How to replace the condenser fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator
This DIY repair guide gives instructions for replacing the condenser fan motor in a top-freezer 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. If the condenser fan motor isn't working, replace it with the manufacturer-approved refrigerator part that fits your refrigerator model.
This repair procedure works for Kenmore, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, JennAir, GE, Samsung, LG, Gibson, Crosley and Haier refrigerators.
Replace the condenser fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator video.
Instructions
- 01.
Shut off the power
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
- 02.
Remove the rear compartment cover
Pull the refrigerator away from the wall.
Remove the screws from the rear compartment cover and then remove the cover.
PHOTO: Remove the rear cover screws.
PHOTO: Remove the rear cover.
- 03.
Remove the condenser fan motor
Remove the front base screw from the fan motor bracket.
Pivot the bracket toward the compressor and remove the rear bracket base screw.
Tilt the fan motor bracket toward the condenser and remove the upper mounting screws that hold the condenser fan motor in the bracket.
Tilt the motor bracket toward the compressor and remove the fan motor from the bracket.
Unplug the fan motor wire harness and pull out the motor.
Pull off the fan blade.
PHOTO: Remove the base screws.
PHOTO: Remove the fan motor bracket screws.
PHOTO: Remove the condenser fan from the bracket.
PHOTO: Pull off the fan blade.
- 04.
Install the new condenser fan motor
Install the fan blade on the new motor.
Plug in the motor wire harness.
Position the new motor on the motor bracket and reinstall the upper mounting screws.
Reinstall the base bracket screws.
PHOTO: Install the fan blade.
PHOTO: Plug in the condenser fan wire harness.
PHOTO: Reinstall the fan motor bracket screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the base screws.
- 05.
Reinstall the rear compartment cover
Position the rear compartment cover on the back of the refrigerator and reinstall the mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the rear compartment cover.
- 06.
Restore electrical power
Plug in the refrigerator and push the refrigerator back into place.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your refrigerators
Choose a symptom to see related refrigerator repairs.
Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost tim…
Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freeze…
Main causes: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubin…
Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer o…
Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condens…
Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, se…
Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan…
Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, cl…
Most common repair guides to help fix your refrigerators
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your refrigerator.
How to replace a refrigerator water valve
Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water…
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils
Help your refrigerator run more efficiently by cleaning the condenser coils. It's easy and takes just a few minutes.…
How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board
If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature cont…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your refrigerators
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your refrigerator.
No matter what style Maytag refrigerator you have, we can walk you through replacing the water filter.…
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get tips and advice on replacing the water filter in your LG refrigerator.…