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Customer Questions and Answers for Diffuser (Refrigerator Air Damper) by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18103569
Manufacturer Part Number: W10899382

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
What's included:
  • 1 diffuser
Install notes:
  • 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

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$115.95
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$137.98
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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Diffuser (Refrigerator Air Damper) (Part Number: OEM18103569)

1 Answer

Ricky, Here is a link to our returns page for your review of the return policy. https://www.appliancepartspros.com/customerservice/returns.aspx

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1 Answer

Marc, To change out the air diffuser you will need to remove the cover which will have 2 - 1/4" hex screws that will be recessed in it. Once this is removed you will then need to remove the upper panel of the freezer compartment. There will be a 1/4" screw at the top and then you would just pull out on the panel to remove it. Once this is done there will be 4 corners of the diffuser. Push inward toward the hole with the corners and the diffuser should come out. Disconnect the thermostat tube that goes around it and then attach to the new diffuser and put it back in place. Then reinstall the cover and panels.

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Tom for Model Number Whirlpool part #W10899382 air diffuser

I am replacing the air diffuser on my Whirlpool refrigerator. The diffuser has the connection wire and then two wires that look the same , one shorter near the part that goes into the freezer and the longer one is with the connection wires. My question is where are they supposed to go during installation. Does one go into the freezer and the other in to the refrigerator. They were both taped on the old one but I'm not sure of the placement. Thanks

1 Answer

Tom, Yes, The thermistors are separated and the shorter of the two is placed through the opening in the wall and must be located in the air flow, properly. The longer of the two is routed and attached near the control panel. The thermistors control the temperature in the freezer and the thermistor in the refrigerator controls the damper door to allow cold air into the refrigerator compartment. Also, you may find it easier to work from both the freezer and refrigerator compartments at the same time.

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1 Answer

Hello Ryan. To remove the diffuser you will remove the screw on the cover of the diffuser. Once this is removed then you will open the freezer door. Take the door off the icemaker cover. Under the... more icemaker there is a 1/4" screw to remove. Once removed then take the cover off the wire harness this is where you just took the screw out. Push in on flapper and pull the icemaker out. Remove the 2 screws holding the air duct on the ceiling out. Once this is done pull out the air duct. There will be a clip on each corner of the air duct. Push them toward the center of the diffuser and pull out of other side. Reinstall in reverse.

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1 Answer

Hello Rene. The damper is 120 VAC. If only 59 VAC, it will not work. You will need to check the control supplying the power to the damper.

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Donald J. for Model Number Kitchenaid ksrk25fvss02

Regarding the diffuser W10128734, on my refrig, in the past day or two the damper in the diffuser is opening and springing back closed about every 10 seconds. Seems there is a piece of ice under the door, and so the door only opens about 1/2 way, then, contacts the ice and the spring on the flapper causes it to close. This repeats over and over. My question is - how does this damper motor operate to hold open the flap (damper)? Does it have a limit switch? The springing back when it contacts the ice makes me think a gear maybe stripped, or cracked motor case. What do you think?

Mike for Model Number 10359976801

you recently answered a person named mando about his problems with possibly clearing a vent iced up, how can this be done when the vent is not removable ? it sounds like my fridge cause I to don't get any air unless the freezer door is opened plus the Diffuser door was loaded with ice I removed the diffuser and thawed it out,but when I plugged it in, the door still didn't open so could it also be bad the diffuser I mean.I hope you can help cause you guys are my only hope

1 Answer

Mike, Yes, the diffuser W10899382 is the most likely issue. In most cases, you can access and remove the assembly from the refrigerator compartment wall, but you may also need to remove the upper portion of the freezer compartment evaporator cover and ice maker assembly, and press in on the retainer tabs and push the diffuser out and into the refrigerator compartment. The important thing is to find out where the air leak is, if there is one. Make sure both doors close and seal properly, all the way around the door(s). Make sure the lights go out when the door is closed, and the dispenser flapper closes and seals. If all's OK, replace the diffuser, and make sure you install the thermistor in the same location as the original, it has to be in the air flow for the door to open and close at the proper temperature.

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