How to replace an evaporator fan motor in a side-by-side refrigerator
Follow the steps in this refrigerator repair guide to replace an evaporator fan motor in a side-by-side refrigerator. The evaporator fan blows air through the evaporator before circulating cooled air to the freezer and refrigerator compartment. If the evaporator fan motor isn't working, the air in the refrigerator and freezer warms up. Replace the evaporator fan motor with the manufacturer-approved replacement part for your model.
This basic repair procedure works for Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Bosch, LG and Samsung side-by-side refrigerators.
Instructions
- 01.
Disconnect the electrical power
Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. If the outlet is hard to get to, shut off the circuit breaker for the refrigerator at the circuit panel.
Tip: Remove the food from the refrigerator compartment and freezer. If you find frost and ice buildup, unplug the refrigerator well enough in advance for the ice to melt. - 02.
Remove baskets and shelves
Remove all baskets and shelves from the freezer.
Remove the screws from the shelf supports on the right wall of the freezer compartment and remove the supports.
PHOTO: Remove the freezer basket.
PHOTO: Remove the freezer shelf supports.
- 03.
Remove the back panel
Using a 1/4-inch nut driver, remove the screws from the evaporator panel. Pull the right side of the panel forward to remove it.
PHOTO: Remove the evaporator panel screws.
PHOTO: Remove the evaporator panel.
- 04.
Remove the fan motor
Remove the mounting clip that secures the fan assembly. Detach the fan blade and disconnect the wire harness. Pull the fan out of the housing.
PHOTO: Remove the mounting clip.
PHOTO: Remove the fan blade.
PHOTO: Disconnect the wire harness.
- 05.
Install the new fan assembly
Push the wire connector for the new fan into the wire harness. Insert the new fan motor into the housing. Push the fan blade completely onto the fan motor shaft. Replace the mounting clip.
- 06.
Reinstall the back panel
Position the evaporator panel so the screw holes line up. Insert the mounting screws and tighten them securely.
- 07.
Reinstall the shelf supports
Position the shelf rails on the right inside wall of the freezer and reinstall the mounting screws. Overtightening the screws can crack the freezer liner or the mounting rails, so turn the screws until they stop and then snug them up with a final twist.
- 08.
Restore the electrical power
Reinstall the baskets and shelves. Plug the cord in the wall outlet or reset the house circuit breaker to restore electrical power.
Symptoms common to all refrigerators
Repair guides common to all refrigerators
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