How To Replace The Kenmore Elite Bottom Freezer Fan

The fan in your Kenmore Elite bottom freezer refrigerator is usually located behind the back panel of the freezer compartment. You can check if your refrigerator has a fan by looking for a small hole or valve on the back wall of the freezer. You can replace the fan by removing the back panel, disconnecting the wire harness, pulling out the fan shroud, and installing a new fan motor and blade.

How To Check If Your Kenmore Elite Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Has A Fan

The first step to check if your Kenmore Elite bottom freezer refrigerator has a fan is to locate it. The fan is usually located behind the back panel of the freezer compartment, near the evaporator coils. The fan is also known as the evaporator fan or the freezer fan. Here are the steps to check if your Kenmore Elite bottom freezer refrigerator has a fan:

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet: Before you start checking or replacing any part of your refrigerator, you should always unplug it from the power source to avoid electric shock or injury.
2. Open the freezer door and remove all the contents: To access the back panel of the freezer compartment, you will need to empty it first. Remove all the food and ice from the freezer and store them in coolers or give them away.
3. Remove the shelves and drawers from the freezer: To remove the shelves and drawers from the freezer, you will need to unscrew or unclip them from their rails or brackets. Keep track of the screws and clips and set them aside in a safe place.
4. Look for a small hole or valve on the back wall of the freezer: The hole or valve is where the cold air enters the refrigerator compartment from the freezer compartment. It is also where you can see the fan blade spinning when the fan is working. If you see the hole or valve, it means your Kenmore Elite bottom freezer refrigerator has a fan.

How To Replace The Fan In Your Kenmore Elite Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

If you have checked that your Kenmore Elite bottom freezer refrigerator has a fan, but it is not working properly or making a loud noise, you may need to replace it. The fan consists of two parts: the fan motor and the fan blade. You can buy a replacement fan kit that includes both parts from online retailers or appliance parts stores. Here are the steps to replace the fan in your Kenmore Elite bottom freezer refrigerator:

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet: Follow the same step as above to unplug the refrigerator from the power source.
2. Remove the back panel of the freezer: To remove the back panel of the freezer, you will need to unscrew or unbolt it from the wall. Some models may have a base panel that covers the drain tube and needs to be removed first. Once the panel is removed, you should see the evaporator coils, the evaporator fan shroud, and the wire harness.
3. Disconnect the wire harness: The wire harness connects the fan motor to the refrigerator’s electrical system. To disconnect it, you will need to unplug it from the evaporator fan wire connector. You may need to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to release the clips or tabs that hold it in place.
4. Pull out the fan shroud: The fan shroud is a metal or plastic casing that covers and protects the fan motor and blade. To pull out the fan shroud, you will need to lift the upper panel and then slide the shroud out of its slot. Be careful not to damage or bend the evaporator coils or tubing when doing this.
5. Pull off the fan blade: The fan blade is attached to the shaft of the fan motor by friction or a set screw. To pull off the fan blade, you will need to grasp it firmly and pull it straight off the shaft. If there is a set screw, you will need to loosen it with a screwdriver or a hex wrench before pulling off the blade.
6. Install the new fan motor and blade: To install the new fan motor and blade, you will need to reverse the steps used to remove the old ones. First, push the new fan blade onto the shaft of the new fan motor and secure it with the set screw, if present. Then, slide the new fan shroud into its slot and lower the upper panel. Next, connect the wire harness to the refrigerator’s evaporator fan wire connector and snap it in place. Finally, reattach the back panel of the freezer with the screws or bolts.
7. Wait before plugging it in: After you finish replacing the fan in your Kenmore Elite bottom freezer refrigerator, wait for at least 30 minutes before plugging it in to allow any oil that may have moved out of the compressor to flow back into it. This will ensure that your refrigerator cools properly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Replacing the fan in your Kenmore Elite bottom freezer refrigerator is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to fix a common problem that affects the cooling performance of your appliance. By following the steps in this blog post, you can check if your Kenmore Elite bottom freezer refrigerator has a fan and how to replace it. If you have any questions or concerns about replacing the fan in your Kenmore Elite bottom freezer refrigerator, feel free to contact us at PressToCook.com. We are here to help you with all your kitchen appliance and food safety needs.