Cold air In the winter and with a cold wind blowing into the unit, we are not able to stop the cold and the unit runs alot. I do have the damper shut for the winter. Can I insulate the air intake for the winter to minimize this cold air?

Sounds like might be the Temperature Control Thermostat or some sensor in the circuitry telling the compressor and cooling parts to keep running because it thinks it isn't cold enough. There is probably a circulation fan to blow the cold air through the damper and it may not shut off either, conveying too much cold thermal conduction through ducting and all frig parts, regardless of damper being closed or open. With the temperature set on low, do the compressor and fans ever shut off once cold temperatures are attained? Freezer should be 0 or lower, frig 35-40.
check this video at RepairClinic.comhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vA8Ksv5kVY&feature=player_embedded

most likely you have a bad damper,go here to see it
http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Damper/67003410/1025326
all that happens is the evaporator coil in the freezer gets cold,the evap fan blows the cold air to the fridge section and it goes through the damper,when it gets cold enough in the fridge section the thermostat on the damper closes the damper door,your damper broke in the closed position,this is as long as the door wasn't left open or anything like that,if it was the air ducts could have froze up but most likely it will be the damper.go here and it will show you where it is up near the light in the back and it's part number 18.hope this helps
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Amana-Parts/Refrigerator-Parts/Model-ARB2217CWPARB2217CW1/1268/0161000/M0403273/00003?blt=06&prst=&shdMod=

is there any frost on your food packages or on the ceiling where the light is?if so the door was left open and the air vents are froze up or you have a bad damper or evaporator fan motor,open the freezer door,do you hear the fan blowing?if so the fan motor is good,check for ice on the ceiling and packages,if that checks good look at the back inside wall of the freezer,if that's covered with like snow or frost you have a defrost problem or also you have a damper in your model,it's closed and won't open to let the cold air in from the freezer.
http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Damper/R0161050/223353
go here,this is the part,all that happens is the evaporator coil in the freezer gets cold,the evap fan blows the cold air from the freezer up into the fridge section,in your model the damper door opens to let the cold air in,when it gets cold enough the damper closes and that's it,so if the door wasn't left open and the fan is blowing in the freezer you have a bad damper.

i have the same problem the acuator under the dash on the right side of the transmission hump controls the left side temp just disconnect it and it will stay on ac and in the winter plug it up put it on heat and disconnect it and it will save u alot of money and time

I have a 2000 pontiac grand prix with a digital climate control system. The heat quit working, it doesn't blow out any heat. Now that it is warm outside the air stopped blowing out any air. The digital temperature on the climate control is not correct. When it states that it is below 30 degrees on the ext and it is warm outside the air wont be cold. Once it starts going above 30 degrees the air gets colder. Today the blower stop working all together. Was told it maybe the climate control unit was bad. You can hear the door opening/shutting when you switch the temp from cold to hot. But there was no heat blowing out whatsoever in the winter time. Could you please give me your opinion on whether or not it is the climate control unit or something else?

The indoor fan will continue to run. When heat pump goes into defrost the outdoor fan stops, the reversing valve switches and the unit is basically working in the cooling mode. In order for you not to feel a blast of cold air in the winter the electric strip heat also comes on so the indoor fan must run while the strip heaters are on.

get a weighted damper and install over the existing vent. the weight will open when the exhaust fan is running and stay shut via the weighted arm.

I have the same problem, when running the air conditioning the front vents will blow hot air. I have not removed the dashboard yet, but I think that the air damper is stuck in the open position. It seemed like a heater core valve problem, but I am pretty sure it is a damper under the dashboard. Now however, I am finally getting some cool air out of the airconditioning vents, but when winter comes, I am afraid I will struggle getting heat again.

With your fridge, does the light go out when you shut the refrigerator door?
That could be your issue, that light running inside will create Alot of heat.
Also check to see if there is air circulating from the freezer to the fridge side through the damper. The damper is on the Fridge side left wall up towards the top. That is where the cold air gets to the fridge side. If that damper doesn't open that will also cause your problem, Let me know how you make out.

Bill