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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 replacement 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.

Water dripping on floor

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

Frost buildup in freezer

Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer or control board
Read more

Not cooling well

Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condenser fan not working
Read more

Ice maker not making ice

Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freezer not cold enough
Read more

Freezer not cold enough

Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan not running
Read more

Needs routine maintenance

Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, clean the drain pan
Read more

Not running

Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost timer problems
Read more

Not cooling at all

Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, sensor problems
Read more

Repair guides common to all refrigerators

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your refrigerator.

July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator water valve

By Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a refrigerator water valve

Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
July 20, 2015

How to clean refrigerator condenser coils

By Lyle Weischwill
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils

Help your refrigerator run more efficiently by cleaning the condenser coils. It's easy and takes just a few minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board

By Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board

If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature control board—a service technician can give you a definite diagnosis. If the board is at fault, follow these steps to replace it yourself.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

Articles and videos common to all refrigerators

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

August 2, 2016

Troubleshooting a refrigerator not cooling video

By Sears PartsDirect staff
Troubleshooting a refrigerator not cooling video

Learn what to check if the inside of your fridge is wayyyy too warm.

Read more
January 8, 2015

New refrigerator noises

By Sears PartsDirect staff
New refrigerator noises

Find out about the new refrigerator sounds you might not be aware of.

Read more
January 6, 2015

How a refrigerator works

By Sears PartsDirect staff
How a refrigerator works

See how the different components in your refrigerator work together to cool your food.

Read more

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