How to Replace Refrigerator Fan ? The refrigerator evaporator fan sits behind the freezer wall. It draws air across the evaporator coil and circulates it throughout the freezer and refrigerator compartments. When the refrigerator compressor kicks on, so does the evaporator fan. Should the fan fail, the compressor will continue to run to attempt to cool the compartments. If your refrigerator or freezer seems a bit warm or the motor starts to rattle behind the freezer wall, you may need to replace the evaporator fan to keep your refrigerator running properly.
Refrigerator Fan Replacement
How to Replace Refrigerator Fan ?
1.Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. Open the freezer and transfer the contents to an insulated cooler.
2.Remove the freezer shelving and any storage baskets. Remove any shelving clips or basket glides from the freezer walls that may inhibit the removal of the rear freezer wall, using a screwdriver.
3.Release the rear wall from the freezer by removing the screws securing it. Pull the panel from the freezer to expose the evaporator fan and shroud.
4.Pull the wire connectors from the fan motor to release the fan and shroud from the freezer. Grab the evaporator fan blade with your fingers and pull it from the shaft. Turn the shroud over and pull the evaporator fan motor from the shroud.
5.Insert the replacement motor into the shroud. Turn the shroud over and push the replacement evaporator fan onto the motor shaft.
6.Reattach the connectors from the freezer onto the motor. If the connectors do not match, remove the motor and shroud. Cut the connectors from the ends of the wires, using wire cutters. Strip 1/3 inch of insulating material from the ends of the wires you cut from the connectors, using a set of wire strippers. Cut the connectors from the wires inside the freezer. Strip 1/3 inch of insulation from the ends of the wires.
7.Connect the sets of wires from the evaporator motor to the freezer by matching the wire colors. For example, match the red wire with the red wire and the blue wire with the blue wire. Place a crimp connector, provided with the new evaporator motor, over the ends of the wire sets. Crimp the connectors onto the wires, using a wire crimper.
8.Insert the shroud and evaporator fan into the freezer. Replace the rear freezer wall and secure it with the screws you removed previously.
9.Reinstall the basket glides and any shelf clips. Replace the shelving and the storage baskets. Transfer the contents from the cooler to the freezer and plug the refrigerator back into the wall outlet.
Evaporator fan motors are normally located at the back of the freezer or refrigerator compartment behind one or more panels. You will usually need to remove all of the shelving and drawers to access a rear panel. Be aware, you may also need to remove the shelf or draw support rails. Depending on the model, you will probably also need to remove the ice-maker, ice auger drive assembly, or other components before you can uninstall a rear panel. Now, unthread the screws securing the rear panel or panels, then slide the panels out.
The evaporator fan motor may be mounted to a support bracket, or directly to a rear panel. Pull off the fan blade. Unthread the mounting screws or release the retainer to detach the motor itself. Disconnect the power and grounding wires, if applicable, to fully release.
When installing a new evaporator fan motor, be aware you may need to transfer rubber mounts and a washer, from the old motor to the new one. Connect the power and grounding wires as required. Position and secure the fan motor to the bracket or panel. Slide the fan blade onto the motor shaft until it is fully seated. Reposition the rear panel or panels and thread the screws to secure. Reinstall the ice auger drive motor assembly, the ice maker and any other necessary components. Replace the shelf or draw support rails as required along with the draws and shelving. With the reassembly complete, plug the power cord back in, and your refrigerator should be ready for use.