KitchenAid refrigerator FAEC: pantry drawer air damper fault
FAEC on this model means the control detected a problem with the pantry drawer's air damper: the damper is not moving, its duct is blocked, or cold air is leaking past it.
What FAEC means
- Brand
- KitchenAid
- Appliance
- French-door refrigerator
- Code
- FAEC
- Documented meaning
- Pantry drawer air damper fault
- Applies to
- 4 KitchenAid models on 1 platform
- Can you keep using it?
- With caution
What the refrigerator is detecting
A second motorized damper meters cold air into the pantry (convertible) drawer. The control checks it and reports this code with a sub-type for damper failure, blocked duct or leakage.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented A damper motor or door that does not move.
- Documented A blocked air duct to the drawer.
- Documented Cold air leaking past the damper when it should be closed.
Safe checks you can make
- Make sure food in the pantry drawer is not blocking its air opening and that the drawer closes fully.
- Check the actual temperatures with an appliance thermometer placed in a glass of water in the middle of each compartment for a few hours. Fresh food should be about 37 to 40°F and the freezer about 0°F.
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off its breaker) for one minute and plug it back in, then see whether the code returns.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Runs the pantry damper in its service test.
- Checks the duct and the damper heater.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator air damper replacement | $200–$420 | Light |
| Refrigerator main control board replacement | $300–$750 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Use with caution. The rest of the refrigerator can keep running; keep an eye on the pantry drawer temperature.
KitchenAid models documented with this code
Related problems and codes
Other codes documented on the same KitchenAid platforms:
Repair or replace?
A fault code alone rarely justifies replacing a refrigerator. Most FAEC repairs involve a single component once diagnosed. Replacement becomes worth considering when the unit is near the end of its typical 10–14-year life and the diagnosed repair is a major one. See the repair-or-replace guide.
Need FAEC diagnosed in the Las Vegas area?
We repair Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana and other Whirlpool-family appliances in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and Boulder City. A model number helps but is never required to book.