Replacing a dehumidifier fan motor: A DIY guide

Dehumidifiers are awesome for keeping your home’s humidity levels comfy. But when the fan motor conks out, it can’t circulate air or remove moisture. The good news? You can bring it back to life by replacing the fan motor yourself with some prep and a little guidance.

The info here might not match your specific appliance model. While we aim to give helpful advice for all sorts of DIY appliance repairs, different models can have their own quirks, like unique troubleshooting steps or parts. For the most accurate tips, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s documentation or hit us up with any questions.

Why a faulty fan motor affects your dehumidifier

The fan motor in your dehumidifier keeps the air moving, helping to pull moisture out of your space. If the motor’s not working right, it can’t draw in humid air or push out the dry stuff. That means higher humidity, musty smells, and a bigger chance of mold setting in. Swapping out the fan motor pronto helps dodge these issues and gives your unit a new lease on life.

When the fan motor starts acting up, you might notice uneven or weak airflow, weird noises, or the fan stopping halfway through its cycle. If the rest of your dehumidifier is in good shape, replacing the motor can be easier on your wallet than buying a whole new appliance.

It’s also a good idea to check or clean the fan blade. If it’s covered in dirt or damaged, that can cause airflow issues too. But often, a worn-out fan motor is the real culprit.

Signs your dehumidifier fan motor might be failing

Before you spend money on a new part, make sure the fan motor’s actually the problem. Here are some key signs pointing to a faulty fan motor:

• Strange noises like rattling, squealing, or buzzing that don’t go away after a regular cleaning.
• Little to no airflow when the dehumidifier’s running.
• It keeps shutting off before hitting the humidity level you set.
• You spot visible damage on the fan motor, like burnt wires or a broken housing.

How to diagnose a failing fan motor

Before swapping out any parts, it’s important to make sure the motor really needs replacing. You can run through a few troubleshooting steps to figure out why your dehumidifier’s fan is weak or not working.

Safety precautions

Always unplug your appliance before working on it and remove any water reservoirs. Dehumidifiers usually have water in a tray or bucket, so emptying that first can prevent spills, slips, or accidental damage to other parts.

Preliminary checks

1. Take off the dehumidifier’s outer cover to get to the inside parts. Most covers come off with a few screws.
2. Look at the fan blade for dirt buildup, cracks, or anything blocking it from spinning freely.
3. Check the motor for signs of burn marks or overheating, like discoloration or melted plastic.
4. If you see scorch marks or smell burnt insulation, that’s usually a big hint that the motor’s bad.  

Using a multimeter

A multimeter helps you measure resistance in the motor’s windings, giving you actual numbers to compare with the manufacturer’s specs. Here’s how to test:

1. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms).
2. Disconnect the wiring harness from the motor; you don’t want any juice flowing during the test.
3. Touch the probes to the motor terminals as per your manufacturer’s instructions. Check the resistance reading against what’s specified in the manual. If it shows an open circuit (infinite resistance), the motor windings are probably bad.
4. If the motor doesn’t pass these checks, it’s time for a new one.  

Gathering the tools and parts

A successful DIY repair needs the right tools. Before you take out the old motor, gather these:

• Replacement fan motor
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Nut driver or socket set (if your dehumidifier needs it)
• Multimeter (optional but handy for diagnosis)
• Rags or brushes to clean off dust
• Protective gloves and eyewear

Work in a well-lit area with plenty of space to spread out. Keep track of screws and small parts by using labeled containers or compartments. Staying organized helps avoid mix-ups when you’re putting everything back together.

Preparing your dehumidifier for fan motor replacement

Once you’ve figured out the issue and got the right replacement, you’re ready to dive into the repair. These steps help ensure everything goes smoothly.

Disconnect from power

1. Unplug the dehumidifier completely. Even if it’s not running, you don’t want any electricity involved while you’re working.
2. Remove the water bucket. Some models won’t let you remove certain covers unless the bucket’s out.
3. Check if your model has extra vent covers or filters. Put them aside safely.

Remove the exterior casing

1. Find the screws holding the outer casing. Depending on your model, they might be near the base, around the control panel, or on the back.
2. Use the right screwdriver to avoid stripping screws. Keep them in a labeled container so they don’t disappear.
3. Carefully take off the casing and set it aside. Watch out for sharp edges on metal panels.

Removing the old fan motor

With the inside of the dehumidifier exposed, you can remove the faulty motor. Be gentle to avoid damaging other parts like circuit boards or coils.

Locate the fan assembly

1. Spot the fan blade and motor assembly, usually attached to the back or side. The motor’s typically behind the fan blade, connected by a shaft.
2. See if there are extra panels or brackets blocking access to the motor.

Detach the fan blade and motor

1. Use a screwdriver or wrench (depending on your setup) to loosen screws or clips holding the fan blade to the motor shaft.
2. Gently slide the fan blade off. If it’s stuck due to dirt or rust, a bit of penetrating oil can help loosen it up.
3. Disconnect the wiring harness or remove wires from the motor terminals. Note the wire colors and where they go for easy reassembly.
4. Unbolt or unscrew the motor from its mounting bracket. Keep any small bits like nuts or washers safe.
5. Once the old motor’s out, set it aside for proper disposal.  

Installing the new fan motor

Putting in the new motor is pretty straightforward. Double-check that it’s a match by comparing mounting brackets, wiring connectors, and shaft sizes.

Mount the new motor

1. Line up the new motor with the holes in the mounting bracket. Make sure the shaft’s positioned right for the fan blade.
2. Secure the motor using the original screws, bolts, or nuts. Tighten them snugly, but don’t go overboard.
3. If your new motor came with extra washers or grommets for reducing vibration, install them as per the instructions.

Reattach the fan blade

1. Carefully slide the fan blade onto the new motor shaft. Make sure it’s seated properly without any wobble.
2. Tighten any set screws or clips to hold the blade in place. Double-check that it spins freely and doesn’t hit anything.

Reconnect the wiring

1. Match each wire from the motor to its corresponding terminal or harness. If you’re unsure, refer to the notes or photos you took earlier.
2. Ensure each connection is tight and there are no exposed wires that could cause a short.
3. Secure any extra wiring with cable ties if needed, keeping them away from moving parts.

Conduct a test run

1. Partially put the outer casing back on so you can safely run the dehumidifier without touching any exposed parts.
2. Plug the unit in, but keep your hands and tools clear.
3. Turn on the dehumidifier and listen for smooth operation. The fan should spin freely without strange noises or vibrations.

What to do if you need more guidance

We hope this guide helps you successfully replace your dehumidifier’s fan motor and get things back to normal. Remember, you can find genuine replacement parts and step-by-step tutorials at AppliancePartsPros.com, along with helpful tips on social media. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the loop on all things DIY appliance repair.

Got questions or need a hand? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at AppliancePartsPros.com. We’re here to support you with the best solutions for your repair projects.