The evaporator fan circulates air over the evaporator coils and helps cool the refrigerator and freezer compartments. If the fan is not working, you may notice that the freezer is cold, but the refrigerator is warm. Here’s a step-by-step guide to test the evaporator fan.
Caution: Please read our safety information before attempting any testing or repairs.
Important Safety Notice: Before testing the fan, unplug the refrigerator to avoid an electrical shock hazard.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Screwdriver (Phillips and flat-head)
- Multimeter
- Small screwdriver
- Safety gloves
Steps to Test the Evaporator Fan
Step 1: Safety First
- Turn Off Power: Unplug the refrigerator to prevent any electrical shock.
- Wear Safety Gear: Wear safety gloves to protect your hands while working.
Step 2: Access the Evaporator Fan
- Locate the Fan: The evaporator fan is located at the back of the freezer compartment.
- Remove Obstructions: Remove any items in the freezer, including shelves and the ice maker if necessary, to access the rear inside panel.
- Remove the Rear Panel: The rear panel may be held in place by retainer clips or screws. Use a small screwdriver to remove the screws or depress the clips.
Step 3: Access the Fan’s Wiring
- Locate the Fan and Mounting Bracket: The fan and its mounting bracket are usually secured with screws.
- Remove the Mounting Bracket Screws: Remove any screws that secure the fan or fan housing so that you can access the fan’s wiring. Typically, two screws secure the mounting bracket in place. If the mounting bracket screws are inaccessible, it may be easier to remove the entire rear panel.
Step 4: Test the Evaporator Fan
- Inspect the Fan Blades: Spin the fan blades manually to ensure they move freely. If they do not, the motor bearings may be worn, and the fan motor may need to be replaced.
- Check the Wiring: Inspect the fan’s wiring for any visible damage or loose connections.
- Use a Multimeter: Set the multimeter to the ohms setting (Ω) to check for continuity.
- Test for Continuity: Place one probe on each terminal of the fan motor. The multimeter should show a reading close to zero ohms if the motor has continuity. If the multimeter shows infinity, the motor is open and should be replaced.
Step 5: Reassemble the Freezer
- Reconnect the Wiring: If you disconnected any wires, reconnect them securely.
- Secure the Fan: Reattach the fan or fan housing using the mounting bracket screws.
- Replace the Rear Panel: Reattach the rear panel using the retainer clips or screws.
- Replace Shelves and Items: Return any shelves or items you removed from the freezer.
Step 6: Restore Power and Test
- Plug in the Refrigerator: Restore power by plugging the refrigerator back in.
- Check Operation: Listen for the evaporator fan to ensure it is running. You should hear the fan motor running when the refrigerator is in cooling mode.
Tips and Warnings
- Use Proper Tools: Ensure you use the correct tools to avoid damaging components.
- Handle with Care: Be gentle when handling connectors and terminals to avoid damage.
- Consult the Manual: Always refer to your refrigerator’s user manual for specific instructions related to your model.
- Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure about any step or if the problem persists, consider seeking help from a professional technician.
By following these steps, you can effectively test the evaporator fan in your refrigerator, ensuring it operates correctly and maintains the efficiency of your appliance. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will help extend the lifespan of your refrigerator and keep it functioning optimally.
