What Is Wrong With the Refrigerator If the Fan in the Freezer Part Is Not Working?

Broken Fan

• If your freezer is in cooling mode, the fan should be running and chilling the freezer compartment. If stuck in defrost mode, it stops running. One way to determine whether the fan is broken or simply stuck in defrost mode is to see whether it is receiving 120 volts of power. To accomplish this, you need to gain access to the fan compartment and test the voltage in it with a multimeter. If the fan is not receiving 120 volts, the freezer might be stuck in defrost mode. If it is receiving power, it might be broken. Check the condition of the fan blades to see whether they can run freely. Rust and other corrosion can damage the fan and result in the need for replacement.

Stuck in Defrost Mode

• Most frost-free freezers automatically enter a defrost mode when the sensor and timer prompt it to do so. During defrost mode, the freezer fans turn off, and a heating mechanism starts up to melt the frost away. Sometimes the timer that controls the defrost mode malfunctions, and the freezer gets stuck in that mode, failing to prompt the fan to turn on. When you locate this timer, which may be behind the compressor or temperature controls, you can turn the dial to advance it out of the defrost mode. Listen for a “click” sound indicating a change of mode, at which point the fan will turn on or off in response.

Excess Frost

• Another possible cause of a failed freezer fan is related to excess frost. A malfunction in the defrost system can cause this. When the timer gets stuck and the defrost mode fails, excess frost can quickly develop on the evaporator coils, usually located in the rear of the freezer compartment. The excess frost might physically block the fan blades and stop them from running, or it may simply block air flow through the system. This problem can be addressed by adjusting the defrost timer.

Repair

• Even if your fan is broken and needs replacement, professional repair is not always necessary. Consult your appliance manual for advice about which replacement fan to purchase and where it can be found. If the fan and defrost mechanism is functioning properly and no other cause for the fan's failure can be determined, you might then decide to contact a professional repair service.