Freezing in refrigerator. Damper or Thermostat?

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
1

Refrigerator is on the top, freezer on bottom.

Food/water all freezing in top refrigerator section even though control dial is set to lowest possible. Temperature in refrigerator section is 29F.

Freezer seems OK. Temperature is 9F when set to midway point, 4 on control dial that goes up to 7.

Not sure if problem is thermostat in freezer or damper in refrigerator.

How do I troubleshoot for source of problem myself?

Thanks in advance for any help.

(Maytag PBB2253GEW)

2

When freezer and refrigerator controls are turn down to lowest setting the temperature in refrigerator is 40F.

I am still seeking advice here to why this is happening (damper in refrigerator or thermostat control in freezer? defrost thermostat?) and what steps I an take to troubleshoot what needs to be replaced.

thanks again …

3

If the air gate in the damper is still open and the cold air blows through, then the damper control is bad and has to be replaced.

Here are the breakdown diagrams and Replacement parts for MAYTAG PBB2253GEW REF - BOTTOM MOUNTS | AppliancePartsPros.com

Gene.

4

Thanks for your reply.

The spring in the damper gate was loose. I have replaced it and yes, air seems to be coming in.

So, I am trying to figure out if door is broken or not.

My questions are:

  • should the plastic door/flap that the spring is connected to be closed all the when when gear.knob is turned to lowest setting?

  • how much does the damper door/flap supposed to move when working properly.

Currently my damper looks exactly as in the photo of the new part you posted.

Thanks again…

5

Also, is the pointed plastic part that seems to hold the door open suppose to move up and down?

:confused:

6

If the temperature in the fresh food compartment is 40°F on the lowest setting then there is more likely no mechanical failures. You just have to set properly both temperature controls.

Such setting are not always the same. You have to change the settings depends on many different factors like amount of food inside, its beginning temperature, ambient temperature, etc. Be advised that you have to wait about 24 hours after any adjustments to see a result.

Gene.