Repair help > Top-Mount Refrigerator repair > Top-Mount Refrigerator repair guides
July 20, 2015

How to replace the condenser fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator

By Lyle Weischwill
How to replace the condenser fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator

This DIY repair guide gives instructions for replacing the condenser fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator. The condenser fan motor blows air across the condenser coils to remove heat from the hot refrigerant coming out of the compressor. The cooled refrigerant then moves into the evaporator. If the condenser fan motor doesn't run when activated, the air in the refrigerator becomes too warm. If the condenser fan motor isn't working, replace it with the manufacturer-approved refrigerator part that fits your refrigerator model.

This repair procedure works for Kenmore, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, JennAir, GE, Samsung, LG, Gibson, Crosley and Haier refrigerators.

Quick links
Video
Instructions
Tools required
Nut driver set
Wrench set
Work gloves
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace the condenser fan in a top-freezer refrigerator repair guide video.

Replace the condenser fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator video.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Shut off the power

    Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

  2. 02.

    Remove the rear compartment cover

    Pull the refrigerator away from the wall.

    Remove the screws from the rear compartment cover and then remove the cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the rear cover screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the rear cover screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the rear cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the rear cover.

  3. 03.

    Remove the condenser fan motor

    Remove the front base screw from the fan motor bracket.

    Pivot the bracket toward the compressor and remove the rear bracket base screw.

    Tilt the fan motor bracket toward the condenser and remove the upper mounting screws that hold the condenser fan motor in the bracket.

    Tilt the motor bracket toward the compressor and remove the fan motor from the bracket.

    Unplug the fan motor wire harness and pull out the motor.

    Pull off the fan blade.

    PHOTO: Remove the base screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the base screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the fan motor bracket screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the fan motor bracket screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the condenser fan from the bracket.

    PHOTO: Remove the condenser fan from the bracket.

    PHOTO: Pull off the fan blade.

    PHOTO: Pull off the fan blade.

  4. 04.

    Install the new condenser fan motor

    Install the fan blade on the new motor.

    Plug in the motor wire harness.

    Position the new motor on the motor bracket and reinstall the upper mounting screws.

    Reinstall the base bracket screws.

    PHOTO: Install the fan blade.

    PHOTO: Install the fan blade.

    PHOTO: Plug in the condenser fan wire harness.

    PHOTO: Plug in the condenser fan wire harness.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the fan motor bracket screws.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the fan motor bracket screws.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the base screws.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the base screws.

  5. 05.

    Reinstall the rear compartment cover

    Position the rear compartment cover on the back of the refrigerator and reinstall the mounting screws. 

    PHOTO: Reinstall the rear compartment cover.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the rear compartment cover.

  6. 06.

    Restore electrical power

    Plug in the refrigerator and push the refrigerator back into place.

Warning: Undertaking repairs or maintenance to appliances or power equipment can be hazardous. Should you choose to undertake repairs or maintenance, you are assuming the risk of injury to your person or property. In an effort to reduce the risk, use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the applicable 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 or maintenance, however, should only be performed by a qualified technician.
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Symptoms common to all refrigerators

Choose a symptom to see related refrigerator repairs.

Why is my freezer not cold enough?

Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan not running
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What routine maintenance does my refrigerator need?

Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, clean the drain pan
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Why won't my refrigerator ice maker make ice?

Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freezer not cold enough
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Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer or control board
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Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost timer problems
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Why won't my refrigerator cool at all?

Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, sensor problems
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Why isn't my refrigerator cooling well?

Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condenser fan not working
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Why is water dripping from my refrigerator onto the floor?

Main causes: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubing, leaking door seal
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Repair difficulty
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