De Dietrich Air Duct or Damper Obstruction

Refrigerator not cooling or cooling very poorly while the freezer seems to work normally.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Iced-up air channel between freezer and refrigerator, Stuck or broken air damper flap, Failed refrigerator compartment fan, Misplaced food blocking air vents

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator before removing interior panels or working near the fan.

Steps:

  • 1. Check temperature settings: Ensure the refrigerator setpoint is not too high and that any "vacation" or eco mode is off.
  • 2. Inspect air vents: Look at the rear and side walls for vents. Move food items away to allow free airflow.
  • 3. Listen for the refrigerator fan: Close the door switch with a finger and listen for fan operation when the compressor is running. If silent, the fan may be faulty.
  • 4. Defrost iced ducts: If you see frost around the vents, switch off the appliance and leave doors open for 12–24 hours to fully defrost, placing towels to catch water.
  • 5. Access the air damper: On some De Dietrich models, a motorized damper is located at the top or rear of the refrigerator compartment. Remove the cover and check if the flap moves freely. Replace the damper if it is stuck or the motor is inoperative.
  • 6. Replace the fan if needed: If the fan does not run and tests open circuit, install a new refrigerator evaporator fan motor.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Air Damper Assembly
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