Part
Condenser Fan Motor
Product Rating
Customer
John from MS
Problem
No cooling of condenser coils causing compressor shut off before proper cooling temperature could be achieved.
Tools
Coil brush and vacuum to clean the coils and area around the cooling fan. ... a couple of small nut drivers .
Repair & Advice
It's best to remove the fan and bracket assembly from the frame . Its a bit fiddly and dirty back there but only three screws to remove the assembly and another 3 to remove and replace the motor . You will need to transfer the fan blade over too .
Story submitted on May 14, 2015
Part
Condenser Fan Motor
Product Rating
Customer
Corey from IL
Problem
Old fan locked up, and fridge stopped cooling
Tools
1/4" nut driver, wire strippers
Repair & Advice
Easy to install
Story submitted on January 19, 2020
Part
Condenser Fan Motor
Product Rating
Customer
Dennis from NV
Problem
Refrigerator running too warm
Tools
Nut-driver, screwdriver, and pliers.
Repair & Advice
This 30 year old Amana bottom freezer has only had an issue when a cat toy stopped the condenser fan and it started cooling poorly (bad kitty). Here it is 7 years later, can't blame the kitty since He only lasted 19 years and His warranty expired a few years earlier, and the same symptom resurfaces. This time there really is a problem and it is the condenser fan motor binding and no way to lubricate it. This must have failed for a while as the floor was discolored by the excess heat and we recently noticed the cabinet return air vent behind the crisper had been blocked by a napkin causing us to take notice of this issue. Since the age of the unit was a consideration, the rear cover was removed, a portable desk fan was placed behind the refrigerator and temperatures dropped to normal conditions, as tested with 2 refrigerator thermometers, 1 in the refrigerator, and 1 in the freezer. The American made fan motor lasted 30 years, we shall see how long this new one lasts, they're all made in China now. The wiring was questionable as it had been heated and was brittle, but with care, it accepted the wire nuts to connect the new motor and the insulation remained intact. Replacement rear rollers and drain line were ordered as they were damaged by the heat. At no time was there a burning smell, but you could definitely tell things got warm.
So in all I spent about $100 instead of the $1300 needed for a new "computerized refrigerator", one that would fail in 5 - 10 years with no replacement boards available to repair it. For now this old Amana BQ20RBL Bottom Freezer meets my needs. Now to keep an eye on my Vintage Sears Kenmore Coldspot upright freezer, I think I need to defrost it, like 2 years ago. Soon, soon.
Always clean the condenser coils every few years or more often if you live in a dusty location. My coils are at the bottom of both the refrigerator and freezer. I removed "felt" (dust that had accumulated over years) and now they both work a lot better, using less energy too.
Story submitted on April 18, 2019