A tenant in Canton called us when their Whirlpool refrigerator’s fresh food section stopped cooling completely while the freezer kept working fine. We diagnosed a failed damper assembly that wasn’t allowing cold air to flow from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment.
The Problem
The customer reported that the refrigerator side wasn’t cooling at all, leading to significant food spoilage. The freezer was maintaining proper temperature, but no cold air was reaching the fresh food section. This is a classic symptom of damper failure in side-by-side refrigerators.
Diagnosis
We found the damper assembly (part 242303001) had completely failed. This motorized damper controls airflow between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. When it fails in the closed position, the refrigerator side loses all cooling while the freezer continues operating normally. The damper motor had seized, preventing any air circulation.
The Repair
- Parts replaced: 242303001 — Damper Assembly
- Work performed: Removed old damper assembly, installed new unit, calibrated operation
- Result: Verified proper airflow and temperature drop in refrigerator section
Is It Worth Repairing?
This Whirlpool model FFHS2311LWPA is a solid mid-range refrigerator that typically runs 12-15 years with proper maintenance. Since damper failure is usually an isolated issue and not indicative of broader system problems, this repair makes good financial sense for most units under 10 years old.
Maintenance Tips for Whirlpool Side-by-Side Refrigerators
- Check that nothing is blocking the vents between freezer and refrigerator sections — even small items can restrict airflow
- Replace the air filter every 6 months if your model has one — clogged filters force the damper to work harder
- Keep the damper area clean by occasionally wiping down the vent openings with a damp cloth
Appliance Repair in Canton, OH
Canton is in Stark County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve Massillon, North Canton, and Alliance. Louisville Appliance Repair is owned and operated by Samuel Willhite, a master-certified technician with Bosch and Speed Queen factory authorizations. If your appliance needs service, schedule online or call (330) 693-9163. You can also find us on Google and read verified reviews from customers across Stark County and surrounding areas.
Louisville Appliance Repair serves Stark County and surrounding areas.
Schedule your repair online,
call (330) 693-9163,
or see our reviews on Google.