Whirlpool WRT318FZDW (Top Freezer) – Not cooling in fresh food section Repair Guide

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🔧 Not cooling in fresh food section Repair Guide for Whirlpool WRT318FZDW (Top Freezer)

💡 Don’t panic! Check damper control; verify cold control thermostat operation

📋 What You’ll Need

  • Damper control
  • Cold control thermostat

🔧 Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

🔧 Step 1: Test damper control operation

  1. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet or switch off the dedicated circuit breaker to cut power to the unit.
  2. Open the refrigerator door and locate the temperature control panel on the right-hand interior wall, approximately 5 inches down from the top shelf.
  3. Press and hold both the “Refrigerator” and “Freezer” temperature buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds until the display enters diagnostic mode, indicated by all LED lights flashing once.
  4. Press the “Refrigerator” button repeatedly until “01” appears on the display—this is the damper control test mode.
  5. Listen for a motorized hum coming from the upper rear wall of the refrigerator compartment behind the air diffuser cover—this indicates the damper motor is receiving power.
  6. Remove the air diffuser cover by grasping the bottom edge and pulling straight toward you with steady pressure until the 4 plastic clips release from their slots.
  7. Locate the white plastic damper door directly behind the diffuser cover opening, measuring approximately 3 inches wide by 2 inches tall.
  8. Watch the damper door while in test mode—it should cycle fully open (horizontal position) and fully closed (vertical position) within 10 seconds.
  9. Place your hand near the damper opening and feel for cold air flow when the door opens—strong airflow indicates proper operation.
  10. If the damper opens and closes completely with audible motor operation and produces airflow, the damper control is functioning correctly—press any button to exit diagnostic mode and reinstall the diffuser cover by aligning the 4 clips and pressing until they snap into place.
  11. If the damper doesn’t move, doesn’t complete full travel, or no motor sound occurs, the damper control assembly (part number W10866199) requires replacement.

🛠️ Step 2: Check cold control thermostat

  1. Open the refrigerator door and locate the temperature control dial on the right-hand side wall, approximately 4 inches down from the ceiling of the fresh food compartment.
  2. Turn the temperature control dial counterclockwise to the “OFF” position.
  3. Use a flathead screwdriver (1/4-inch blade width) to gently pry the control housing cover away from the wall, starting at the bottom edge where there’s a small gap.
  4. Pull the entire control housing straight out toward you approximately 2 inches until you see a white wire connector attached to the back.
  5. Press the tab on the wire connector using your thumb while pulling the connector apart to disconnect the cold control from the circuit.
  6. Locate the cold control thermostat sensor tube—a thin metal capillary tube approximately 8 inches long extending from the back of the control dial housing.
  7. Set your multimeter to the ohms (Ί) setting at the lowest range (typically 200 ohms or RX1).
  8. Touch the multimeter probes to the two metal terminals on the back of the cold control where the wire connector was attached.
  9. Read the multimeter display. A functioning cold control should show between 0.3 and 2.0 ohms of resistance at room temperature with the dial in the mid-range position.
  10. Rotate the control dial to the “OFF” position and test again—the meter should display “OL” (open line/infinite resistance), indicating the circuit is open.
  11. If the cold control shows infinite resistance in both positions, or shows continuity in the OFF position, the cold control is defective and requires replacement (part number W10316428 or WPW10316428).
  12. If readings are correct, reconnect the wire connector by pushing the two halves together until they click into place.

⚙️ Step 3: Verify air flow between compartments

  1. Open the freezer door and locate the air return duct cover on the back wall of the freezer compartment, positioned centrally about 12 inches from the top and 8 inches from each side.
  2. Remove the air return duct cover by pulling the bottom edge toward you while lifting up slightly – it’s held by 2 plastic clips at the top edge.
  3. Look through the opening into the duct passage – you should see a clear path approximately 3 inches wide by 4 inches tall leading down toward the fresh food compartment.
  4. Insert your hand into the opening and feel for obstructions like ice buildup, food packaging, or debris blocking the passage.
  5. Remove any obstructions you find by pulling them out through the opening.
  6. Close the freezer door and open the fresh food compartment door.
  7. Remove all items from the top shelf to access the cold air diffuser located on the back wall, centered horizontally about 2 inches below the ceiling of the compartment.
  8. Press the release tabs on both sides of the diffuser cover (white plastic, approximately 10 inches wide by 4 inches tall) and pull it straight toward you to remove it.
  9. Look into the exposed vents – you should see 6-8 rectangular slots arranged in 2 rows with no ice or frost blocking them.
  10. Use a flashlight to inspect the damper door visible through the center vents – it should move freely when you push it gently with your finger.
  11. Place your hand in front of the vents and have someone adjust the temperature control dial in the fresh food section from mid-setting to coldest setting – you should feel air movement within 30 seconds indicating the damper is opening.
  12. Snap the diffuser cover back into place by aligning the tabs and pushing until you hear 2 clicks.
  13. Reinstall the freezer air return duct cover by hooking the top clips first, then pushing the bottom flush against the wall.

🔩 Step 4: Inspect for blocked vents

  1. Open the refrigerator door and locate the air vents on the back wall of the fresh food compartment, positioned approximately 12 inches from the top and spanning the full width of the interior.
  2. Remove all food items and shelving from the top two shelves to access the vent area completely.
  3. Examine the rectangular vent slots (typically 8-10 vertical slots, each approximately 0.5 inches wide and 4 inches tall) for visible obstructions such as food particles, ice buildup, or plastic packaging.
  4. Use a flashlight to shine light directly into each vent slot, looking for frost accumulation or debris lodged inside the vent channels.
  5. If you see ice buildup thicker than 0.25 inches inside the vents, note this as frost blockage that requires defrosting (covered in a later step).
  6. Open the freezer compartment and locate the return air vent at the bottom rear wall, positioned 2 inches from the floor and centered horizontally.
  7. Remove the bottom freezer basket by lifting it straight up and out.
  8. Check the return vent grille (a plastic rectangular cover approximately 10 inches wide by 3 inches tall) for ice accumulation or food debris blocking the openings.
  9. Insert a plastic straw or wooden skewer through the vent openings to test airflow—you should feel resistance only from the grille, not from solid blockage behind it.
  10. Look at the freezer ceiling vents, located along the top rear portion, for frost coverage exceeding 0.125 inches thickness.
  11. Run your hand near each vent opening (without touching) to feel for cold air movement—functioning vents produce a noticeable cool draft.

📋 Step 5: Replace damper or thermostat if faulty

  1. Locate the damper assembly inside the fresh food compartment, mounted on the rear wall approximately 18 inches from the bottom, centered horizontally.
  2. Remove the two Phillips-head #2 screws securing the damper cover (one on each side, positioned 2 inches from the top edge).
  3. Pull the white plastic damper cover forward 1 inch and lift upward to release it from the bottom clips.
  4. Disconnect the white 3-wire connector from the damper motor by pressing the release tab on top with your thumb and pulling straight out.
  5. Remove the single 1/4-inch hex head screw at the top center of the damper housing.
  6. Slide the entire damper assembly forward and out of the mounting bracket.
  7. Position the new damper assembly into the mounting bracket, aligning the bottom tab first, then pressing the top flush against the wall.
  8. Install the 1/4-inch hex head screw and tighten until snug (approximately 15-20 inch-pounds).
  9. Push the white 3-wire connector onto the new damper motor until it clicks audibly.
  10. Reinstall the damper cover by inserting bottom clips first, then securing with the two Phillips-head screws.
  11. Locate the thermostat control dial on the right side of the fresh food compartment’s ceiling, 4 inches from the front edge.
  12. Rotate the dial fully counterclockwise to the “Off” position.
  13. Pull the control dial straight off the thermostat shaft (requires 5-8 pounds of force).
  14. Remove the two Phillips-head #2 screws located behind where the dial was mounted.
  15. Pull the thermostat housing forward 2 inches to access the rear wire connector.
  16. Disconnect the green 2-wire connector by squeezing the side tabs and pulling apart.
  17. Remove the thermostat sensing tube from its mounting clip by sliding it sideways 1/4 inch.
  18. Install the new thermostat by reversing steps 7 through 3, ensuring the sensing tube sits fully in the mounting clip before reconnecting wires.

⚠️ Safety Reminders

  • Always unplug the refrigerator before beginning any repair work
  • Allow the unit to warm up if working with frozen components
  • Use proper tools and safety equipment
  • If you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional

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🛒 Recommended Products

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