W11236851 Refrigerator Genuine OEM Air Damper Diffuser
The W11236851 is a genuine Whirlpool OEM air damper diffuser assembly for Whirlpool refrigerators, and also fits select Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, Kenmore, and Ikea models. Located inside the refrigerator behind the evaporator cover, this damper controls the flow of cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment, opening and closing as needed to maintain the set temperatures in each section.
Causes of a bad damper include wear and tear of the movable parts over time, failure of the actuator motor that powers it, or damage from something accidentally blocking the damper mechanism. Symptoms of a failing damper include the refrigerator section running too cold or too warm, the freezer section running too cool or too warm, difficulty maintaining set temperatures, excessive condensation inside the appliance, or ice accumulation. It directly replaces 4814117, W11175955, AP6783936, EAP12584010, AWP43935, PD00058357, PS12584010.
Quick Answer
The W11236851 Refrigerator Genuine OEM Air Damper Diffuser fixes Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, Kenmore, and Ikea refrigerators where the fridge or freezer section runs too warm or too cold, temperatures are hard to maintain, or you notice excessive condensation or ice buildup. Replaces 4814117, W11175955, AP6783936, EAP12584010, AWP43935, PD00058357, PS12584010. Check that nothing is accidentally blocking the damper mechanism before assuming it has failed — food items or packaging pushed against it can cause the same symptoms as a worn or broken damper.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Refrigerator section too cold
- Refrigerator section too warm
- Freezer section too cool
- Freezer section too warm
- Excessive condensation inside the appliance
- Ice accumulation
Cross Reference Information
Part numbers can change over a product's lifecycle as manufacturers update designs or release new appliance models. For your convenience, we've included any known superseded, alternate, or cross-reference part numbers that match this item.
Replaces Part Numbers
This refrigerator air damper diffuser directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
W11236851, 4814117, W11175955, AP6783936, EAP12584010, AWP43935, PD00058357, PS12584010
If your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This air damper diffuser is compatible with select Whirlpool refrigerators, and also fits select Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, Kenmore, and Ikea refrigerators built on the Whirlpool platform.
Note: Always verify your full model number before ordering, since Whirlpool uses several different damper designs across its refrigerator lineup. Contact our support team with your model number if you're unsure.
Key Features
- Genuine Whirlpool OEM part — factory-specified damper and actuator design
- Controls cold airflow from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment
- Resolves "too cold," "too warm," "excessive condensation," and "ice accumulation" symptoms
- Located behind the evaporator cover
- Direct drop-in replacement matching the original mounting and connections
- Replaces 4814117, W11175955, AP6783936, EAP12584010, AWP43935, PD00058357, PS12584010
- Compatible with Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, Kenmore, and Ikea refrigerators
- Genuine OEM replacement — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
W11236851 |
| Part Type |
Refrigerator Air Damper Diffuser Assembly |
| Condition |
Genuine OEM |
| Brand |
Whirlpool |
| Location |
Behind the evaporator cover |
| Function |
Controls cold airflow between the freezer and refrigerator compartments |
| Repair Difficulty |
Moderate |
| Quantity |
1 damper assembly |
| Compatible Brands |
Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, Kenmore, Ikea |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Refrigerator Before Starting — Check For Blockages First Unplug the refrigerator and safely store any food that could spoil while the power is off. Wear work gloves. Before disassembling anything, check whether food items or packaging have been accidentally pushed against the damper mechanism, since this can cause the same temperature symptoms as a genuinely failed part. Locate the evaporator cover, typically in the freezer or at the back of the fresh food compartment depending on your model, and remove it to access the damper assembly. Photograph the wiring connection to the actuator motor before disconnecting anything. Disconnect the wiring harness from the old damper assembly, remove any mounting clips or fasteners, and pull it free. Install the new W11236851 in the same position, reconnect the wiring harness fully, and secure any mounting hardware. Reinstall the evaporator cover. Restore power and monitor both the refrigerator and freezer temperatures over the next 24 hours to confirm consistent, accurate cooling in both compartments. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver (model-dependent), work gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
My refrigerator section is too warm but the freezer is fine. Is this the part I need?
Yes, this is a common symptom of a failing air damper. Since this damper controls how much cold air moves from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment, a stuck or broken damper can leave the refrigerator section too warm even while the freezer maintains a normal temperature.
My freezer or fridge is too cold instead of too warm. Could this still be the damper?
Yes. A damper stuck in the open position can let too much cold air flow into the refrigerator compartment, making it colder than intended, while a damper stuck closed can have the opposite effect. Both too-cold and too-warm symptoms in either compartment can point to this same part.
What should I check before assuming the damper itself is broken?
Check that nothing — food packaging, containers, or shifted items — is physically blocking the damper mechanism, since accidental blocking can produce the same temperature symptoms as a genuinely worn or failed damper, without requiring a replacement part at all.
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?
This is a genuine OEM part, manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance. It matches the original damper and actuator design of the air damper diffuser originally installed in your refrigerator.
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