Whirlpool 18mstfa fridge running too hot (but freezer works). Help?
Model: Whirlpool 18mstfa (similar model pictured below)
Freezer works fine.
Fridge was warming up to about 13 C. I assumed there was a defroster or freezer fan issue. I took the back panel off the interior of the freezer. The coil in the back was clear of ice, the fan was running when given power. However the air channel to the fridge was clogged with ice, located between the fridge and freezer at the lower part of the channel (below the fan). I melted all the ice and re-assembled. The fridge went down to about 2 degrees C and stayed there for about 18 hours.
The following day it warmed significantly, to about 9 degrees C. I suspect whatever controls the airflow into the fridge is faulty (is this called the airflow dampener?), and it's staying shut too long, and then if it opens, it's letting warm air into the freezer channel, causing condensation and subsequent ice build up. Does that theory make sense?
Any other theory?
Anyone know where I can get a schematic of how the casing at the top of the fridge comes apart? I assume that's where the controls are?
Posted Sep 25, 2026, 5:13 PM UTC