How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP4981643 / WR60X10318 Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Assembly

Replaced the evaporator fan blade and motor. If you purchase the fan blade you do not need to purchase a compression ring as the blade comes with a compression ring. May not need to replace the bumpers or grommets but since my fan was unbalanced I replaced them in case they were worn. 

Luckily for me I heard the fan making a whining sound for a few days before it completely went. I knew it was the fan motor so I didn't need to call for a GE repairman to tell me what the problem was and pay him 89.00 to just show up and diagnose it. There was a lot to take off to get to the motor but once in there it was two plugs and it was done. Minimal tools were required. I found taking pictures of everything as I removed it helped me getting it back together. The part cost me 78.00 with shipping, but I'm sure it would have cost me well over 300.00 to have it fixed. I have to say I'm quite proud of myself and so was my wife (happy wife, happy life!) 

Ordered part which came promptly from you guys and was the exact part needed. Carefully removed the ice maker, auger, cover for coil, cover for fan. Defrosted and cleaned everything while empty. Removed and replaced the fan reversed the process and fridge is working like brand new for the 88 dollars I spent. Just to have someone come to the house these days is near 100 dollars so thank you for the great parts service. 

Installed a new fan motor and blade. 

I probed the +12V secondary supply on the control board and saw that it was in a current limit condition, continually trying to restart. I unplugged the connector that distributes +12V to the condenser fan, evaporator fan and LED lighting in the unit, and the +12V supply started and stabilized at the proper voltage. The LED lighting came on as well as the front panel display. Through process of elimination, I narrowed it down to a shorted evaporator fan. Unplugging just that device (with the connector at the control board back in place) everything started to work normally. So, I replaced the evaporator fan assembly and a new blade. All is well and working again. 

Used this website for help. This site is amazing. The site narrows the problem down to most common problem to least common. In my case it was the evaporator fan motor and possibly defrost thermostat. Price was good so bought both. Then the site goes even farther by giving you a video on how to make the repairs. Ordered the parts, which came the next day, and replaced the parts. Noticed when I opened the panel to where the fan is located the fan was not working. Fridge is working properly now. 

I removed almost everything in the back of the freezer, including the evaporator fan motor. I replaced the evaporator fan motor, plugged in the light and motor, and replaced everything else. Now it works great, and quietly!