JennAir Refrigerator Overcooling / Damper or Thermistor Fault

Refrigerator section too cold; food freezing in crisper drawers or on top shelf.

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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

Stuck-open air damper, Faulty refrigerator thermistor, Miscalibrated main control board, Temperature set too low

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Disconnect power before accessing the air damper or control board.

  • Check temperature settings: Set the refrigerator to the recommended 37–40°F (3–4°C). Avoid the coldest setting unless necessary.
  • Observe air damper: Locate the air damper (often at the top rear of the fresh food section). With the door open, you may feel strong cold air. If air blows constantly regardless of set temperature, the damper may be stuck open.
  • Inspect damper mechanism: Remove the damper cover and check for broken gears or obstructions. Replace the air damper assembly if it does not open/close properly.
  • Check refrigerator thermistor: A faulty thermistor can misreport temperature, causing overcooling. Test and replace the refrigerator thermistor if out of spec.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Air Damper Assembly
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