How to replace the evaporator fan motor on a Whirlpool refrigerator

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator not keeping its cool? A faulty evaporator fan motor could be the culprit, leading to uneven temperatures and bothersome noises. But don’t worry, our step-by-step guide—and handy how-to video right below—will walk you through the simple repair to get your fridge back in top shape 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!

On a Whirlpool refrigerator, the evaporator fan motor WPW10188389 is responsible for circulating cold air throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments, allowing your refrigerator to maintain a consistent temperature. Common signs that indicate the need for replacement include a loud or unusual noise coming from the fan, poor cooling in the fridge or freezer, or the fan not running at all. Fortunately, with a few basic tools and some patience, you can tackle this repair yourself and get your refrigerator back in working order. So, let’s get started!

If you need any replacement parts for your appliance, 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.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor WPW10188389

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 attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• 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.

Tools and materials needed

• Replacement part (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• 1/4″ nutdriver
• Flathead screwdriver

Replacement steps

Step 1: Disassembly and removal

1. Start by opening the freezer door and take out the ice bin.
2. Slide out the glass shelf to clear the area.
3. Using a quarter-inch nut driver, remove the quarter-inch screw at the bottom of the ice maker.
4. There are two screws at the top of the ice maker; loosen them but do not remove them completely. Support the ice maker while doing this.
5. Lift the ice maker up and out and set it aside.
6. Disconnect the plug from the ice maker by releasing the locking tab and pulling it apart.
7. Use the quarter-inch nut driver to remove the screw holding the panel.
8. Take off the cover panel by removing the two quarter-inch screws (one in each corner) and lift it up to take it out.
9. Remove the ground wire clip and set it aside.
10. Remove additional quarter-inch screws using the nut driver.
11. Lift the rear panel slightly and tilt it forward to disengage it from the air tower at the bottom.
12. Disconnect the light bulb connector by pulling up the tab and separating the connections.
13. Gently pull the fan blade off by gripping it from behind (not by the blades).
14. Take out the quarter-inch screws securing the motor and bracket.
15. Support the motor and bracket while removing them.
16. Disconnect the wires from the motor, including the ground wire.

Step 2: Installation and reassembly

1. Connect the new motor to the wire harness and plug in the ground wire.
2. Attach the two wires (it doesn’t matter which goes where) to the motor.
3. Position the motor into the bracket, ensuring it fits into the grommet at the back.
4. Prepare the quarter-inch screw and secure the bracket.
5. Don’t forget to reconnect the ground wire.
6. Press the fan blade onto the shaft.
7. Reconnect the plug for the light bulb.
8. Position the rear panel back in place, securing it with previously removed screws.
9. Install the air tower back over the foam duct and secure it with a couple of quarter-inch screws.
10. Attach the cover panel using the quarter-inch screws.
11. Plug the ice maker back in.
12. Position it back onto the screw and ensure the inlet tube fits into the round cutout.
13. Secure the ice maker with the screws at the front, back, and bottom.
14. Place the glass shelf back into the freezer.
15. Reinsert the ice bin under the ice maker, ensuring the arm is in the lower position to activate the ice maker.
16. Close the freezer door.
17. Plug the fridge back in to restore power.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the evaporator fan motor WPW10188389 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, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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