This video and the clear instructions saved us a lot of money! Found a replacement damper online for $82 including shipping; appliance guy quoted me $400. I was done in 10 minutes. Thanks again!
Thank you very much for this video! Your video allowed me to self-diagnose the loud noises my refrigerator was making. I ordered a replacement part online, then referenced your video again to swap out the part without needing to turn off the fridge--amazing! My fridge is finally quiet again.
Thank you so much! This video helped my dad so much! :) Our fridge crapped out yesterday night and we were trying to figure out what happened, he figured it out but we could not find where to fix it. This video aided us in locating the problem! Thank you so much again!
@@ItsFixablehow fast is it supposed to open? Is the motor supposed to have a small vibration? I installed a new one and it hasn’t opened yet. I’m trying to figure out if the new ones bad or hasn’t opened yet
Last year I had this problem and installed a replacement. After about 9 months, the new one started making noise again. I removed the part with the intention of seeing if there was a way to adjust, tighten or lubricate. There wasn’t. So I reinstalled that same part. It hasn’t made a sound again and appears to be operating properly. I don’t know if just unplugging it to remove it did some type of reset or what. But you might try just unplugging it without removing. Leave unplugged for about 10 minutes. Then plug it back in. Hopefully mine will stay quiet for a while.
Thanks for the Video. Had a power outage here last week and afterwards, for some reason, the Damper Control wasn't working, so while the Feezer was staying Frozen the Fridge was staying between 45F-53F... Was able to get into "Service Mode" to run various tests (using the instructions in the Technical Diagram Paperwork from underneath Fridge by the Coils from a Plastic Pouch...). The Damper Control was reporting Open or Closed (and I could "command" it to switch) but it was always staying closed... Also didn't make any noise during the "switch". Took a plastic Bread Bag Clip to wedge into the Damper Door Opening to keep it OPEN temporarily and that was able to finally quickly bring the Temperature down in the Fridge. Eventually decided to see if I could remove the damper control to test if the Motor's Continuity was good/bad... While loosening it from the Tabs I think because the door had been open that the Motor (Door Tab) had been able to rotate back around. So when the Bread Bag Clip slipped/fell out, during my removal attempt, the door actually stayed open and cycled again. It does make some obvious noise now (and looking back that has been "normal" for a while, but it didn't do that during the earlier testing (because the Tab/Motor wasn't "under load"?)... As mentioned in the video, maybe the extra loud noise is because the motor is on its way out? It is about 16 years old/original to the Fridge (2008)... So I'm think it might just be best to just swap it out. If nothing else it might be quieter and hopefully won't "fail" randomly because of a loss of a power loss again. If "that one" fails I suppose I can old onto the original as a "backup"...
Interesting experience. Good for you for sticking with it! If that's the original damper mechanism, it has lasted way longer than most. can't lose for replacing it at this point.
@@ItsFixable Agreed. Have a replacement at the ready. Running some tests with some Wireless Temp sensors to "dial in" the Temp make sure I'm around 35-38F "everywhere". Hopefully no 32F or 41F cold/hot spots...
Thanks, i have an LG that the compressor went out on July 6th 2022 and after 2 techs serviced my machine the refrigerator is still warmer than should be but freezer is working. I believe the damper is stuck partially closed not allowing enough cold air in. trying to find a good video on LG damper(side-side) replacement. thank you again!
Thanks! My whirlpool fridge has made this noise ever since I got it, but it’s gotten significantly louder lately and it’s only 7 months old. I took the first cover off and saw when damper opens and closes, it makes a horribly loud grinding noise. Now, I do have an extended warranty but wonder if I should just order the part myself and replace it. Not sure how much the part costs.
Thank you. I just popped mine open and realized that it's full of ice. Maybe I had too much food blocking ventilation. I'm going to defrost my fridge and see what happens. The damper moves, but it's not getting far with ice blocking the trap.
My Whirlpool is within its 12 month warranty period, and damper control has become noisy, but hasn't actually failed. Found OEM part online for $57 plus shipping. Service call is $120 minimum from authorized Whirlpool center. Watched your video to see how easy latching tabs can be released without breaking. I'll get my current part replaced under warranty, but seems inevitable to fail again before refrigerator dies. I'd like to know if you opened the old damper assembly, to see what actually fails? If it just needs a shim or bushing I'll give that a go next time around. BTW, thanks for posting this!
@@ItsFixable Had to talk Whirlpool out of making me schedule a technician to come here and install the damper control. That would have been over $100 out of their pocket for a five minute task. They sent me the part, which I installed quickly thanks to your video. My biggest concern was breaking the plastic tabs holding it in, but they did bend without breaking. I disassembled the noisy assembly, but there was nothing obviously wrong with it. Just a little sloppy between spacers, which may have been vibrating. For some reason, Whirlpool accidently sent me a second unit. If I can, I'll return it, otherwise I'll have a spare for future issues. Thanks again for taking the trouble to post the video.
Thanks 4 the video 📹 sharing how one can replace this part. Question did you look around for a better price or did you just purchase the first one you seen. And it great to C U helping your family or your wife clean the refrigerator no matter how small the job is, Question do you know where the thermos control prob is that controls the temperature for this part to open 🤔👍look forward to your response.
The online price for the part wasn't but a couple dollars less than my local parts dealer, so I purchased it local. I like to support local business when possible. I don't know where the thermostat is. I had a parts diagram for the unit which I found online and downloaded, but I have since deleted it.
Thanks for this video! :) Mine was doing the same thing continuously opening and closing and making noise, replaced a damper - it opened right away after I connected it and it looks like it never closes, veggies are frozen and it wasn’t like that with the old one🤔
Could a symptom of this be a large build up of ice in the freezer? The fridge and freezer both cool properly. That being said the freezer ices over entirely. The fan coils and resistors down below look brand new. When I looked at the damper up top it's rusted over entirely.
In my experience there are two primary things leading to an iced up freezer. 1) failed circulation fan. 2) a stuck damper. If you have confirmed that the damper opens but you don't feel cool air blowing out of it, the fan has failed.
I have the same fridge (kitchen aid version). The sound mine is making is more like a motorboat put-put-put sound but if that is the only source of sound from the fridge cabinet, I guess this is the solution?
You can remove the grill and then when you hear the sound take a peak and see if the damper is in motion. But yes, that is the only mechanical part in that upper section.
Hi. I have a customer that complains of that noise, however, she says hers is continuous and when I opened it I noticed that it kept going up and down. Do you know if I have two separate issues? I’d the noise the damper but the continuous running is something else? I noticed in your video that the damper kept moving up then down. I assume it’s because the doors are open but the customer complained that it’s constant. Do you think if I replace the damper she will be fine or if it possible that it will be less loud but still keep running all the time, closing and opening? Thanks for the video and for any advise you might have.
Curious about that "constant" open/close action myself too. (Assuming because the doors are open, it can "see" the fridge needs to cool? So it cycles a few times as a "test"?) Had to "fix" my Damper Control recently because it stopped working after a power outage. My assumption was that the motor/tab somehow slipped free of the door (during/after the outage) so the motor was "silently", and as far as the Electric Control Board/System was concerned, "working" as commanded.
@@ItsFixablechanged it out and everything is working just fine. Customer called me about a month later and complained t that the things on the top shelf are freezing. I told her to adjust the temperature setting but that’s about all we can do because I’d obviously working fine. Haven’t heard back so she figured it out.
Yep. That's the problem I'm having with my fridge. It's making a groaning and grinding noise two or three times a day. For sure it's not the evaporator or condenser fans.
Any body replace the part and it still not working ? Is there a fuse or relay that could be out to send power to the damper? No I didn't check for power on the connection on the fridge side to make sure there is power as I don't have a meter will buy one tomorrow
In need of some professional advice. We have a Kenmore Refrigerator with the freezer on the lower half. The refrigerator stopped cooling but the freezer works perfectly fine. I completely cleaned, vacuumed and wiped everything down underneath. Compressor seems to be working fine with no loud noises and has a normal hum. The capacitor and lower unit fan are functioning properly as well so then I pulled out the air control damper and noticed it wasn’t moving freely so I replaced that and still not getting any cold air. What am I missing here Please Help 🙌
Sounds like the evaporator fan isn't working. That's the internal fan that sends the cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator section. Usually that's located behind a panel in the freezer compartment. Google the model number of your fridge and get a parts diagram. that'll show you were it is and what you'll need to remove to gat to it.
Google it and include your fridge brand and model number and you'll likely come up with multiple online sources. Alternatively, most larger communities have an appliance parts dealer in town.
My damper was replaced but still will not open. And I don't see where the temp sensor is in my refrigerator. I saw the repair guy replace it but he did not put the cover chute back on properly. So after he left and I cleaned it fridge compartment out I pulled the cover and he'd made a mess of the damper installation. Foam insulation was all torn up but alas, even straightening out the mrss the door will not open and fridge is warm as can be. According to stats. It's the fridge temp sensor that tells the door to open and close. But I just cannot locate it. There are 2 small vents in the fridge that are not inlet air but I cannot see how they pop off. But am assuming the sensor must be behind one of those. But don't want to break it trying to get to it. Pitiful.
Sounds like the service man didn't know his stuff. I'm sorry :(. You'll need a parts diagram to locate the sensor. Google your brand and model number and you should be able to find one on the Internet. It may be that your problem is the circulation fan and isn't the sensor or damper at all.
@@ItsFixable Thank you for answering. But I figured out the problem. The sensor for the fridge damper is in the freezer. And what it was, after I pulled the cover in the freezer, was the coils, the vent to the fridge and the sensor for the ice maker was totally frozen over. I used a hair dryer to defrost everything, dry it out and put it back together and everything started working perfectly. The damper opened as it should. The ice maker started making again and the freezer and fridge temp were perfect. Unfortunately, the company had already deemed it a total loss and gave me a new fridge. Which has been working perfectly since I plugged it in. But still. The event was a disgrace. It took me 5 months, to finally get it working, just so I could, do it myself, anyway. If this is a sample of warranty service, I'm not at all impressed. And I was told by a reputable appliance sales and repairs outfit, that most repair companies don't even do warranty service work. Thank God for Google and UA-cam. And I hate saying that. Thanks again for answering.👍 PS. He did get the evaporator fan spinning. Without removing the back panel. But within 2 days I could hear the fan grinding on the ice again. Why have a sevice tech who is in a big hurry to get in and out, and then have to go in and do the job yourself. I've never replaced a compressor. Because I don't know how to do the procedure and don't have the vac and freon experience. But everything mechanical he did i have done on past refrigerators we've had. But I didn't feel I should have to do what the warranty was supposed to take care of.
@@peterford9369 Wow, what an ordeal! The fact that it iced over sais to me that something else was wrong with that unit. I'm glad to hear you received a replacement, but sorry for your headache 😢.
@@ItsFixable Thanks. But from all the complaints I read, about even well known brands. It seems quality control is really an issue in appliances. Probably other items too, I'm sure. But there is no excuse for that kind of slow and carefree service. You buy a product in good faith and you trust the manufacturer to stand behind it. And then, obviously to save money, they hire somewhat, flybynight service people. And then when they do finally get to you. The company doesn't even ship them all the parts they need to do a thorough repair. Just very unprofessional in my opinion . Thing is, I only paid 850 dollars for the fridge. All I could afford for the style and options i liked. But I read similar stories from people with 3000 dollar fridges. So the problems are across the price spectrum. Not just less expensive equipment. Thanks again.
This part is the most nosiest, poorly designed, piece of crap I’ve ever seen. I have to replace mine every 12 months because it gets so noisy that it’s unbearable. It still works fine but the noisy is god awful. I wish Whirlpool would redesign this part. I’m sure it’s just a simple fix to make it a little more robust than it is now obviously the cold air has some effect on it.
This video and the clear instructions saved us a lot of money! Found a replacement damper online for $82 including shipping; appliance guy quoted me $400. I was done in 10 minutes. Thanks again!
That's GREAT!
Thank you very much for this video! Your video allowed me to self-diagnose the loud noises my refrigerator was making. I ordered a replacement part online, then referenced your video again to swap out the part without needing to turn off the fridge--amazing! My fridge is finally quiet again.
Excellent!
Thank you so much! This video helped my dad so much! :) Our fridge crapped out yesterday night and we were trying to figure out what happened, he figured it out but we could not find where to fix it. This video aided us in locating the problem! Thank you so much again!
Glad I could help!
@@ItsFixablehow fast is it supposed to open? Is the motor supposed to have a small vibration? I installed a new one and it hasn’t opened yet. I’m trying to figure out if the new ones bad or hasn’t opened yet
Perfect. Glad you videod with the old one making noise. Definitely what I need to do.
Thanks.
I'm glad it was of help to you 🙂
Last year I had this problem and installed a replacement. After about 9 months, the new one started making noise again. I removed the part with the intention of seeing if there was a way to adjust, tighten or lubricate. There wasn’t. So I reinstalled that same part. It hasn’t made a sound again and appears to be operating properly. I don’t know if just unplugging it to remove it did some type of reset or what. But you might try just unplugging it without removing. Leave unplugged for about 10 minutes. Then plug it back in. Hopefully mine will stay quiet for a while.
Thanks for the Video. Had a power outage here last week and afterwards, for some reason, the Damper Control wasn't working, so while the Feezer was staying Frozen the Fridge was staying between 45F-53F...
Was able to get into "Service Mode" to run various tests (using the instructions in the Technical Diagram Paperwork from underneath Fridge by the Coils from a Plastic Pouch...). The Damper Control was reporting Open or Closed (and I could "command" it to switch) but it was always staying closed... Also didn't make any noise during the "switch".
Took a plastic Bread Bag Clip to wedge into the Damper Door Opening to keep it OPEN temporarily and that was able to finally quickly bring the Temperature down in the Fridge. Eventually decided to see if I could remove the damper control to test if the Motor's Continuity was good/bad... While loosening it from the Tabs I think because the door had been open that the Motor (Door Tab) had been able to rotate back around. So when the Bread Bag Clip slipped/fell out, during my removal attempt, the door actually stayed open and cycled again. It does make some obvious noise now (and looking back that has been "normal" for a while, but it didn't do that during the earlier testing (because the Tab/Motor wasn't "under load"?)...
As mentioned in the video, maybe the extra loud noise is because the motor is on its way out? It is about 16 years old/original to the Fridge (2008)... So I'm think it might just be best to just swap it out. If nothing else it might be quieter and hopefully won't "fail" randomly because of a loss of a power loss again. If "that one" fails I suppose I can old onto the original as a "backup"...
Interesting experience. Good for you for sticking with it! If that's the original damper mechanism, it has lasted way longer than most. can't lose for replacing it at this point.
@@ItsFixable Agreed. Have a replacement at the ready. Running some tests with some Wireless Temp sensors to "dial in" the Temp make sure I'm around 35-38F "everywhere". Hopefully no 32F or 41F cold/hot spots...
Thanks, i have an LG that the compressor went out on July 6th 2022 and after 2 techs serviced my machine the refrigerator is still warmer than should be but freezer is working. I believe the damper is stuck partially closed not allowing enough cold air in.
trying to find a good video on LG damper(side-side) replacement.
thank you again!
Or it might be the evaporator fan, which is responsible for moving the cold air between compartments.
Thanks, best of luck.
very useful thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks! My whirlpool fridge has made this noise ever since I got it, but it’s gotten significantly louder lately and it’s only 7 months old. I took the first cover off and saw when damper opens and closes, it makes a horribly loud grinding noise. Now, I do have an extended warranty but wonder if I should just order the part myself and replace it. Not sure how much the part costs.
The part cost me $100.
Thank you. I just popped mine open and realized that it's full of ice. Maybe I had too much food blocking ventilation. I'm going to defrost my fridge and see what happens. The damper moves, but it's not getting far with ice blocking the trap.
Perhaps check your temperature setting too.
My Whirlpool is within its 12 month warranty period, and damper control has become noisy, but hasn't actually failed. Found OEM part online for $57 plus shipping. Service call is $120 minimum from authorized Whirlpool center. Watched your video to see how easy latching tabs can be released without breaking. I'll get my current part replaced under warranty, but seems inevitable to fail again before refrigerator dies. I'd like to know if you opened the old damper assembly, to see what actually fails? If it just needs a shim or bushing I'll give that a go next time around.
BTW, thanks for posting this!
NO, I didn't disassemble the part to inspect it's operation.
I'm glad you found the video useful!
@@ItsFixable Had to talk Whirlpool out of making me schedule a technician to come here and install the damper control. That would have been over $100 out of their pocket for a five minute task. They sent me the part, which I installed quickly thanks to your video. My biggest concern was breaking the plastic tabs holding it in, but they did bend without breaking. I disassembled the noisy assembly, but there was nothing obviously wrong with it. Just a little sloppy between spacers, which may have been vibrating.
For some reason, Whirlpool accidently sent me a second unit. If I can, I'll return it, otherwise I'll have a spare for future issues. Thanks again for taking the trouble to post the video.
Thanks 4 the video 📹 sharing how one can replace this part. Question did you look around for a better price or did you just purchase the first one you seen. And it great to C U helping your family or your wife clean the refrigerator no matter how small the job is, Question do you know where the thermos control prob is that controls the temperature for this part to open 🤔👍look forward to your response.
The online price for the part wasn't but a couple dollars less than my local parts dealer, so I purchased it local. I like to support local business when possible.
I don't know where the thermostat is. I had a parts diagram for the unit which I found online and downloaded, but I have since deleted it.
@@ItsFixable 😉😎👍
Thanks for this video! :) Mine was doing the same thing continuously opening and closing and making noise, replaced a damper - it opened right away after I connected it and it looks like it never closes, veggies are frozen and it wasn’t like that with the old one🤔
Try readjusting the temperature dial. Could be it's been dialed up because of the old damper not always opening as it should have.
Thanks for posting,
You're welcome.
Thank you putting this video up. I have the same problem with my jenn-air fridge. Do you have the part number for the damper control ? Thanks
W10594329, but that was back in December of'21. Could be different now; idk?
Thank you for this!
I'm going to see if I can figure it out on my fridge. Can you buy this part in stores, or do you have to order it online?
Most appliance parts dealers should have it available.
Could a symptom of this be a large build up of ice in the freezer?
The fridge and freezer both cool properly. That being said the freezer ices over entirely.
The fan coils and resistors down below look brand new. When I looked at the damper up top it's rusted over entirely.
In my experience there are two primary things leading to an iced up freezer. 1) failed circulation fan. 2) a stuck damper. If you have confirmed that the damper opens but you don't feel cool air blowing out of it, the fan has failed.
I have the same fridge (kitchen aid version). The sound mine is making is more like a motorboat put-put-put sound but if that is the only source of sound from the fridge cabinet, I guess this is the solution?
You can remove the grill and then when you hear the sound take a peak and see if the damper is in motion. But yes, that is the only mechanical part in that upper section.
Hi. I have a customer that complains of that noise, however, she says hers is continuous and when I opened it I noticed that it kept going up and down. Do you know if I have two separate issues? I’d the noise the damper but the continuous running is something else? I noticed in your video that the damper kept moving up then down. I assume it’s because the doors are open but the customer complained that it’s constant. Do you think if I replace the damper she will be fine or if it possible that it will be less loud but still keep running all the time, closing and opening? Thanks for the video and for any advise you might have.
Change the damper; that should solve the issue.
Curious about that "constant" open/close action myself too. (Assuming because the doors are open, it can "see" the fridge needs to cool? So it cycles a few times as a "test"?)
Had to "fix" my Damper Control recently because it stopped working after a power outage. My assumption was that the motor/tab somehow slipped free of the door (during/after the outage) so the motor was "silently", and as far as the Electric Control Board/System was concerned, "working" as commanded.
@@ItsFixablechanged it out and everything is working just fine. Customer called me about a month later and complained t that the things on the top shelf are freezing. I told her to adjust the temperature setting but that’s about all we can do because I’d obviously working fine. Haven’t heard back so she figured it out.
Yep. That's the problem I'm having with my fridge. It's making a groaning and grinding noise two or three times a day. For sure it's not the evaporator or condenser fans.
It's time to quiet that beast 🙉
Any body replace the part and it still not working ? Is there a fuse or relay that could be out to send power to the damper? No I didn't check for power on the connection on the fridge side to make sure there is power as I don't have a meter will buy one tomorrow
In need of some professional advice. We have a Kenmore Refrigerator with the freezer on the lower half. The refrigerator stopped cooling but the freezer works perfectly fine. I completely cleaned, vacuumed and wiped everything down underneath. Compressor seems to be working fine with no loud noises and has a normal hum. The capacitor and lower unit fan are functioning properly as well so then I pulled out the air control damper and noticed it wasn’t moving freely so I replaced that and still not getting any cold air. What am I missing here Please Help 🙌
Sounds like the evaporator fan isn't working. That's the internal fan that sends the cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator section. Usually that's located behind a panel in the freezer compartment. Google the model number of your fridge and get a parts diagram. that'll show you were it is and what you'll need to remove to gat to it.
Should the damper door be always open? Mine closes shut.
Damper should open and close based on the need for cooling in the refrigerator compartment.
Hi there Where do I get the replacement damper motor?
Thank you in advance 😊
Google it and include your fridge brand and model number and you'll likely come up with multiple online sources. Alternatively, most larger communities have an appliance parts dealer in town.
My damper was replaced but still will not open. And I don't see where the temp sensor is in my refrigerator. I saw the repair guy replace it but he did not put the cover chute back on properly. So after he left and I cleaned it fridge compartment out I pulled the cover and he'd made a mess of the damper installation. Foam insulation was all torn up but alas, even straightening out the mrss the door will not open and fridge is warm as can be. According to stats. It's the fridge temp sensor that tells the door to open and close. But I just cannot locate it. There are 2 small vents in the fridge that are not inlet air but I cannot see how they pop off. But am assuming the sensor must be behind one of those. But don't want to break it trying to get to it. Pitiful.
Sounds like the service man didn't know his stuff. I'm sorry :(. You'll need a parts diagram to locate the sensor. Google your brand and model number and you should be able to find one on the Internet. It may be that your problem is the circulation fan and isn't the sensor or damper at all.
@@ItsFixable Thank you for answering. But I figured out the problem. The sensor for the fridge damper is in the freezer. And what it was, after I pulled the cover in the freezer, was the coils, the vent to the fridge and the sensor for the ice maker was totally frozen over. I used a hair dryer to defrost everything, dry it out and put it back together and everything started working perfectly. The damper opened as it should. The ice maker started making again and the freezer and fridge temp were perfect.
Unfortunately, the company had already deemed it a total loss and gave me a new fridge. Which has been working perfectly since I plugged it in. But still. The event was a disgrace. It took me 5 months, to finally get it working, just so I could, do it myself, anyway. If this is a sample of warranty service, I'm not at all impressed.
And I was told by a reputable appliance sales and repairs outfit, that most repair companies don't even do warranty service work. Thank God for Google and UA-cam. And I hate saying that.
Thanks again for answering.👍
PS. He did get the evaporator fan spinning. Without removing the back panel. But within 2 days I could hear the fan grinding on the ice again.
Why have a sevice tech who is in a big hurry to get in and out, and then have to go in and do the job yourself. I've never replaced a compressor. Because I don't know how to do the procedure and don't have the vac and freon experience. But everything mechanical he did i have done on past refrigerators we've had. But I didn't feel I should have to do what the warranty was supposed to take care of.
@@peterford9369 Wow, what an ordeal! The fact that it iced over sais to me that something else was wrong with that unit. I'm glad to hear you received a replacement, but sorry for your headache 😢.
@@ItsFixable Thanks. But from all the complaints I read, about even well known brands. It seems quality control is really an issue in appliances. Probably other items too, I'm sure. But there is no excuse for that kind of slow and carefree service. You buy a product in good faith and you trust the manufacturer to stand behind it. And then, obviously to save money, they hire somewhat, flybynight service people. And then when they do finally get to you. The company doesn't even ship them all the parts they need to do a thorough repair. Just very unprofessional in my opinion .
Thing is, I only paid 850 dollars for the fridge. All I could afford for the style and options i liked. But I read similar stories from people with 3000 dollar fridges. So the problems are across the price spectrum. Not just less expensive equipment.
Thanks again.
Where did you purchase the part?
A local appliance parts retailer had it on the shelf. When that's the case, it usually means its a fairly common problem.
@@ItsFixable Thank you!
This part is the most nosiest, poorly designed, piece of crap I’ve ever seen. I have to replace mine every 12 months because it gets so noisy that it’s unbearable. It still works fine but the noisy is god awful. I wish Whirlpool would redesign this part. I’m sure it’s just a simple fix to make it a little more robust than it is now obviously the cold air has some effect on it.
Yeah, it's the same part in all their brands too.
1:58
thanks, very helpful
Glad it helped!