The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Refrigerator is producing a burning smell are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
Top 7 Reasons Refrigerator Dispenser Isn’t Working?
Top 6 Reasons Refrigerator Ice Maker Isn’t Working?
Top 5 Reasons Refrigerator Is Leaking Water?
Top 6 Reasons Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling?
Top 5 Reasons Refrigerator Isn’t Defrosting?
Top 6 Reasons Refrigerator Runs Constantly?
Top 5 Reasons Refrigerator Is Freezing Food?
Top 5 Reasons Refrigerator Is Noisy?
How to Clean a Refrigerator Condenser Coil - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Wipe Refrigerator Gaskets - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Setting the Most Efficient Fridge Temperature - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Lubricate Refrigerator Gaskets - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Lubricate New Refrigerator Bushings - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
5 Tips For Your Refrigerator - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Give the Fridge Some Space - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Refrigerator Light Not Working? Refrigerator TroubleshootingMake sure the light is not staying on when the door is closed. A regular incandescent bulb can get hot and produce a burning smell.
The compressor start device, also known as a start relay or start relay and overload kit, may have failed. This will usually cause the compressor to not start. If the burning smell is coming from the compresser area check the start device. If the start device smells burnt, or the compressor is trying to start but can't, the start device is likely bad and will need to be replaced.
Inspect the power cord prongs and wall receptacle for burn marks. The cord should plug tightly into the receptacle. A power cord that is hot is a sign of a bad connection. If the power cord is burnt or damaged it will need to be replaced. If the cord is loose in the receptacle, the receptacle will need to be replaced by a licensed electrician.
If the burning smell appears to be coming from the exterior of the refrigerator, it's possible the condenser fan motor is wearing out or overheating. You should inspect the component for any burn marks, especially near the wire connection points, and use a multimeter to test the motor for electrical continuity to help determine if the component has burned out.
Inspect the wiring and connectors in the area of the smell. A bad connection or pinched or shorted wire can produce a burning smell.
If one of the components has failed it can produce a burning smell from that area. Look for a stuck fan motor or a shorted control board.
A regular incandescent bulb can get hot and produce a burning smell, especially if the light switch has shorted closed leaving the light illuminated even with the refrigerator door closed. You can use a multimeter to test the light switch for electrical continuity. If the switch has continuity both before and after the switch has been actuated, it has shorted closed and will need to be replaced.
A regular incandescent bulb can get hot and produce a burning smell, especially if the door switch has shorted closed leaving the light illuminated even with the refrigerator door closed. You can use a multimeter to test the door switch for electrical continuity. If the switch has continuity both before and after the switch has been actuated, it has shorted closed and will need to be replaced.
If the evaporator fan blade won’t turn, the motor windings can overheat and produce a burning smell. You should confirm the fan blade can turn freely and replace the evaporator fan motor if defective.
A start device, like a start relay, works in conjunction with the start winding to start the compressor. If the start device has shorted, it can overheat and produce a burning smell. Inspect the start device for any damage and replace if necessary.
If the main control board has shorted it can produced a burning smell. You can inspect the board for any burn damage and replace if necessary.
