Where Is The Evaporator Fan Motor Located In A Refrigerator

If you have ever wondered what makes your refrigerator cold and how it keeps your food fresh, you may have heard of the evaporator fan motor. This is a key component of the cooling system in your refrigerator that circulates cold air through the freezer and fridge compartments. But where is the evaporator fan motor located in a refrigerator? And how does it work?

The evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator is usually located towards the back of the refrigerator or freezer compartment behind a panel. To access it, one will typically need to remove all the shelves and drawers. The location of the evaporator fan motor may vary depending on the model and type of refrigerator, but it is usually near the evaporator coils.

The evaporator fan motor draws air over the evaporator coils and distributes it throughout the refrigerator to maintain a consistent temperature.

In this post, we’ll explain more about the evaporator fan motor, its function, signs of failure, and how to replace it. We’ll also answer some common questions about the evaporator fan motor. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of this important part of your refrigerator.

What is the function of the evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator?

The evaporator fan motor is part of the refrigeration system that cools and dehumidifies the air inside your refrigerator. The refrigeration system consists of four main components: the compressor, the condenser, the expansion device, and the evaporator.

The compressor is a pump that compresses the refrigerant gas and sends it to the condenser. The condenser is a coil that releases heat from the refrigerant gas and turns it into a liquid. The expansion device is a valve that regulates the flow of refrigerant liquid into the evaporator. The evaporator is another coil that absorbs heat from the air and turns the refrigerant liquid back into a gas.

The evaporator fan motor is attached to a fan blade that spins and draws air over the evaporator coils. The air cools down as it passes over the coils and loses moisture. The cooled and dehumidified air is then blown into the freezer and fridge compartments by the fan. This creates a cold environment that preserves your food.

The evaporator fan motor also helps to prevent frost build-up on the evaporator coils by keeping air moving over them. Frost can reduce the efficiency of the cooling system and cause temperature fluctuations in your refrigerator.

What are the signs of a faulty evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator?

The evaporator fan motor can fail due to various reasons, such as wear and tear, electrical issues, or physical damage. A faulty evaporator fan motor can cause several problems for your refrigerator, such as:

• Warm or inconsistent temperature – If the evaporator fan motor stops working or works intermittently, it will not circulate enough cold air throughout your refrigerator. This can cause your food to spoil faster or freeze unevenly.
• Noisy operation – If the evaporator fan motor is worn out or damaged, it may make loud or unusual noises when running. You may hear humming, buzzing, rattling, or squealing sounds coming from your refrigerator.
• Ice or frost accumulation – If the evaporator fan motor does not run at all or runs too slowly, it will not prevent frost from forming on the evaporator coils. This can reduce the cooling efficiency of your refrigerator and block airflow.
• Error codes or indicators – Some refrigerators have electronic controls that can detect problems with the evaporator fan motor and display error codes or indicators on a display panel. You may see codes such as E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8, E9, EF, ER FF, or SY EF on your refrigerator.

If you notice any of these signs of a faulty evaporator fan motor in your refrigerator, you should test it with a multimeter to confirm if it has continuity or not. If it does not have continuity, you will need to replace it with a new one.

How to replace an evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator?

Replacing an evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator is not very difficult if you have some basic tools and skills. However, you should always follow safety precautions when working with electrical appliances and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your model. Here are some general steps to replace an evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator:

• Unplug your refrigerator – Before you start any repair work on your refrigerator, you should always unplug it from the power source to avoid electric shock or injury.
• Remove all shelves and drawers – To access the evaporator fan motor in your refrigerator, you will need to remove all the shelves and drawers from your freezer or fridge compartment where it is located.
• Remove the rear panel – The evaporator fan motor is usually behind a rear panel that covers the evaporator coils and other components. You will need to unthread the screws or clips that secure the panel and slide it out.
• Remove the fan blade – The fan blade is attached to the shaft of the evaporator fan motor. You will need to pull it off gently or use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off.
• Remove the evaporator fan motor – The evaporator fan motor may be mounted to a bracket or directly to the rear panel. You will need to unthread the screws or release the clips that hold it in place. You will also need to disconnect the wires that connect it to the power supply. You may need to cut the wires and splice them with wire nuts or crimp connectors if they are not equipped with terminals or plugs.
• Install the new evaporator fan motor – To install the new evaporator fan motor, you will need to reverse the steps you took to remove the old one. You may need to transfer some parts from the old motor to the new one, such as rubber mounts, washers, or brackets. You will also need to connect the wires correctly and securely. Make sure the fan blade spins freely and does not touch any other parts.
• Reinstall the rear panel and shelves – Once you have installed the new evaporator fan motor, you can reinstall the rear panel and secure it with screws or clips. You can also reinstall the shelves and drawers in your freezer or fridge compartment.
• Plug in your refrigerator – After you have completed the repair work, you can plug in your refrigerator and check if it is working properly. You should hear the evaporator fan motor running smoothly and quietly and feel cold air coming from the vents.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator:

• How much does it cost to replace an evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator? – The cost of replacing an evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator depends on several factors, such as the model, type, and brand of your refrigerator, the availability and price of the replacement part, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $300 for a new evaporator fan motor and between $100 and $300 for labor if you hire a technician.
• How often should I replace an evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator? – The lifespan of an evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator varies depending on how often you use your refrigerator, how well you maintain it, and how good the quality of the part is. Generally, an evaporator fan motor can last for 10 to 15 years before it needs to be replaced. However, some factors can shorten its lifespan, such as dust, dirt, moisture, power surges, or physical damage.
• Can I lubricate an evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator? – Lubricating an evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator is not recommended, as it can cause more harm than good. Most modern evaporator fan motors are sealed and do not require lubrication. Adding oil or grease can attract dust and dirt, which can clog up the bearings and cause friction and wear. If your evaporator fan motor is making noise or not spinning freely, it is better to replace it with a new one.

Conclusion

The evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator is located towards the back of the refrigerator or freezer compartment behind a panel. It draws air over the evaporator coils and distributes it throughout the refrigerator to maintain a consistent temperature. If the evaporator fan motor fails, your refrigerator will not cool properly and may cause food spoilage or frost accumulation. You can test and replace an evaporator fan motor yourself with some basic tools and skills, or hire a professional technician if you are not comfortable doing it.