Quick Fix: Replacing Your Refrigerator's Evaporator Fan Motor

Updated at: 25/05/2025

A malfunctioning evaporator fan motor in your refrigerator can lead to a frustrating array of problems: inconsistent cooling, excessive frost buildup, and ultimately, spoiled food. This seemingly small component plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper temperature within your appliance, and its failure can quickly escalate into a major inconvenience. Ignoring the issue will only lead to further complications and potentially more costly repairs down the line. Fortunately, replacing the evaporator fan motor is often a manageable DIY project, saving you the expense of a professional service call.

This simple guide will walk you through the process of diagnosing a faulty evaporator fan motor and replacing it with a new one. For a step-by-step walkthrough that'll have your refrigerator humming along again in no time, read on to learn how to tackle this common refrigerator repair.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Quarter-inch nut driver
  • Needlenose pliers
Safety Guidelines
  • Always disconnect the refrigerator from the power source before starting any repairs. Failure to do so could result in electric shock.
  • Wear appropriate safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris or flying parts.
  • If you are uncomfortable performing this repair, or unsure about any step, contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Power Disconnection and Freezer Preparation

    • Disconnect power to the refrigerator by unplugging it.
    • Open the freezer door completely and remove all items and shelves.
    • Remove the ice maker (if applicable).
    Remove the ice maker (if applicable).
    Power Disconnection and Freezer Preparation

  2. Evaporator Panel Removal

    • Remove the cap from the ice maker fill tube and remove four quarter-inch hex head screws securing the evaporator panel.
    • Tilt the evaporator cover forward and lift it out.
    • Disconnect the wires to the light bulb and the evaporator fan motor harness.
    Disconnect the wires to the light bulb and the evaporator fan motor harness.Disconnect the wires to the light bulb and the evaporator fan motor harness.Disconnect the wires to the light bulb and the evaporator fan motor harness.
    Evaporator Panel Removal

  3. Light Bulb and Socket Removal

    • Remove the light bulb shield by depressing the top and releasing the locking tabs.
    • Remove the light bulb and socket by depressing the top tab and tilting it out.
    Remove the light bulb and socket by depressing the top tab and tilting it out.Remove the light bulb and socket by depressing the top tab and tilting it out.
    Light Bulb and Socket Removal

  4. Evaporator Fan Motor Removal

    • Remove the evaporator fan cover by releasing the six plastic clips.
    • Remove the ground wire from the motor (use needlenose pliers if needed).
    • Remove the two motor wires by depressing the locking tabs.
    • Remove the ground screw from the motor bracket.
    Remove the ground screw from the motor bracket.Remove the ground screw from the motor bracket.Remove the ground screw from the motor bracket.Remove the ground screw from the motor bracket.
    Evaporator Fan Motor Removal
    • Remove the two screws securing the motor bracket and lift off the bracket.
    • Remove the fan blade from the old motor.
    • Remove the old motor, noting the rubber bushings.
    Remove the old motor, noting the rubber bushings.Remove the old motor, noting the rubber bushings.Remove the old motor, noting the rubber bushings.
    Evaporator Fan Motor Removal

  5. New Motor Installation

    • Install the new motor, ensuring the bushings are correctly positioned.
    • Reinstall the motor bracket and screws.
    • Reattach the fan blade.
    Reattach the fan blade.Reattach the fan blade.Reattach the fan blade.
    New Motor Installation

  6. Reassembly

    • Reinstall the evaporator fan cover.
    • Reconnect the motor harness and light bulb wires.
    • Reinstall the evaporator cover and screws.
    Reinstall the evaporator cover and screws.Reinstall the evaporator cover and screws.Reinstall the evaporator cover and screws.
    Reassembly

  7. Final Steps and Power Restoration

    • Reinstall the ice maker (if applicable), shelves, and reconnect the power.
    Reinstall the ice maker (if applicable), shelves, and reconnect the power.
    Final Steps and Power Restoration

Read more: Fix Washing Machine Won't Spin: Quick & Easy Motor Coupler Replacement

Tips

  • It's easier to remove the light bulb and socket before reinstalling the evaporator cover to avoid struggling with wires.
  • Ensure the rubber bushings are correctly positioned on the motor during installation.
  • Tighten all screws securely.
  • Check the perimeter gasket is firmly in place before reinstalling the cover.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Voltage Check

Reason: Using a multimeter incorrectly or failing to check the voltage at the fan motor leads before replacing the motor can lead to installing a new motor that also fails.
Solution: Carefully check the voltage at the fan motor leads with a multimeter before and after installation, ensuring it matches the motor's specifications.

2. Forgetting to Disconnect Power

Reason: Working on the refrigerator while it's plugged in risks electric shock and damage to components.
Solution: Always unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet before starting any repair work.

3. Improper Motor Mounting

Reason: Loosely mounting the motor or failing to secure it properly can lead to vibration, noise, and premature motor failure.
Solution: Ensure the motor is securely fastened in its original location with screws and that the motor's shaft spins freely without obstruction.

FAQs

My refrigerator is making a strange noise. Could it be the evaporator fan motor?
A failing evaporator fan motor often makes a loud humming, buzzing, or clicking noise. If the noise is coming from the back of your refrigerator near the freezer compartment, it's a strong possibility. However, other components can also make noise, so visually inspecting the motor for damage or signs of failure is recommended before replacing it.