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The Condenser Fan Motor and Coils in Your Refrigerator


Self-defrosting refrigerators have condenser fans. When the refrigerator is working properly the coils are clean and the motor runs properly, allowing the fan to spin freely and cool off the appliance.

Before you start to examine and fix the problem with your refrigerator, make sure to unplug it from the power source. You will need a screwdriver, needle nose plier, toothbrush and vacuum before you begin.

First, check the condenser fan coils, and motor to see if they are clean and working properly. The condenser coils are located underneath the self-defrosting refrigerator. When the coils are dirty and/or the condenser fan motor is not working properly the temperature in the refrigerator cannot cool to the proper temperature. Not only does the food spoil, the refrigerator works overtime trying to stay cool and your electric bills start to rise. By checking these items you can turn a potentially costly problem into an easily solved one that saves you money too.

Take the toothbrush and clean the coils. Next take your vacuum and clean out the remaining dust from the back coils.

Now check the condenser fan. Pull the refrigerator from the wall and remove the rear access cover from the motor compartment.

Clean the dust from the fan blades, motor and the condenser with a toothbrush and then vacuum the dust as best as possible. Once clean, manually turn the blade and see if it moves freely. If it is slow or won’t move at all you will need to replace the motor.

Look for the two wires that run from the motor to the terminal block. Taking a pair of needle nose pliers, remove these wires and then remove the mounting screws holding the fan assembly and bracket onto the metal divider in the motor compartment. You will then be able to remove the assembly from the motor compartment. Now take off the rectangular nut securing the fan blade motor and remove the fan blade and rubber washer from the motor.

Take the mounting brackets from the old fan motor and install it on the new one. Do the same with the rubber washer and mount the fan blade onto the new motor as well. Then tighten the nut and put the fan assembly on. Carefully reattach the wires to the terminal block. Make sure the wires are not in the way of the blade and motor. Test the fan to see if it moves more freely.

When you’re done attach the rear access cover and plug the refrigerator back to the power source.