note: Damper Control w/ one switch, if you need a Damper Control with two switches, order part# AP3772850.

Causes of a bad Refrigerator Damper Assembly can involve normal wear of internal mechanisms responsible for damper rotation. Mineral accumulation on electronic sensors may hinder proper damper response.

Symptoms of a bad Damper Assembly include:

• Temperature fluctuations between fridge and freezer sections
• Condensation or frosting around cooling coils and duct intakes
• Energy inefficiency and higher utility costs over time
• Strange noises emittng from behind refrigerator exterior panels

This genuine OEM Frigidaire is also compatible with Electrolux, Gibson, and select Kenmore models.

The Damper is an OEM replacement part for Frigidaire refrigerators. It controls the flow of cold air circulating inside the fridge compartment including the damper seals. The damper opens and closes automatically depending on temperature conditions to maintain proper cooling levels.

Causes of a bad damper can include seal failure allowing air leaks over time, restricted movement from mineral deposits binding internal parts, or physical damage bending critical damper components.

Symptoms of a bad damper include:

• Inability to achieve recommended temperature settings
• Areas inside the fridge feeling warmer than others
• Fluctuating temperatures requiring frequent adjustments

This Frigidaire OEM replacement part is also compatible with Electrolux, Gibson, Kelvinator, and some Kenmore models.

The Air Diffuser Assembly is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. It regulates the airflow between the refrigerator and freezer compartments, ensuring the proper distribution of cold air to maintain the desired temperatures in both sections.  

Common causes of a faulty air diffuser assembly include wear and tear from regular use, damage from ice buildup, or mechanical failure of the moving parts within the diffuser.

Symptoms of a bad air diffuser assembly include:

• Uneven temperatures between the refrigerator and freezer compartments
• Frost buildup in the freezer or refrigerator
• The refrigerator compartment being too warm or too cold
• Unusual noises coming from the air diffuser area

This OEM Whirlpool part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper and some Kenmore models.

Note: Damper Control w/ two switches, if you need a Damper Control with one switch, order part# {AP5688411}

This electronic control board is the brain of the appliance, directing power and timing to components so cycles run as designed. Replacing a failed board restores proper operation and consistent, reliable performance. What it does:

• Controls cycle timing and sends power to motors, valves, heaters, and other loads
• Processes inputs from sensors and switches to start and advance cycles
• Resolve a unit that won't start or appears dead/unresponsive
• Correct erratic operation, stuck cycles, or recurring error codes

• 1 electronic control board

• Disconnect power before servicing; turn off water or gas if applicable
• Use ESD precautions and handle the board by its edges only
• Document wire locations or take photos; move connectors one at a time and reuse mounting hardware
• Some models require calibration or programming after installation—follow the tech sheet/service manual

The air diffuser is the damper assembly that meters cold air from the freezer into the fresh food compartment. Replacing a sticking or broken diffuser restores proper airflow and helps keep refrigerator temperatures balanced and consistent.

• Regulates and directs airflow from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment
• Opens and closes to balance temperatures between sections
• Helps prevent warm spots or freezing near vents in the fresh food area
• Typical symptoms: refrigerator too warm, items freezing near vents, continuous or no airflow through the diffuser, or frost buildup around the diffuser opening

• Disconnect power before servicing
• Access from the fresh food section; remove shelves and the diffuser cover/grille to reach the assembly
• Transfer any reusable mounting hardware or seals from the original part
• Restore power and allow up to 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize; verify airflow through the diffuser

This diffuser—often called the refrigerator air damper—controls how much cold air flows from the freezer into the fresh food compartment. Replacing a worn diffuser helps restore even cooling and more stable temperatures throughout the refrigerator. What it does:

• Opens and closes to regulate airflow from the freezer to the refrigerator
• Helps maintain set temperatures and reduce warm spots or over-cooling
• Common symptoms: fresh food too warm while freezer is OK, food freezing on shelves, weak airflow from upper vents, or clicking/buzzing from the diffuser area
• Helps address frost or condensation near the diffuser outlet

• 1 diffuser

• Disconnect power before servicing
• Access from the refrigerator section; remove shelves/air duct covers as needed
• Note wiring and orientation; remove mounting screws/clips and transfer any seals/insulation if present
• After installation, restore power and allow up to 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize

The Refrigerator Air Diverter is an OEM part compatible with Whirlpool brand refrigerators. Located inside the back wall of the refrigerator, this component evenly distributes cool air throughout the fresh food and freezer compartments.

Causes of a bad air diverter can include cracks in the plastic vanes from regular use over time, blockages restricting airflow, or failures of the mounting bracket or fan component. 

Symptoms of a bad air diverter include:

• Unbalanced or inconsistent temperatures between compartments  
• Frost or ice buildup in undesired areas
• Excessive noise or vibration coming from the back wall or fan area
• Inability to maintain set temperatures properly

This OEM Whirlpool replacement part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and select Kenmore models.

The air diffuser regulates and directs cold air between the freezer and fresh food sections to maintain even, stable cooling. Replacing a stuck or noisy diffuser restores proper airflow and temperature control throughout the refrigerator.

• Opens and closes a damper to meter cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment
• Helps prevent warm spots, overcooling, and inconsistent temperatures
• Can resolve little/no airflow from the vent, food freezing near the vent, or a warm fresh food section
• Noises such as clicking or grinding from the vent area can indicate a failing diffuser
• Frost or condensation around the air passage may point to a damaged diffuser or seal

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear cut-resistant gloves
• Remove shelves/bins as needed; take off the vent cover to access the diffuser
• Disconnect the wire harness and remove mounting fasteners; transfer any gasket/seal or hardware from the original part
• After installation, restore power and allow temperatures to stabilize

This damper is the airflow gate that opens and closes to control air movement through the appliance's vent/duct path. Replacing a worn damper restores proper circulation and helps eliminate drafts and rattling from a loose or broken flap. What it does and common symptoms:

• Opens/closes a baffle to meter airflow through the air channel
• Helps maintain consistent air circulation and appliance performance
• Symptoms can include weak airflow or a constant draft when off
• Clicking, flapping, or rattling noises near the vent/duct area
• Visible damage or a stuck/broken flap at the damper

• One damper assembly

• Disconnect power before servicing; if applicable, shut off gas supply
• Access the damper behind the relevant cover/air duct; note orientation before removal
• Transfer any seals/clips from the old unit and ensure a tight, even seal on install
• After reassembly, restore power and verify the baffle moves freely and airflow is correct