How to test & replace an evaporator fan motor on an upright Frigidaire freezer: A guide from the experts

If your Frigidaire freezer isn’t working correctly, you may need to test the evaporator fan motor. Thankfully, you can find out if this part is faulty and replace it if needed without an expensive service call. We’re here to help you through the whole process from start to finish!

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Frigidaire freezer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The testing and replacement information in this article is based on model LFFH20F3QWC and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• Multimeter
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• 5/16-inch nut driver

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: 10 Hacks For Better Food Preservation In Your Freezer 

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Read more: Deep clean your freezer with these 6 steps 

How to test the evaporator fan motor

See if the evaporator fan motor is faulty by following these steps.

Step 1: Access the part

1. Unplug the unit from the power supply.
2. Remove the shelves from the freezer.
3. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the evaporator cover. You can move the cover to one side without removing all the wires going to the thermostat.

Step 2: Test the motor

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the freezer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Plug the freezer in or turn the breaker back on.
2. Make sure the thermostat is set to a run position.
3. Set your multimeter to AC voltage.
4. Go to the white plug just to the right of the motor and insert the two meter probes into the two white wire connections on the back side of the plug.
5. Check the meter reading. If you get a reading of 120 volts AC and the motor isn’t running, then the motor is bad and will need to be replaced. If you don’t get any voltage, then there’s a problem with the wiring.

How to replace the motor (if needed)

Follow these steps to swap out a faulty motor in your upright Frigidaire freezer.

1. Unplug the freezer from the power outlet.
2. Remove the wires from the plug and heater that are held in the metal bracket clips, then unplug the connector.
3. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the motor and bracket assembly.
4. Carefully pull the fan blade off the old motor.
5. Use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove the two screws that hold the motor to the bracket.
6. Mount the new motor using the two 5/16-inch screws.
7. Install the fan blade on the new motor.
8. Mount the bracket assembly back in place with the two 1/4-inch screws.
9. Plug the motor back in and position the wires back into the bracket clips.
10. Move the evaporator cover back into position and secure it with the Phillips head screws.
11. Put the shelves back into the freezer.
12. Plug the unit back in or turn the breaker back on.

Read more:  Freezer Too Cold: Top 5 Reasons & Fixes

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Frigidaire freezer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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