Residential refrigerator failure warning signs

[UTTransplant]

We have a 2018 rig with the original Whirlpool 3 door residential refrigerator. It has been great since new. It still works just fine, but it has started being really noisy with a grumbly sound. I am worried it is going out, but am I overlooking a much simpler explanation? I am curious for those who have had to replace their similar refrigerators, what was the sign you had (or possibly overlooked) before your refrigerator failed?

 

[DonTom]

We have a 2018 rig with the original Whirlpool 3 door residential refrigerator. It has been great since new. It still works just fine, but it has started being really noisy with a grumbly sound. I am worried it is going out, but am I overlooking a much simpler explanation? I am curious for those who have had to replace their similar refrigerators, what was the sign you had (or possibly overlooked) before your refrigerator failed?

Probably just the evaporator fan motor. It could just have ice on it that has to be removed, or a worn out motor. Common problem with many compressor type refrigerators. I had to dry mine out a few times over the years--but mine here is not a Whirlpool.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[8Muddypaws]

Our LG refrigerator has been noisy for a number of years. It’s the linear motor on the compressor. Doesn’t seem to make a difference with respect to performance.

 

[TonyL]

We can't remember what make ours was, but it always made peculiar noises!
It was still working perfectly when we sold the fifth wheel 7 years later.
The best bit is, unlike a 12 volt unit, you can get a residential fridge in most towns and it will be a lot cheaper than an "RV" one

 

[UTTransplant]

Tony, my only real concern about replacing it on the road is I think we have to take the passenger window out. And I am quite happy that others indicate weird sounds without failures! I will relax a bit.

 

[garyb1st]

Our residential fridge (in the house) was noisy from the get go. I could never find any reason for the noise. Interestingly enough, after having the kitchen floor redone, the noise stopped. The new floor, a high end vinyl plank, replaced the tile floor.

 

[DonTom]

And I am quite happy that others indicate weird sounds without failures! I will relax a bit.

Perhaps not a good idea. Two possibilities if it is the evaporator motor (and most likely it is, IMO). It could be ice hitting its fan or an indication of a coming motor failure; either will continue to get to the point that it stops the motor, and then:

"A failed evaporator fan motor can lead to inadequate cooling, food spoilage, frost build-up, unusual noises, and increased energy consumption in your refrigerator.

Key Effects of a Failed Evaporator Fan Motor:​

Inadequate Cooling: The primary function of the evaporator fan is to circulate cold air throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments. When the fan fails, the temperature inside the refrigerator rises, leading to food spoilage and potential health risks due to improper food storage.

Frost Build-Up: A malfunctioning evaporator fan can cause humidity to accumulate, resulting in excessive frost or ice formation on the evaporator coils. This frost restricts airflow, further impairing the refrigerator's cooling ability and reducing available storage space.

Unusual Noises: A failing fan motor may produce strange sounds such as grinding, buzzing, or rattling. These noises often indicate that the fan motor is worn out or obstructed, and they can become more pronounced when the fan is actively running.

Increased Energy Consumption: When the evaporator fan is not functioning properly, the refrigerator's compressor has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This can lead to higher electricity bills and increased wear on the compressor, potentially resulting in costly repairs.

Temperature Fluctuations: If certain areas of the refrigerator are significantly colder than others, it may suggest an issue with the evaporator fan. This uneven cooling can lead to food being stored at unsafe temperatures, increasing the risk of spoilage."

It's a rather cheap, easy fix, and a lot easier than a refrigerator replacement.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[DonTom]

Interestingly enough, after having the kitchen floor redone, the noise stopped.

Was it then unplugged long enough to melt ice? Usually, it takes at least several days to melt all the ice that hits the evaporator fan after it is unplugged.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[garyb1st]

Was it then unplugged long enough to melt ice? Usually, it takes at least several days to melt all the ice that hits the evaporator fan after it is unplugged.

-Don- Reno, NV

No. The fridge never ices up. At least not to the extent it's visible in the freezer.

 

[DonTom]

At least not to the extent it's visible in the freezer.

I had to get the evaporator motor out to see any trace of the ice.

It was then stopped from the ice and then the refrigerator did not work at all.

It is a Samsung refrigerator in this case. I can get to the evaporator from the front by simply removing two screws and pulling out a bunch of plastic on the rear of inside the refrigerator.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[DonTom]

"To remove the evaporator fan in a Whirlpool refrigerator, you must first unplug the power cord and remove all drawers, shelves, and the ice bin from the freezer compartment. Access is gained by removing the rear access panel inside the freezer, which is typically secured by screws and clips along the back wall.

Once the panel is removed, follow these steps to extract the fan:

• Disconnect the wiring: Use needle-nose pliers to detach the ground wire and the motor power connectors from the evaporator fan motor.
• Remove the mounting hardware: Unfasten the screws or clips that secure the fan motor to its bracket or housing.
• Extract the fan and motor: Pull the fan blade straight off the motor shaft. Then, remove the motor from its bracket or housing, which may require releasing retaining clips or sliding it out of the assembly.

Reassembly is performed by reversing these steps, ensuring the fan blade is firmly pressed onto the shaft and all wire connectors are securely seated before replacing the rear panel and restoring power. "

 

[TonyL]

Tony, my only real concern about replacing it on the road is I think we have to take the passenger window out. And I am quite happy that others indicate weird sounds without failures! I will relax a bit.

That would be a bind.
I'm not sure our 18 cu ft would even go through the door.

 

[UTTransplant]

Note that our rig was sitting turned off in the Las Vegas heat for 2.5 months! I doubt any ice formed in the Las Vegas heat. In fact, the refrigerator seems to be getting quieter now in the last day. And we have always kept a remote read thermometer in the fridge and freezer sections, though right now the batteries are out. We will put new ones in the thermometers in the next day or so.

 

[DonTom]

Note that our rig was sitting turned off in the Las Vegas head for 2.5 months! I doubt any ice formed in the Las Vegas heat.

Did it have the noise before Las Vegas? If so, then I would guess you have a defective evaporator motor making the noise. A common problem, but not that difficult to replace the little motor;

All the ice should melt in 2.5 months of being off--if there were ice to begin with.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[UTTransplant]

You are amazingly invested in your believe I have an evaporator fan issue.

Inadequate Cooling:

Nope. Everything is working just fine.

Frost Build-Up:

Nope. No frost.

Unusual Noises:

Sometimes a buzz.

Increased Energy Consumption:

No increased energy. We monitor regularly due to our boondocking.

Temperature Fluctuations:

Again no. We have thermometers in both the refrigerator and freezer to monitor temps, and they work just fine.

 

[gwinger]

Have you cleaned the condenser coils? They cool the refrigerant. If they are clogged, the refrigerant may be boiling slightly causing some strange noises.
Most people do not think about cleaning these coils. They are a little hard to get to since you have to pull the fridge away from the wall and remove the back panel.

 

[Heli_av8tor]

With your recent (expensive) problems could you be hyper-sensitive to any noise?
I likely would be.

 

[DonTom]

You are amazingly invested in your believe I have an evaporator fan issue.

Mainly because it is such a common issue for noise. At least is worth checking.

Sometimes a buzz.

"Unusual Noises: A failing fan motor may produce strange sounds such as grinding, buzzing, or rattling. These noises often indicate that the fan motor is worn out or obstructed, and they can become more pronounced when the fan is actively running."

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[UTTransplant]

Have you cleaned the condenser coils? They cool the refrigerant. If they are clogged, the refrigerant may be boiling slightly causing some strange noises.
Most people do not think about cleaning these coils. They are a little hard to get to since you have to pull the fridge away from the wall and remove the back panel.

Good question. We cleaned them a couple of months before we had the engine problems.

 

[Lou Schneider]

Mainly because it is such a common issue for noise. At least is worth checking.


"Unusual Noises: A failing fan motor may produce strange sounds such as grinding, buzzing, or rattling. These noises often indicate that the fan motor is worn out or obstructed, and they can become more pronounced when the fan is actively running."

-Don- Reno, NV

The fan motor in the household fridge in my DRV started shreiking like a banshee when I re-started the fridge after an extended absence. I removed the back wall of the freezer (a plastic cover) and squirted some teflon lube into the bearing. Didn't have to remove the motor.

That was 6 months ago and although I've only been there for a couple of weeks since then it's still quiet.