Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor Troubleshooting
The refrigerator condenser fan plays an essential role in the refrigeration cycle, but not all refrigerators have one. Refrigerators that have their condenser coil mounted on the back of the cabinet do not have one. Refrigerators that have their condenser coils mounted in the compressor compartment use fans to force air through the coil to help transfer the heat of compression to the environment. Troubleshooting is simple but requires a digital multimeter.
The condenser fan is vital to the operation of a hermetically sealed refrigerator that has its condenser mounted inside the compressor compartment. The condenser converts the highly compressed refrigerant from a gaseous state into a liquid sate. The fan forces environmental air through the condenser, aiding the transfer of the heat of compression from the coil to the ambient air. An inoperative fan not only causes the cabinet temperature to rise but causes the compressor to overheat, which leads to its premature failure and a costly repair.
Of all the electrical components that make up a refrigerator systems, the condenser fan motor circuit is the easiest to troubleshoot. The fan is designed to operate anytime the compressor is operating and is controlled by the same set of contacts on the temperature control switch. If the compressor runs but the fan does not, the chances are good that you will need to replace the fan's motor. Nevertheless, you could be dealing with a bad electrical connection, so do not rush out and buy a new motor until you double-check it and its related wiring with a DMM (digital multimeter).
