How To Replace The Motor In A Whirlpool Refrigerator Freezer (And How To Test It)

If your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer is not cooling properly, making loud noises, or running constantly, you may have a problem with the motor. The motor is the part that powers the fan that circulates cold air inside the freezer and prevents frost build-up on the evaporator coils. A faulty motor can cause your food to spoil, your energy bills to rise, and your freezer to malfunction.

But don’t panic, replacing the motor in a Whirlpool refrigerator freezer is not a complicated task. You can do it yourself in less than an hour with some basic tools and some simple instructions. In this post, we will show you how to replace the motor in a Whirlpool refrigerator freezer and how to test it to make sure it works.

What You Need To Replace The Motor In A Whirlpool Refrigerator Freezer

Before you start, make sure you have the following items:

• A new motor that is compatible with your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer model. You can find the part number on the old motor or on the manufacturer’s website.
• A screwdriver, a nut driver, and a pair of pliers.
• A towel or a rag to protect the floor and catch any drips.
• A flashlight or a lamp to see inside the freezer.

How To Replace The Motor In A Whirlpool Refrigerator Freezer: Step By Step

Once you have everything ready, follow these steps to replace the motor in your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer:

1. Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker that powers it. This is important for your safety and to prevent any damage to the appliance.
2. Open the freezer drawer and lift out the bin to access the back panel. You may need to lift it up and slide it out or unhook it from the rails.
3. Remove the back panel that covers the motor and the evaporator coils. Depending on your model, you may need to unscrew some screws or release some clips to do this. Be careful not to damage any wires or tubes behind the panel.
4. Unplug the motor wires from the connector or the control board. You may need to use pliers to squeeze the tabs and pull them out.
5. Remove the motor from its mounting bracket or panel. You may need to unscrew some screws or release some clips to do this. You may also need to remove a spring retainer from the fan blade or a washer from the motor shaft.
6. Install the new motor in reverse order of how you removed the old one. Make sure to transfer any rubber mounts, washers, or retainers from the old motor to the new one if needed. Connect the wires to the connector or the control board as they were before. Secure the motor to the bracket or panel with screws or clips. Slide the fan blade onto the motor shaft until it is fully seated.
7. Reinstall the back panel and secure it with screws or clips. Make sure no wires or tubes are pinched or blocked by the panel.
8. Reinstall the bin in the freezer drawer.
9. Plug in the refrigerator or turn on the circuit breaker and wait for it to start running.

How To Test The New Motor In Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Freezer

After replacing the motor in your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer, you should test it to make sure it works properly. Here are some ways to do that:

• Listen for any unusual noises coming from the freezer. If you hear any grinding, squeaking, rattling, or humming sounds, there may be something wrong with the motor or its installation. Check if anything is loose, rubbing, or obstructing the fan blade or motor.
• Feel for any cold air coming out of the vents inside the freezer. If you don’t feel any air flow, or if it is weak or uneven, there may be something wrong with the motor or its installation. Check if anything is blocking or restricting the air circulation around the motor or the evaporator coils.
• Check for any frost build-up on the back panel or around the evaporator coils. If you see any ice forming, there may be something wrong with the defrost system or its components. The defrost system is responsible for melting any frost that accumulates on the coils and draining it away. If it fails, ice can block the air flow and prevent proper cooling.

FAQs About Replacing The Motor In A Whirlpool Refrigerator Freezer

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

• How do I know if I need to replace my freezer motor?
  • Some signs that your freezer motor may need to be replaced are:
    • The freezer is not cold enough or has warm spots
    • The freezer is making loud or unusual noises
    • The freezer is running constantly or cycling on and off frequently
    • The freezer has frost or ice build-up on the back panel or around the coils
• Where can I buy a new motor for my Whirlpool refrigerator freezer?
  • You can buy a new motor for your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer from various online or offline sources, such as:
    • The manufacturer’s website or customer service
    • An authorized dealer or service center
    • A reputable online retailer or marketplace
    • A local appliance parts store or repair shop
• How much does it cost to replace a motor in a Whirlpool refrigerator freezer?
  • The cost to replace a motor in a Whirlpool refrigerator freezer depends on several factors, such as:
    • The model and age of your refrigerator freezer
    • The type and availability of the motor
    • The labor and service fees if you hire a professional
  • On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a new motor and between $100 and $300 for the installation.

Conclusion

Replacing the motor in a Whirlpool refrigerator freezer is not a difficult task if you have the right tools and instructions. By following the steps in this post, you can save money and time by doing it yourself. However, if you are not confident or comfortable with working on electrical appliances, you should always consult a professional.

We hope this post has helped you learn how to replace the motor in a Whirlpool refrigerator freezer and how to test it. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to check out our other posts on kitchen appliances and food safety at PressToCook.com!