Can a Faulty Fan in a Freezer Cause the Refrigerator Not to Cool?

Testing the Fan

• When the freezer fan starts to fail, it often makes a loud sound like a whine, squeal or groan that may get louder over time. Check the fan by opening the freezer door and depressing any of the fan or light switches. If the noise changes pitch and gets louder, the freezer fan is likely to blame.

Accessing the Fan

• To reach the freezer fan, disconnect power to the appliance and remove the food from the freezer. Remove the back panel, which is usually held in with screws on each side. Note that you may need to remove the ice bin or trays to access and remove the back panel. The fan is on the back wall near the middle or top of the freezer.

Ice and Frost

• Sometimes the problem is a buildup of frost and ice on the freezer fan. Unplug the refrigerator and use a hair dryer to melt the ice and the frost on the fan. Wipe up the melted water with a towel and then allow the fan to dry thoroughly.

Repair or Service

• Once the fan is dry, try to spin the fan with your hand. If the fan will not turn, the fan needs to be replaced. Replace the back access panel and restore the screws. Put the ice trays or bin back into position, replace the food, and restore power. Allow the appliance 8 to 12 hours to reach proper temperature. If the fan is still noisy or the refrigerator continues not to cool correctly, contact the refrigerator manufacturer or a service technician for assistance.