Fridge Repair: Condenser Fan Motor

If fridge repair because it is noisy, turning off and on, or running all the time, it could be a sign the condenser fan motor is going bad.  Thankfully, this type of repair is not as complicated as some may think. You can check the condenser fan motor yourself and replace it if necessary.

Step 1 - Disconnect the Power

Turn off the power to the refrigerator to prevent electric shock.

Step 2 - Remove the Condenser Fan Motor

The condenser fan motor is located on the bottom of the fridge, most likely toward the back. Heat from inside the fridge is released into the air here. A panel will probably need to be removed to access the motor. Depending on the screw, a screwdriver or nut driver will be required to remove the panel. Find the condenser fan and motor. You can quickly check the fan's operation by seeing if anything is obstructing its rotation. Manually move the fan blades to see if they spin freely.  If they do not, you may need to replace the fan. Continue removing the condenser fan motor by taking out the screws that affix it to the mounting bracket.   

Step 3 - Test the Condenser Motor

Your condenser fan motor will most likely have 3 wires attached. Some models have just 2. Note which wires are connected from the fan to the motor. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the wire connectors from the motor. Be careful not to damage the wires. After the connectors are removed, use the multitester to check the resistance or passage of electrical current. Set your multitester to ohms. 

If the condenser motor has 3 terminals, only the outside terminals need to be checked. The inside one is a ground terminal. Check the terminals by using the multitester probes, touching one probe to one terminal and the other probe to the other terminal. The reading should fall between 0 and infinity. If you reading falls on either 0 or infinity, then the condenser motor is bad and will need to be replaced.  

Step 4 - Replacing the Condenser Motor

Condenser fan motors can be ordered from the refrigerator's manufacturer. Once you receive the new motor, check it with your multimeter the same way as the old motor. This will make sure the new motor is in working condition. Attach the wire connectors to the new motor in the identical locations as the old one. You can refer to the new motor's wiring diagram (most likely included with it) if assistance is needed. Now install the new motor under the fridge. Attach it to the mounting bracket using the same screws as before.       

Step 5 - Testing the New Motor and Keeping it Efficient

With the new motor connected and attached, turn the power back on. The unit should operate correctly. If it does not come on, check the wiring. Dust and dirt can plug a condenser and affect the fan's ability to discharge heat. Cleaning them several times a year will help the fridge run efficiently.