February 20, 2015

How to replace a freezer evaporator fan

How to replace a freezer evaporator fan

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace an evaporator fan in a freezer. The evaporator fan in a freezer blows air across the evaporator and through the freezer cabinet to cool the freezer. If the fan stops working, the freezer warms up. Replace a broken evaporator fan with the manufacturer-approved freezer part.

This repair guide and video shows how to replace the evaporator fan in Kenmore, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Whirlpool, GE, KitchenAid, Gibson, Crosley, Tappan and Amana freezers.

Quick links
Tools required
Phillips screwdriver
Nut driver
Work gloves
Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer evaporator fan repair guide video.

Replacing a freezer evaporator fan video.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Disconnect the electrical power

    Unplug the freezer or shut off the circuit breaker for the freezer.

    Tip: Move highly perishable food to a cooler or other cooled space. The freezer will be without power for about 45 minutes, which shouldn't affect most frozen foods.
  2. 02.

    Remove the evaporator cover

    Remove the drawers and shelves from the freezer.

    Remove the screws from the evaporator cover at the back of the freezer.

    Pull the evaporator cover out of the freezer.

    PHOTO: Remove the freezer drawers.

    PHOTO: Remove the freezer drawers.

    PHOTO: Remove the evaporator cover screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the evaporator cover screws.

    PHOTO: Pull out the evaporator cover.

    PHOTO: Pull out the evaporator cover.

  3. 03.

    Remove the evaporator fan

    Unplug the evaporator fan wires.

    Remove the mounting bolts that hold the evaporator fan in the bracket.

    Pull the evaporator fan out of the freezer.

    PHOTO: Unplug the fan wires.

    PHOTO: Unplug the fan wires.

    PHOTO: Remove the fan mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the fan mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Pull the fan out.

    PHOTO: Pull the fan out.

  4. 04.

    Install the new evaporator fan

    Remove the spring retainer from the fan blade.

    Pull the fan blade off of the old evaporator fan and install it on the new evaporator fan assembly.

    Position the new fan on the bracket and reinstall the mounting bolts.

    Plug the fan wires into the wire harness plug.

    PHOTO: Remove the fan blade spring retainer.

    PHOTO: Remove the fan blade spring retainer.

    PHOTO: Pull the evaporator fan blade off.

    PHOTO: Pull the evaporator fan blade off.

    PHOTO: Install the fan blade on the new evaporator fan motor.

    PHOTO: Install the fan blade on the new evaporator fan motor.

    PHOTO: Install the new fan in the bracket.

    PHOTO: Install the new fan in the bracket.

    PHOTO: Connect the fan wires.

    PHOTO: Connect the fan wires.

  5. 05.

    Reinstall the evaporator cover

    Position the evaporator cover on the back wall and reinstall the mounting screws.

    Reinstall the evaporator cover gasket.

    Reinstall the drawers and shelves inside the freezer cabinet.

    PHOTO: Reisntall the evaporator cover.

    PHOTO: Reisntall the evaporator cover.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the evaporator cover gasket.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the evaporator cover gasket.

  6. 06.

    Restore electrical power

    Plug in the freezer or turn on the house circuit breaker to restore power.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your freestanding freezers

Choose a symptom to see related freezer repairs.

Main causes: lack of power, bad compressor, refrigerant leak, bad thermistor, defrost system failure, dirty condenser co…

Main causes: dirty condenser coils, condenser fan failure, dirty bottom front grill, leaky door or lid gasket…

Main causes: excessive frost, bad defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal, control system failure, low refrigerant charge, …

Main causes: burned out light bulb, bad door or lid switch, faulty LED light board, wiring failure, control system failu…

Main causes: damaged door or lid gasket, cracked cabinet liner, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, …

Main causes: compressor failure, no refrigerant, faulty sensor, control failure, broken defrost heater, bad defrost bi-m…

Main causes: leaky door or lid gasket, broken defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat, defrost control failure, …

Main causes: lack of power, control system failure, broken compressor start relay, locked up compressor, compressor moto…

Repair guides for upright freezers

How to replace a freezer electronic control board

How to replace a freezer electronic control board

The electronic control board manages the compressor to control freezer temperature. Replace the control board using the…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer thermistor

How to replace a freezer thermistor

When the thermistor can’t sense the freezer temperature, the freezer is colder or warmer than the set temperature. Follo…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer door switch

How to replace a freezer door switch

When the door switch fails, the freezer can’t detect that the door is closed. Follow the steps in this repair guide to r…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your freestanding freezers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your freezer.

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…