Evaporator Fan Motor, Freezer Fan Motor, Evaporator Motor Kit, Fan Motor Assembly, Circulation Fan Motor, Cooling Fan Motor

12002744, W10189703, W10124096, 2188874, 2169142, AP4009659, PS2004031, EAP2004031

Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Kenmore

WhirlpoolWRS325SDHZ00, WRS325SDHW00, WRS325SDHB00, WRS555SIHZ00, WRS555SIHW00, WRS555SIHB00, WRS571CIHZ00, WRS571CIHW00, WRS571CIHB00, WRS588FIHZ00, WRS588FIHW00, WRS588FIHB00, WRF535SWHZ00, WRF535SWHW00, WRF535SWHB00, WRF757SDHZ00, WRF757SDHW00

MaytagMSS25C4MGZ00, MSS25C4MGW00, MSS25C4MGB00, MSD2578VEA00, MSD2578VEB00, MSD2578VEW00, MSD2650HEW00, MSD2650HEB00, MSD2650HEZ00

KitchenAidKRFF305ESS00, KRFF305EBS00, KRFF305EWH00, KRSC703HPS00, KRSC703HBS00, KRSC703HWH00, KSCS25INSS00, KSCS25INBL00, KSCS25INWH00

Jenn-AirJFC2089HES00, JFC2089HEB00, JFC2089HEW00, JFC2290VEM00, JFC2290VEB00, JFC2290VEW00

AmanaASI2575FRS00, ASI2575FRW00, ASI2575FRB00, ASD2575BRS00, ASD2575BRW00, ASD2575BRB00

Kenmore106.51122010, 106.51123010, 106.51124010, 106.51129010, 106.51132010, 106.51133010

Professional Repair Time: 45-60 minutes
DIY Repair Time: 90-120 minutes
Difficulty Rating: Moderate-Advanced (3.5/5) — Requires moderate-advanced mechanical and electrical skills, removal of freezer contents and shelving, removal of evaporator cover panel and possibly ice maker, disconnection of electrical connections, fan blade removal and installation, attention to proper fan blade positioning and clearance, working in cold confined space

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: This repair involves working with electrical components in a cold, confined space. Always unplug the refrigerator before beginning work to prevent electrical shock. Have towels ready to catch melting ice and frost. If uncomfortable with this repair, hire a qualified technician.

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet to ensure complete power disconnection.
2. Remove all items from the freezer compartment and place in coolers with ice to keep frozen during repair.
3. Remove the ice bin (if present) by lifting it out of the freezer.
4. Remove any freezer shelves that block access to the rear evaporator cover panel.
5. Take multiple photos of the evaporator fan motor installation, fan blade position, and wire connections before disassembly. This is critical for proper reassembly.
6. Locate the evaporator cover panel at the rear wall of the freezer compartment (typically a large plastic panel covering the entire rear wall).
7. Remove the evaporator cover panel screws (typically 4-8 Phillips screws around the perimeter of the panel). Some models have screws hidden under plastic caps that must be pried off first.
8. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, disconnect or remove it to access the evaporator cover panel. Remove mounting screws and disconnect the wire harness by pressing the release tab.
9. Carefully pull the evaporator cover panel forward and remove it from the freezer. Set aside. Note: Some frost or ice may fall out—have towels ready.
10. Locate the evaporator fan motor mounted to the evaporator housing (typically center or upper portion of the evaporator compartment).
11. Take detailed close-up photos of the fan blade position, motor mounting, and wire connections from multiple angles.
12. Remove the fan blade from the motor shaft by removing the retaining clip or set screw (typically a small metal clip on the shaft or a set screw in the fan blade hub). Use needle-nose pliers or a small flathead screwdriver. Pull the fan blade straight off the motor shaft. Caution: Fan blade may be frozen to shaft—allow to thaw if necessary.
13. Disconnect the motor wire harness by unplugging the connector from the refrigerator wiring. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight apart. Do not pull on wires—grip the connector body.
14. Disconnect the ground wire (if present) from the motor mounting bracket by removing the screw or clip.
15. Remove the motor mounting screws (typically 2-4 screws) that secure the motor bracket to the evaporator housing. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver or Phillips screwdriver.
16. Carefully remove the old motor and bracket assembly from the evaporator housing and place on a clean work surface.
17. Inspect the old motor for visible damage such as burned windings, seized bearings, or damaged electrical connections. This confirms the diagnosis.
18. Test the old motor (optional) by connecting it to 115V AC power briefly and observing if the motor runs. CAUTION: Only perform this test if you have electrical testing experience and proper safety equipment.
19. Inspect the fan blade for cracks, damage, or ice buildup. Clean or replace if damaged. The fan blade should spin freely without wobbling.
20. Inspect the evaporator coils for excessive frost or ice buildup. If heavily frosted, the defrost system may have failed and should be addressed separately.
21. Clean the evaporator compartment of any frost, ice, or debris using towels.
22. Unpack the new 12002744 evaporator fan motor kit from its packaging. The kit includes the motor, mounting bracket, ground wire, and 2-wire harness.
23. Compare the new motor to the old one to verify dimensions, shaft diameter, mounting holes, and electrical connections match.
24. Inspect the new motor for any shipping damage before installation.
25. Position the new motor and bracket assembly on the evaporator housing, aligning the mounting holes.
26. Install the motor mounting screws and tighten firmly but not excessively. Do not overtighten—plastic mounting bosses can crack.
27. Verify the motor is securely mounted with no movement or wobble, and the motor shaft is properly aligned.
28. Connect the ground wire (if included) to the motor mounting bracket by installing the screw or clip securely.
29. Reconnect the motor wire harness by pushing the connector firmly together until you hear/feel it click into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector.
30. Reinstall the fan blade on the motor shaft, aligning the flat side of the shaft with the flat side of the fan blade hub. Push the blade onto the shaft until it seats against the motor housing (typically 1/8-inch gap).
31. Install the fan blade retaining clip or set screw to secure the blade to the shaft. Ensure the clip is fully seated in the shaft groove or the set screw is tightened against the flat side of the shaft.
32. Verify the fan blade spins freely by rotating it by hand. It should spin smoothly without rubbing against the housing or evaporator coils.
33. Double-check all connections against your detailed photos to ensure correct installation.
34. Verify no wires are pinched or crushed and all components are properly positioned.
35. Reinstall the evaporator cover panel by positioning it over the evaporator compartment and installing the mounting screws. Tighten firmly.
36. Reinstall any plastic screw caps that were removed.
37. Reinstall the ice maker (if removed) by positioning it in the mounting bracket, installing the mounting screws, and reconnecting the wire harness.
38. Reinstall the freezer shelves in their original positions.
39. Reinstall the ice bin in the freezer.
40. Restore power by plugging in the refrigerator.
41. Listen for the evaporator fan motor to start running within 1-2 minutes. You should hear a smooth, quiet fan sound from the freezer.
42. Verify the fan is running by listening at the rear of the freezer or feeling for airflow from the vents.
43. Set the refrigerator and freezer to the desired temperature settings (typically 37°F for fresh food, 0°F for freezer).
44. Monitor the refrigerator for 24 hours to ensure proper cooling and temperature stabilization.
45. Return frozen items to the freezer once the temperature reaches 0°F or below (typically 4-6 hours).
46. If the refrigerator cools properly with no unusual noises, the repair is complete.

Safety Notes: Always unplug the refrigerator before working on electrical components. Have towels ready to catch melting ice and frost. Take extensive photos during disassembly for proper reassembly. Handle the fan blade carefully—edges may be sharp. Verify the fan blade spins freely after installation. Do not overtighten mounting screws. This repair requires moderate mechanical and electrical skills.

1. Always verify the evaporator fan motor is the problem before replacement—test for power and listen for motor operation. With the refrigerator plugged in and the freezer door closed (or door switch depressed), listen for fan operation. If the compressor runs but the fan doesn't, the motor has likely failed. Test for 115V AC at the motor connector to confirm power is reaching the motor.
2. The most common evaporator fan motor failure mode is bearing failure—the motor makes loud grinding or squealing noise but may still run. Worn bearings cause excessive friction, noise, and reduced airflow. Eventually the motor seizes completely. Replace the motor promptly when noise develops to prevent complete cooling failure.
3. Ice buildup on the fan blade is a common cause of motor failure—the motor strains to turn the frozen blade and burns out. If you find ice on the fan blade, the defrost system may have failed (defrost heater, defrost thermostat, or defrost timer/control board). Address the defrost system failure to prevent repeat motor failures.
4. The evaporator fan motor should run whenever the compressor runs—if the motor doesn't run, the refrigerator won't cool properly. The fan circulates cold air from the evaporator coils throughout the refrigerator. Without fan operation, the freezer may cool slightly from direct contact with the coils, but the fresh food section won't receive cold air.
5. Evaporator fan motors typically last 8-12 years with normal use. Factors that shorten motor life include defrost system failures (causing ice buildup and motor strain), power surges, continuous operation without cycling (inefficient compressor or thermostat), and manufacturing defects. Proper defrost system operation maximizes motor life.
6. If the new motor doesn't resolve cooling problems, check the defrost system, sealed system (compressor, coils), and temperature controls. A failed defrost system causes ice buildup that blocks airflow even with a working fan. Sealed system problems (low refrigerant, failed compressor) prevent proper cooling. Failed thermostats or control boards prevent proper temperature regulation.
7. The fan blade must be properly positioned on the motor shaft with adequate clearance—typically 1/8-inch gap between blade and motor housing. If the blade is too close, it will rub and cause noise. If too far, it may not secure properly. Use the retaining clip or set screw to position the blade correctly.
8. Verify the fan blade spins freely after installation—it should rotate smoothly without rubbing against the housing or evaporator coils. Binding indicates misalignment or improper installation. The blade should have 1/4-inch clearance from all surfaces. Adjust motor position or blade position if binding occurs.
9. The 3-terminal motor connector has specific wire positions—verify correct connection to prevent motor damage. The two 1/4-inch terminals are for power (hot and neutral), and the 3/16-inch terminal is for ground or speed control. Incorrect connections can damage the motor or control board. Match connector orientation to original installation.
10. **Run the refrigerator for 24 hours after motor replacement to verify proper cooling and temperature stabilization.** Monitor both freezer and fresh food temperatures with a thermometer. Freezer should reach 0°F within 4-6 hours; fresh food should reach 37°F within 8-12 hours. If temperatures don't stabilize, check for other issues (defrost system, sealed system, door seals, temperature controls).
    
    

• Refrigerator or freezer not cooling properly
• Frost buildup in freezer compartment
• Loud grinding, squealing, or rattling noise from freezer
• Fan not running when compressor is on
• Uneven cooling (freezer cold but fresh food warm)
• Excessive frost on evaporator coils
• Refrigerator running constantly without reaching temperature
• Fresh food freezing or too cold
• Ice buildup on rear freezer wall
• Warm air in freezer compartment
• Compressor running but no cooling
• Temperature fluctuations in refrigerator or freezer
• No airflow from freezer vents