How to replace evaporator fan motor W11334745 in a Whirlpool refrigerator

Is your refrigerator making strange noises or struggling to keep things cool? The culprit might be a faulty evaporator fan motor, a common issue in many Whirlpool models. Fear not, savvy homeowner! With our step-by-step guide and an exclusive how-to video right below, you’ll have everything you need to tackle this fix yourself and get your fridge back to its icy best in no time.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

The evaporator fan motor in your Whirlpool refrigerator circulates cold air throughout the fridge and freezer compartments. Over time, the motor may wear out or become damaged, which can lead to decreased airflow, inadequate cooling or unusual noises.

If you need to swap out the evaporator fan motor, use this guide to save yourself some time and money and get your refrigerator running again in about an hour.

You can find a replacement evaporator fan motor here. If you need other replacement parts for your Whirlpool refrigerator, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch here: How To Replace Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor W11334745

What you’ll need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Pliers
• Work gloves
• Replacement evaporator fan motor (make sure it’s compatible with your specific fridge model before installing)

Disclaimer: 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: How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number

Safety precautions

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Read more: Cool Savings: 6 Fridge Energy Saving Tips

How to replace the evaporator fan motor

Follow these steps to change out a faulty evaporator fan motor in your Whirlpool refrigerator.

1. Unplug the fridge from the power outlet.
2. Shut off the water supply to the fridge.
3. Open the freezer door and remove the freezer baskets. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry them out if needed.
4. Remove the 1/4-inch screws – one on each rail support – with a 1/4-inch nut driver.
5. Use one hand to pull on the frame from inside and, at the same time, use a flathead screwdriver to press in the tab on one side of the frame. Repeat the process for the tab on the opposite side and pull the frame up to release the gear. Repeat on the other side to release the rear brackets.
6. Press on the tabs on each side of the rail with a flathead screwdriver and pull on the rail to remove it. Repeat the process for the other rail.
7. Slide out the freezer door along with the rails.
8. Open both fresh food doors.
9. Remove the upper and lower left-side rails. The upper rail can be pulled out of the wall, and the lower rail is held in place by four 1/4-inch screws. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws so you can pull out the lower rail.
10. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the clip opening of the thermistor cover and push it all the way in, then push it to the left to open and take out the thermistor cover. Turn the cover over and remove the thermistor from the clips.
11. Remove the rear access panel by using a 1/4-inch nut driver to take out four 1/4-inch screws – two on each side. Be careful since the panel may be sharp.
12. Remove the grille by inserting a flathead screwdriver into the cutouts and lifting the tabs to release it. Work around the three tabs to remove the grille.
13. Pull the top of the rear access panel out first, then bring out the left side.
14. Disconnect the plugs for the defrost thermostat. Squeeze the tabs on the plugs to release them.
15. Remove the green ground wire.
16. On the right side, disconnect the connection plug and remove the defrost thermostat from the clip on the copper tube.
17. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two 1/4-inch screws holding the rubber fan motor bracket and housing. Be careful not to drop the screws.
18. Take out the evaporator fan motor and bracket assembly.
19. Remove the fan motor blade. You may need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry it out. Set it aside.
20. Squeeze the two tabs on the motor bracket to release it from the rear mounting bracket. Push the motor out and free the harness wires from the clip, one at a time.
21. Slide off the grommet from the back and then slide it off from the front. Don’t discard it since you’ll need to reuse it later.
22. Install the new evaporator fan motor into the bracket. Slide the grommet onto the front end and press it into place. Press the grommet on the back end.
23. Install the rear bracket by inserting the rubber grommet into the opening.
24. Place the motor into the large bracket and make sure the harness is in the groove. Lock the retainers on one side, then the other.
25. Turn the assembly over and install the fan motor blade by aligning the openings and pressing it on.
26. Slide the motor and bracket into the cavity at the back of the refrigerator by aligning the holes.
27. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to secure the assembly with a 1/4-inch screw on one side.
28. Lift the bracket, align the holes on the other side, and insert and tighten the second screw.
29. Install the defrost thermostat by sliding it onto the tube and plugging it in. Make sure it locks in place.
30. Install the ground wire by pressing it onto the metal piece. Plug in any other plugs that were disconnected earlier.
31. Straighten the temperature sensor cord and position it down near the assembly.
32. Install the rear access panel by aligning the right side first, followed by the bottom. Fish out any temperature sensor wires and place them over the top in the designated cutout.
33. Slide the grille on and push it to lock it in place.
34. Install the right side 1/4-inch screws with a nut driver and tighten them.
35. Install the left side 1/4-inch screws with the 1/4-inch nut driver.
36. Install the thermistor into the opening at the back and place it into the bracket. Secure it with the clips.
37. Install the thermistor cover by sliding it into the side openings and pushing it back to lock it.
38. Install the lower rail by placing it into the groove and aligning the holes. Use a nut driver to secure it with four 1/4-inch screws.
39. Install the upper rail by sliding the pin post into the slots at the back and bringing it in. Don’t install the screws yet.
40. Close the refrigerator doors.
41. Slide the rails on both sides of the freezer door.
42. Place the freezer door onto the rails and slide it into place.
43. Install the baskets by placing them on the rails and sliding them in.
44. Lock the mechanism that holds the baskets in place by pushing it down on both sides.
45. Use a nut driver to install the 1/4-inch screws to secure the rails.
46. Install the middle basket by sliding it in and pressing it down.
47. Close the freezer door.
48. Plug the refrigerator back in and turn on the water supply.

Read more: Refrigerator or Freezer That’s Too Warm: Top 6 Reasons and Fixes

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the evaporator fan motor on your Whirlpool refrigerator.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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