Replacing the freezer fan motor on a Whirlpool refrigerator may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s a manageable DIY repair. Whether your refrigerator is making excessive noise, not cooling properly, or experiencing other issues, a faulty freezer fan motor could be the culprit. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing the freezer fan motor on your Whirlpool refrigerator, ensuring you restore optimal performance and save on costly repairs.
Before embarking on the replacement process, it’s crucial to gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a nut driver or wrench, a replacement freezer fan motor that is compatible with your Whirlpool refrigerator model, and a flashlight for illuminating dimly lit areas. Additionally, remember to unplug the refrigerator from its power source before starting any work for safety reasons.
Once you have everything you need, locate the freezer fan motor inside the freezer compartment. In most Whirlpool refrigerators, the freezer fan motor is situated behind the rear panel of the freezer. To access it, you’ll need to remove the screws holding the panel in place and carefully lift it off. Once the rear panel is removed, you should see the freezer fan motor, which is typically attached to the back wall of the freezer compartment. Disconnect the electrical connector from the fan motor and use pliers or a wrench to loosen and remove the mounting bolts. Then, lift out the old freezer fan motor and replace it with the new one. Securely tighten the mounting bolts and reconnect the electrical connector. Finally, reattach the rear panel and plug the refrigerator back into its power source.
Identifying the Freezer Fan Motor
The freezer fan motor is responsible for circulating cold air throughout the freezer compartment. If the fan motor fails, the freezer will not be able to maintain a cold temperature and food may spoil. There are a few ways to identify the freezer fan motor:
- Locate the freezer compartment. The freezer compartment is typically located at the top of the refrigerator.
- Open the freezer door. The freezer fan motor is usually located in the back of the freezer compartment.
- Look for a small, round motor with a fan blade attached to it. The freezer fan motor is typically mounted on the back wall of the freezer compartment.
If you are unable to locate the freezer fan motor, you can consult the owner’s manual for your refrigerator. The owner’s manual will provide specific instructions on how to locate the freezer fan motor.
Once you have located the freezer fan motor, you can check to see if it is working properly. To do this, simply unplug the refrigerator and remove the freezer fan motor. If the fan blade does not spin freely, the freezer fan motor is likely defective and will need to be replaced.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for identifying the freezer fan motor:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the freezer compartment. |
| 2 | Open the freezer door. |
| 3 | Look for a small, round motor with a fan blade attached to it. |
| 4 | If you are unable to locate the freezer fan motor, consult the owner’s manual for your refrigerator. |
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials
To ensure a smooth and successful repair process, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary tools and materials before you begin. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:
Tools:
• Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
• Wrench or socket set
• Pliers
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Electrical tape
Materials:
• Replacement freezer fan motor (compatible with your Whirlpool refrigerator model)
• Wire connectors or crimp terminals
• Heat shrink tubing or electrical tape
Detailed Guide to Tools:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead) | For removing screws holding freezer panel, fan motor, and electrical connections |
| Wrench or socket set | For loosening or tightening bolts or nuts securing the freezer fan motor |
| Pliers | For gripping and cutting wires during electrical connections |
Disconnecting the Refrigerator
Safety First
Before beginning any work, unplug the refrigerator. It is also important to turn off the water supply to the ice maker, if applicable. If you are not comfortable performing this task, please contact a qualified appliance repair technician.
Moving the Refrigerator
Once the refrigerator is unplugged, you will need to move it away from the wall. Be sure to secure the doors with tape or bungee cords to prevent them from swinging open. If you are having difficulty moving the refrigerator, you may need to ask for assistance from a friend or family member.
Accessing the Freezer Fan Motor
Locate the freezer fan motor, which is usually located behind the back panel of the freezer compartment. To access the fan motor, you will need to remove the screws that hold the back panel in place. Once the back panel is removed, you will be able to see the freezer fan motor.
Disconnect the wires from the freezer fan motor. Be sure to label the wires so that you can easily reconnect them later. Once the wires are disconnected, you can remove the freezer fan motor from the refrigerator.
When handling electrical components, be sure to use caution and avoid touching any exposed wires. If you are not comfortable performing this task, please contact a qualified appliance repair technician.
| Tools Needed | Materials Needed |
|---|---|
| Phillips screwdriver | New freezer fan motor |
| Flathead screwdriver | Wire nuts (if necessary) |
| Adjustable wrench | Electrical tape (if necessary) |
Removing the Freezer Top Panel
To remove the freezer top panel, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver. Begin by unplugging the refrigerator from the power outlet. Then, open the freezer door and remove the food and shelves. Next, locate the screws that are holding the top panel in place. There are typically two screws located at the front of the panel and two screws located at the back of the panel. Remove the screws and carefully lift the top panel off the refrigerator.
Disconnecting the Electrical Wires
Once you have removed the top panel, you will need to disconnect the electrical wires that are connected to the freezer fan motor. There are typically two wires, a black wire and a white wire, that are connected to the motor. Use a pair of pliers to gently pull the wires off of the motor terminals. Be careful not to damage the wires.
Removing the Freezer Fan Motor
Now, you can remove the freezer fan motor. The motor is typically held in place by two or three screws. Remove the screws and carefully lift the motor out of the refrigerator. Be careful not to damage the motor or the surrounding components.
Installing the New Freezer Fan Motor
To install the new freezer fan motor, simply reverse the steps that you took to remove the old motor. First, insert the new motor into the refrigerator and secure it with the screws. Then, connect the electrical wires to the motor terminals. Finally, replace the freezer top panel and secure it with the screws.
Once you have installed the new freezer fan motor, plug the refrigerator back into the power outlet and turn it on. The freezer fan motor should start running and the freezer should begin to cool down.
Detaching the Freezer Fan Assembly
Removing the freezer fan assembly requires a sequential procedure to ensure safe and effective completion of the task. Here’s a detailed guide with additional steps to facilitate the process:
- Unplug the refrigerator: Before performing any work, unplug the refrigerator to prevent any electrical hazards.
- Remove the freezer shelves: Take out all the shelves and drawers inside the freezer to provide better access to the fan assembly.
- Disconnect the ice maker: If the refrigerator has an ice maker, locate it and disconnect it by unplugging the wires or turning off the water valve.
- Unscrew the fan assembly cover: The fan assembly cover is usually attached with screws. Identify and remove these screws to access the fan assembly.
- Unplug the fan motor: Locate the fan motor and gently unplug its wire connector. Note the position of the connector for easy reattachment later.
- Remove the mounting screws: The fan assembly is typically secured by mounting screws. Locate and remove these screws to detach the assembly.
- Lift the fan assembly out: Carefully lift the fan assembly out of the freezer compartment. It may require some gentle prying if it’s stuck.
Table: Fan Assembly Mounting Screw Locations
| Whirlpool Refrigerator Model | Screw Locations |
|---|---|
| WRT318FZDW00 | Top and bottom of assembly |
| WRF560SMHZ00 | Sides of assembly |
| WRF757SDHZ00 | Back and front of assembly |
Additional Tips:
- Take pictures of the assembly and its connections before disassembling for easier reassembly.
- If the fan motor is seized or damaged, it may require replacement rather than reattachment.
- Once the fan assembly is detached, proceed with cleaning the compartment or replacing any other components as needed.
Removing the 旧 Freezer Fan Motor
1. Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet.
2. Remove the freezer door by unscrewing the hinge screws. Lift the door straight up to remove it.
3. Locate the freezer fan motor. It is usually mounted on the back wall of the freezer compartment.
4. Disconnect the electrical wires from the fan motor. Note the wire colors so that you can reconnect them correctly later.
5. Remove the mounting screws that hold the fan motor in place.
6. Carefully remove the fan motor from the freezer compartment. Avoid touching the fan blades, as they are sharp.
| Tools Needed: | Materials Needed: |
|---|---|
| Screwdriver | Replacement freezer fan motor |
| Pliers | Electrical tape |
| Wire cutters |
Note: If you are not comfortable working on electrical appliances, it is best to call a qualified appliance repair technician.
Installing The New Freezer Fan Motor
7. Installing the New Freezer Fan Motor
Now that the new freezer fan motor is in your possession, it is time to install it. Follow these steps carefully:
- Locate the electrical connector on the new freezer fan motor.
- Align the electrical connector on the new freezer fan motor with the electrical connector on the refrigerator.
- Push the electrical connector on the new freezer fan motor onto the electrical connector on the refrigerator until it clicks into place.
- Locate the mounting bracket on the new freezer fan motor.
- Align the mounting bracket on the new freezer fan motor with the mounting bracket on the refrigerator.
- Insert the screws into the mounting bracket on the new freezer fan motor and tighten them until the fan motor is secure.
- Plug the refrigerator back into the electrical outlet.
- Turn on the refrigerator and make sure that the new freezer fan motor is working properly.
8. Troubleshooting
If the new freezer fan motor is not working properly, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem:
- Check the electrical connection between the new freezer fan motor and the refrigerator.
- Make sure that the new freezer fan motor is securely mounted to the refrigerator.
- Contact a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Socket wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Unplug the refrigerator before starting any work.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses.
- Be careful not to cut yourself on any sharp edges.
- Plug the refrigerator back into the outlet.
- Turn on the refrigerator.
- Check that the freezer fan is running.
- If the freezer fan is not running, check the following:
- The fan is properly connected.
- The fan motor is not obstructed.
- The refrigerator is getting power.
- If the freezer fan is still not running, you may need to replace the fan motor.
- Unplug the refrigerator. Before you begin, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet. This will help to prevent any electrical shock hazards.
- Locate the freezer fan motor. The freezer fan motor is typically located at the back of the freezer compartment, behind the evaporator coils. To access the motor, you’ll need to remove the back panel of the freezer.
- Disconnect the wires from the motor. Once you’ve located the motor, disconnect the wires from the terminals. Be sure to note which wire goes to which terminal so that you can reconnect them correctly later.
- Remove the mounting screws. The motor is typically held in place by a few mounting screws. Remove these screws and carefully lift the motor out of the freezer compartment.
- Install the new motor. Place the new motor in the freezer compartment and secure it with the mounting screws. Be sure to reconnect the wires to the terminals in the correct order.
- Replace the back panel of the freezer. Once the motor is installed, replace the back panel of the freezer and plug the refrigerator back into the power outlet.
- Ice buildup in the freezer compartment
- Warm temperatures in the freezer compartment
- Food spoilage
Reattaching the Freezer Fan Assembly
8. Reattaching the freezer fan assembly requires a careful approach. Start by inserting the fan motor into the fan housing, ensuring it fits snugly. Secure the motor using the screws provided, tightening them firmly but not overtightening. Next, reconnect the wiring harness to the fan motor by plugging it in securely. Check the connections to ensure they are properly aligned and locked in place. To prevent any loose connections, use electrical tape to insulate and secure the wires.
9. Mount the freezer fan assembly back into the refrigerator compartment by aligning it with the designated slots. Gently slide the assembly into place and secure it with the screws provided. Make sure the fan is positioned correctly and that the blades are not obstructed. Ensure the assembly is securely fastened to prevent any vibrations or noise during operation.
10. Double-check all connections and ensure everything is properly secured. Inspect the fan for any damage or loose components. Verify that the fan blades spin freely when you manually rotate them. This step ensures the fan is operating smoothly and will effectively circulate air within the freezer compartment.
Replacing the Freezer Top Panel
**1. Remove the power cord.** Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet.
**2. Clear the freezer.** Remove all food and ice from the freezer. This will make it easier to move the freezer top panel.
**3. Open the freezer door.** Pull the freezer door open until it stops.
**4. Tilt the freezer door upward.** Lift the freezer door up slightly so that you can access the freezer top panel screws.
**5. Remove the freezer top panel screws.** Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws that secure the freezer top panel.
**6. Lift the freezer top panel off.** Grip the freezer top panel on both sides and lift it up and off the refrigerator.
**7. Locate the freezer fan motor.** The freezer fan motor is located in the back of the freezer compartment. It is usually attached to the freezer evaporator coils.
**8. Disconnect the freezer fan motor wires.** Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to disconnect the two wires that are connected to the freezer fan motor.
**9. Remove the freezer fan motor mounting screws.** Use a screwdriver to remove the four screws that secure the freezer fan motor to the evaporator coils. **Note:** The freezer fan motor is typically held in place by four screws, but some models may have more or fewer screws. Refer to your refrigerator’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Tools You’ll Need
Safety Precautions
Reconnecting the Refrigerator
Once you have replaced the freezer fan motor, it’s time to reconnect the refrigerator. To do this:
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| WR60X10071 | Freezer fan motor |
Once you have verified that the freezer fan is running, you can close the freezer door and enjoy your newly repaired refrigerator!
How to Replace Freezer Fan Motor on Whirlpool Refrigerator
A faulty freezer fan motor can cause a number of problems with your Whirlpool refrigerator, including ice buildup, warm temperatures, and even food spoilage. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to check the freezer fan motor and replace it if necessary.
Replacing the freezer fan motor on a Whirlpool refrigerator is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about an hour. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
People Also Ask About How to Replace Freezer Fan Motor on Whirlpool Refrigerator
How do I know if my freezer fan motor is bad?
There are a few signs that may indicate that your freezer fan motor is bad. These include:
How much does it cost to replace a freezer fan motor?
The cost to replace a freezer fan motor will vary depending on the make and model of your refrigerator. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 for the part and labor.
Can I replace the freezer fan motor myself?
Yes, you can replace the freezer fan motor yourself if you’re comfortable working with electrical appliances. However, if you’re not sure how to do it, it’s best to call a qualified appliance repair technician.
