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Refrigerator fan not working
Common reasons your refrigerator fan not working
The most common reasons your refrigerator fan is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged evaporator or a locked compressor.
68% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
7% of the time it's the Evaporator
6% of the time it's the Compressor
19% of the time it's the Something else
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Common refrigerator repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these refrigerator parts may fix your problem.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A broken electronic control board in a refrigerator can result in various problems, like power loss, cooling deficiencies, and water leakage. This is because the board functions as the refrigerator's brain, overseeing essential tasks such as regulating temperatures, operating fans, managing defrost cycles, controlling the icemaker, and overseeing dispenser functions. When the board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication among various components, including automatic doors if present. A malfunctioning board might produce clicking or chattering sounds and emit a burning smell. Given its potential impact on multiple components, it's prudent to have a Sears Home Services professional examine the board through diagnostic tests to determine if replacement is required.
Evaporator Replacement
A damaged refrigerator evaporator can diminish cooling efficiency, resulting in elevated temperatures in both the refrigerator and freezer sections. These higher temperatures can contribute to food spoilage and ineffective preservation of frozen items. Frost or ice accumulation on the evaporator coils can obstruct their ability to absorb heat efficiently. Inside the refrigerator, excessive condensation may lead to leaks. Furthermore, a damaged evaporator may produce unusual noises like hissing or gurgling sounds during the refrigeration process.
Compressor Replacement
When a refrigerator compressor is locked, it can display various symptoms. The most prominent sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator section, resulting in higher temperatures and food spoiling. The freezer may also struggle to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, leading to no ice production from the icemaker or dispenser. Additionally, you may notice that the compressor is unusually quiet or fails to emit its typical humming sound during operation. In some instances, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The compressor's inability to circulate refrigerant properly can disrupt the defrosting process, resulting in ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could cause a sudden influx of melting frost into the drain line, leading to blockages, inadequate drainage, and potential water leaks.
What to expect when you experience a refrigerator fan not working issue
What is the solution to a fan not working problem?
Addressing most fan not working problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, evaporator or compressor. However, there are many potential causes, so an accurate diagnosis is crucial to fixing the problem.
Suggestions for a refrigerator fan that is not working
Many things can prevent a refrigerator fan from working. Avoid replacing unneeded parts by having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to watch for with a refrigerator fan not working diagnosis
Successfully diagnosing malfunctions in modern appliances can be a formidable task for individuals lacking comprehensive knowledge and training. Attempting to address refrigerator issues without employing precise diagnostic techniques may lead to ineffective repairs reliant on guesswork. The past decade has witnessed significant advancements in appliance technology, resulting in the integration of complex electronic components that pose considerable challenges for troubleshooting. As a result, do-it-yourself repairs on contemporary appliance models have become increasingly complex.
Troubleshooting Evaporator Fan Problems in Refrigerators
The evaporator fan in your refrigerator pushes air through the evaporator fins in the freezer and then throughout the freezer and refrigerator compartments to distribute cold air in the fridge.
When your refrigerator isn’t cooling well and the evaporator fan isn’t running or blowing cool air like it should, you might need to replace that fan.
There are several other problems that can prevent the evaporator fan from running in your fridge.
To figure out what’s going on and fix the fan failure, follow the troubleshooting tips in this video:
Typically the evaporator should run when the compressor is running.
If the evaporator fan doesn't run, then you could have a defective control board, but the problem could also be a bad evaporator fan or a break in the wiring.
Check the wiring first. Unplug the refrigerator and check the wires that run from the control board to the evaporator fan. Repair the wiring if it’s damaged.
Check the continuity of wiring between the control board and the evaporator fan. Replace any bad wiring.
Examine the evaporator fan motor, circuit board and blade for damage. Replace the fan if it’s damaged.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace the evaporator fan:
If you’re unable to find the cause of the evaporator fan failure or you’re not completely confident that you can replace the evaporator fan on your own, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll fix the fridge for you.
Fixing a Broken Condenser Fan in Your 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.
When the condenser fan motor is getting power but isn't working, replace it by following the steps in this safe DIY video:
If you’re unsure whether the condenser fan is bad or you need to have a service technician replace the condenser fan, schedule refrigerator repair service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.