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Field pattern: fresh food warm, freezer fine (air damper stuck or iced shut before a sealed-system call)

On single-evaporator refrigerators the damper is the flap that lets freezer air into the fresh food section. If it freezes shut, sticks, or its motor or control fails, fresh food warms while the freezer stays cold. The wrong turn is calling it a refrigerant problem when the freezer is cold, or thawing the damper without fixing whatever put ice on it.

Cross-checked ~45 min moderateBrands: All

Before you start

Unplug before removing covers
Sealed system work is blocked: refer

Diagnostic steps

Unlock all 7 steps with expected values

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OnCall Tech is a reference tool for trained technicians and can make mistakes. Always disconnect power and confirm with the manufacturer's documentation before you work.

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