How To Replace The Evaporator Fan Motor In A Whirlpool Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

If you have a Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator, you may have encountered some problems with the evaporator fan motor. The evaporator fan motor is responsible for circulating cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment, keeping your food fresh and cool. When the evaporator fan motor fails, you may notice some symptoms such as:

• The refrigerator is warm but the freezer is cold
• The refrigerator is not cold enough or not cooling at all
• The refrigerator is noisy or loud

To replace the evaporator fan motor in a Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator, you need to unplug the appliance, remove the freezer drawer and bin, disconnect the evaporator cover, remove the support bracket and fan motor cover, install the new fan motor, and reassemble everything.

In this post, we’ll show you how to replace the evaporator fan motor in a Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator step by step, with detailed instructions and pictures. We’ll also answer some common questions about the evaporator fan motor and share some tips to prevent future problems.

How To Replace The Evaporator Fan Motor In A Whirlpool Bottom Freezer Refrigerator – Step By Step Guide

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools and parts ready:

• A large flat-head screwdriver
• A quarter-inch socket or nut driver
• A small flat-head screwdriver
• A new evaporator fan motor (part #W10276647 or equivalent)

You can buy the evaporator fan motor from our online store or from other authorized dealers.

Follow these steps to replace the evaporator fan motor in your Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator:

1. Unplug your refrigerator or disconnect power. This is a safety precaution that prevents electric shocks or damage to your appliance.
2. Remove the freezer drawer and bin. Open the freezer drawer and lift out the bin. Use a large flat-head screwdriver to depress the retaining tabs securing both drawer rail assemblies then pull the entire drawer assembly out.
3. Disconnect the evaporator cover. Take a photo of the wiring for reference. Unhook the wire harness from the evaporator cover. Remove the screws that secure the evaporator cover to the rear panel. Pull out the cover and set it aside.
4. Examine the fan control board for damage. Remove the support bracket and fan motor cover to access the fan control board. If you see any visible burn marks on the board, you need to replace the evaporator fan motor. If you don’t see any damage, you should have the evaporator fan bench tested by a service technician.
5. Remove the old fan motor. Remove the screw that secures the motor retainer to the mounting bracket. Rotate the retainer counterclockwise and disengage it from the locking tabs on the bracket. Pull out the old fan motor and detach the fan blade from the motor shaft.
6. Install the new fan motor. Place the new fan motor in the mounting bracket. Reinstall the motor retainer and rotate it clockwise, engaging the two locking tabs on the mounting bracket. Reinstall the fan blade on the motor shaft.
7. Reassemble everything. Reinstall the support bracket and fan motor cover. Reconnect the wire harness to the evaporator cover. Reinstall the screws that secure the evaporator cover to the rear panel. Reinstall the freezer drawer and bin.
8. Plug in your refrigerator or reconnect power. Turn on your refrigerator and check if it is cooling properly.

FAQs About The Evaporator Fan Motor In A Whirlpool Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Here are some common questions and answers about replacing the evaporator fan motor in a Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator:

• How do I know if my evaporator fan motor is bad? You can check if your evaporator fan motor is bad by listening for any unusual noises coming from your freezer, such as humming, buzzing, or grinding sounds. You can also open your freezer door and press the door switch to see if your fan blade is spinning freely and smoothly. If your fan blade is not spinning or making loud noises, you may have a bad evaporator fan motor.
• How much does it cost to replace an evaporator fan motor? The cost of replacing an evaporator fan motor depends on several factors, such as your model of refrigerator, your location, and your service provider. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 for parts and labor to replace an evaporator fan motor in a Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator.
• How do I prevent my evaporator fan motor from failing? There are some steps you can take to prevent your evaporator fan motor from failing, such as:
  • Keep your freezer door closed as much as possible and avoid opening it frequently or for long periods of time. This will prevent warm air and moisture from entering your freezer and causing frost or ice buildup on your evaporator fan blade or motor.
  • Defrost your freezer regularly and properly, as described in your owner’s manual. This will prevent excessive frost or ice buildup on your evaporator fan blade or motor, which can reduce its efficiency and performance.
  • Clean your condenser coils and fan at least once a year, as described in your owner’s manual. This will improve the airflow and cooling of your refrigerator and prevent overheating of your evaporator fan motor.

Conclusion

Replacing the evaporator fan motor in a Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator is not a difficult task, but it requires some time and patience. By following the steps above, you can replace the evaporator fan motor in your Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator easily and effectively.

Replacing the evaporator fan motor in your Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator will help you restore the cooling and performance of your appliance, as well as reduce the noise and energy consumption. It will also prevent potential problems such as food spoilage, leaks, or odors.