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Thread: [FIXED] Cleaned coil now refrigerator constantly runs & top of refrigerator is hot

  1. April 10th, 2011, 12:03 PM #1
    gibbels
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    Default [FIXED] Cleaned coil now refrigerator constantly runs & top of refrigerator is hot

    Model Number: ET20TKXBW00
    Brand: Whirlpool
    Age: More than 10 years

    I cleaned the coils on the bottom of the refrigerator yesterday. I used a brush to get at the more inaccessible places. It is a lint brush I had bought to clean out the lint trap in the dryer. Now the refrigerator runs constantly, there is a funny smell (almot like urine), a fair amount of heat is coming out of the vent from the coils AND the top of the refrigerator near the freezer door is very hot.

    The freezer and cooling compartment seem to work fine. But I am wondering if I damaged the coils or the tubing with the brush. What can I check or do to fix this issue. I would like the refrigerator to work for a bit longer before I buy a new one.

    Thanks,

    Gibbels
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  2. April 10th, 2011, 06:02 PM #2
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    Jake
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    Ok, you may have accidentally bent your condenser fan blade, thus stopping the condenser fan motor from running now.

    Pull your refrigerator out from the wall, then remove the lower back access panel and see if your condenser fan motor is running, its sits near the compressor.

    Jake
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  3. April 15th, 2011, 08:50 PM #3
    gibbels
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    Jake,

    I just pulled the refrigerator out and sure enough, the fan was not turning. I cleaned out the bottom there and was able to find the blade that was sticking. A quick, slight bend back into position and it started twirling when I plugged the fridge back in. Thank you for the great advice!
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  4. April 16th, 2011, 08:34 AM #4
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    Excellent Gibbels, glad that was it.

    Jake
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  5. March 23rd, 2012, 01:34 PM #5
    Patsaison
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    Default Yes, very good tip

    I had the same problem; I had cleaned out my coils, including the fan, but must have bent the fan. I noticed that the refrigerator was running non-stop, and couldn't figure it out. And that the top was getting very warm. After seeing this tip, pulled the fridge out, and sure enough, the fan was not running. Twirled it, and it started running. Hope this solves the problem--will see if it stops running continuously now.

    Lesson, one cannot be more careful when cleaning out the fan. Next time, I will try to use something that will not bend the blades. It is hard to reach without removing something. I was going to drop the assembly, somehow, but wasn't sure, and got lazy.

    Just like a computer, the fan gets gummed up. I had first cleaned out my laptop, cause the fans were running continuously, and sure enough, a lot of dirt and grime. After that, I decided to do the fridge. I was very careful with the laptop, because it is delicate, but I was not so careful with the fridge--now I know to be careful too.

    Quote Originally Posted by gibbels View Post
    Jake,

    I just pulled the refrigerator out and sure enough, the fan was not turning. I cleaned out the bottom there and was able to find the blade that was sticking. A quick, slight bend back into position and it started twirling when I plugged the fridge back in. Thank you for the great advice!
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