(This is a Whirlpool EB9SHKXVQ, purchased Jan, 14 2013.)
The freezer seemed fine, but the fridge was too warm: well over 50F and rising, with the damper stubbornly shut. I ran the Service Test diagnostics, and everything passed/worked except for the damper, which ignored my commands, remaining closed. I also entered Program Mode, to double-check the program code (it was correct).

(Also good: the compressor coils are clean, the fans both run, defrost is behaving, and there's no frost visible through the panel slots.)

I closed the door, stared blankly, and ran the Service Mode diagnostics again. On this SECOND pass the damper opened and closed on command, as it has ever since. It also immediately resumed automatically opening & closing as needed, keeping the fridge temp just fine.

(It's been a few days, and I'm tracking it with a wireless thermometer. The temperature it shows swings a fair bit, but that's normal, isn't it? My test glass o' water stays at 37F, +/- 1F)

MY QUESTIONS: Is it possible that the fridge simply needed a reset, which I unwittingly administered via the Service Mode? Might unplugging it for a minute also have worked?

The damper would NOT open, until the 2nd pass through the diags. Does this actually happen?

MY REAL QUESTION: Can I trust this fridge?

Edited by user Sunday, December 13, 2020 4:09:30 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Clarifications