Fridge Fan Problems? Testing The Evaporator Fan

One of the most important things you need to do keep your refrigerator running well is to know how to replace the fridge fan. If your refrigerator doesn’t seem to be cooling, you may need to test and replace your fridge fan.

How to Check the Condenser Fan Motor

As with all electrical appliances, start by unplugging your refrigerator and move it into your workspace. Take the cover off the motor compartment then use a soft brush to clean the dust off the equipment inside. After that, vacuum the area to clean up any loose debris that might cause trouble while you’re working.

Check to see if the fan blades move easily. If it stutters or won’t move then you will have to replace the fan blade.

It’s easy to remove the motor. Remove the wires from the terminal block with your needle-nose pliers. Then, take your screwdriver and remove the mounting screws that attach the fan assembly and the bracket to the metal piece inside the motor area. Take the assembly out of the motor compartment very carefully. Then you can take the fan blade off the motor by undoing the nut that attaches the fan to the motor. Take the fan blade and its rubber washer off the motor shaft.

The next thing you do is take the mounting bracket from the old fan and put it on the new fan motor. Attach the rubber washer and the fan blade on the new motor. Put the nut on and then install the fan assembly and re attaché the wires to the terminal block. Once you’ve check to make sure the wires are clear of the moving parts, recover the opening, and then you can plug in the refrigerator.

Getting The Part

There are several places you can purchase a new condenser fan motor. You can buy one from your refrigerator's manufacturer, or from your local appliance store. You can also go online and order the part from a surplus store.

It’s also a good idea to compare prices online or call around to make sure that the supplier you choose is not over charging you. Condenser fan motors cost in the price range of $40 to $60, but it varies drastically from model to model.

The price of a fan motor is obviously far less than a new refrigerator and replacing it is simple. This replacement can save you a lot of money and headache. Once you get started, you’ll realize that there’s no reason to replace your refrigerator when all you need are a few simple tools and a half an hour of time.