How to replace the Whirlpool refrigerator evaporator fan motor

Is your refrigerator struggling to keep things cool? A failing evaporator fan motor might be the culprit, but don’t worry—replacing it yourself is easier than you think! Dive into our step-by-step guide and check out the video below to learn how you can restore the chill to your Whirlpool fridge without breaking a sweat.

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 Whirlpool refrigerator evaporator fan motor is responsible for circulating cold air throughout the refrigerator to maintain proper temperature levels. Over time, this component may wear out or become faulty, leading to reduced cooling.

By following these instructions, you can save time and money by avoiding the need for professional assistance to restore proper airflow and cooling throughout your refrigerator. Let’s get started with the instructions to help you complete this repair successfully!

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Evaporator Fan Motor WP61004888

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.

What you’ll need

• 1/4” nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver

Safety precautions

• 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.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• 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.
• 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 insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 

Replacement steps

1. Begin by opening the freezer door. Remove any food items to have access to the rear panel area.
2. Take out the shelf inside the freezer compartment by pushing it back, lifting it up, and pulling it out.
3. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the two screws that hold the rear access panel in place.
4. Once the screws are removed, pull up the bottom of the access panel, then pull down on the panel to remove it.
5. Disconnect the wires from the evaporator fan motor. If they are tight, use a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pop them off. Start with the ground wire on the top, then proceed to the orange and blue wires. To remove the wires on the orange and blue terminals, press the little tab on the clear insulation and pull the wires off.
6. Remove the two screws that secure the fan onto the bracket using a quarter-inch nut driver. As you loosen the second screw, support the fan assembly to prevent it from falling onto the evaporator.
7. Once both screws are removed, pull the fan assembly out.
8. Disassemble the fan motor assembly by carefully pulling off the fan blade and setting it aside.
9. Lay the assembly down and use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the two screws that hold the upper bracket.
10. Lift off the upper bracket, make sure that the rubber grommet comes off with the bracket.
11. Repeat the process for the lower bracket, making sure the grommet stays with it or removing it from the old motor if necessary.
12. To assemble the new motor, place it on the grommet with the shaft facing up. Position the upper bracket over the motor and tighten the screws with a quarter-inch nut driver. Repeat this step for the lower bracket.
13. Put the fan blade back on the motor by lifting it up, aligning the shaft, and pushing it down until it is secure.
14. Reinstall the fan motor assembly in the freezer by dropping one screw through the metal holding bracket and tightening it with a nut driver. 
15. Lift the assembly and align the other screw, tightening it partially to make it easier to line up the hole.
16. Tighten both screws securely.
17. Reconnect the wires to the new motor. The blue wire should be connected to the terminal closest to the wall, and the orange wire to the other terminal. 
18. Reattach the ground wire.
19. Put the rear access panel back on by sliding it underneath the upper panel and swinging it down. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to secure the screws.
20. Slide the shelf back into place by lining it up and pushing it back, then lowering it onto the front supports.
21. Close the freezer door and plug in the refrigerator. Verify that the refrigerator starts to cool.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide 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.

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