How To Replace The Evaporator Fan Motor In Your Kenmore Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

The evaporator fan motor in your Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator is a vital component that circulates cold air from the evaporator coils to the freezer and refrigerator compartments. It helps to maintain the optimal temperature and humidity level for your food and beverages. However, over time, the evaporator fan motor can wear out, burn out, or malfunction due to various reasons, such as dust buildup, power surges, or mechanical damage. When this happens, you might notice some signs that indicate you need to replace the evaporator fan motor, such as:

• Noisy or rattling sound from the freezer
• Warm or inconsistent temperature in the freezer or refrigerator
• Frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils or freezer walls
• Reduced cooling efficiency or performance
• Error codes or flashing lights on the control panel

 

The replacement process involves unplugging the refrigerator, removing the freezer shelf and back panel, disconnecting the wire harness, removing the old fan motor, installing the new fan motor, and reconnecting the wire harness.

Why You Might Need To Replace The Evaporator Fan Motor In Your Kenmore Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Replacing the evaporator fan motor in your Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator is important for several reasons. First of all, it can help you save money and energy by restoring the cooling efficiency and performance of your refrigerator. A faulty evaporator fan motor can cause poor air circulation and temperature regulation in your refrigerator, forcing it to work harder and longer to keep your food fresh. This can result in higher energy bills and more wear and tear on your refrigerator components.

Secondly, replacing the evaporator fan motor can help you preserve the quality and safety of your food. A faulty evaporator fan motor can create temperature fluctuations and moisture problems in your refrigerator, which can affect the texture, flavor, color, and nutritional value of your food. It can also increase the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage, which can lead to food poisoning or waste.

Thirdly, replacing the evaporator fan motor can help you prevent potential damage to your refrigerator or your home. A faulty evaporator fan motor can cause frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils or freezer walls, which can interfere with the proper functioning of your refrigerator. It can also cause water leakage or flooding on the floor, which can damage your flooring or cause mold or mildew growth.

How To Replace The Evaporator Fan Motor In Your Kenmore Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Before you start replacing the evaporator fan motor in your Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator, make sure you have the following tools and parts ready:

• A new evaporator fan motor that is compatible with your refrigerator model
• A ¼ inch nut driver
• A flat blade screwdriver
• A pair of needle nose pliers

You can find the new evaporator fan motor online or at your local appliance store. You can also check the part number on your old fan motor to make sure you get the right one.

Once you have everything ready, follow these steps to replace the evaporator fan motor in your Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator:

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet and open the freezer door.
2. Remove any items from the freezer shelf and take out the shelf by lifting it up and sliding it out.
3. Remove the inside back panel of the freezer compartment by loosening the screws with the nut driver and pulling it off.
4. Disconnect the wire harness plug from the old fan motor by squeezing the tabs with needle nose pliers and pulling it out.
5. Remove the old fan motor from its mounting bracket by loosening the screws with the nut driver and sliding it out.
6. Install the new fan motor onto its mounting bracket by aligning it with the screw holes and tightening them with the nut driver.
7. Reconnect the wire harness plug to the new fan motor by pushing it in until it clicks into place.
8. Replace the inside back panel of the freezer compartment by aligning it with its slots and securing it with screws.
9. Replace the freezer shelf by sliding it into its rails and pushing it down.
10. Plug in the refrigerator and wait for a few hours for it to reach its normal temperature.

FAQs About Replacing The Evaporator Fan Motor In Your Kenmore Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Here are some frequently asked questions about replacing the evaporator fan motor in your Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator:

Q: How do I know if my evaporator fan motor is bad or just needs cleaning?

A: If your evaporator fan motor is bad, you will likely hear a loud or unusual noise from the freezer, or notice that the freezer or refrigerator is not cooling properly. You might also see error codes or flashing lights on the control panel, indicating a problem with the fan motor. If your evaporator fan motor just needs cleaning, you might notice some dust or debris on the fan blades or around the motor, which can reduce its efficiency and performance. You can clean your evaporator fan motor by following these steps:

• Unplug the refrigerator and open the freezer door.
• Remove the freezer shelf and back panel as described above.
• Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris from the fan blades and the motor.
• Replace the back panel and shelf as described above.
• Plug in the refrigerator and check if the fan motor is working properly.

Q: How often should I replace my evaporator fan motor in my Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator?

A: The lifespan of your evaporator fan motor in your Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator depends on various factors, such as how often you use your refrigerator, how well you maintain it, and how stable the power supply is. Generally, you can expect your evaporator fan motor to last for about 10 to 15 years, but it might need replacing sooner or later depending on its condition and performance. You should replace your evaporator fan motor as soon as you notice any signs of failure or malfunction, such as noise, temperature problems, frost buildup, water leakage, or error codes.

Q: How do I adjust the evaporator fan speed on my Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator?

A: You can adjust the evaporator fan speed on your Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator by using the control panel on the door of your refrigerator. You can change the following settings:

• Turbo Cool: You can activate this feature by pressing and holding the Turbo Cool button for three seconds. This will increase the fan speed and lower the temperature in both compartments for up to eight hours. This is useful when you need to quickly cool down a large amount of food or beverages, or when you experience a power outage. To deactivate this feature, press and hold the Turbo Cool button again for three seconds.
• Turbo Freeze: You can activate this feature by pressing and holding the Turbo Freeze button for three seconds. This will increase the fan speed and lower the temperature in the freezer compartment for up to eight hours. This is useful when you need to quickly freeze a large amount of food or ice, or when you experience a power outage. To deactivate this feature, press and hold the Turbo Freeze button again for three seconds.

Conclusion

Replacing the evaporator fan motor in your Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator is a simple and inexpensive way to improve the cooling efficiency and performance of your refrigerator. It can also help you save money and energy, preserve the quality and safety of your food, and prevent potential damage to your refrigerator or your home. By following the steps in this blog post, you can replace your evaporator fan motor in less than an hour and enjoy a cold and frost-free refrigerator again. If you have any questions or concerns about replacing your evaporator fan motor, feel free to contact us at PressToCook.com. We are here to help you with all your kitchen appliance and food safety needs.