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HomeRepair HelpAmana Refrigerator RepairAmana Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Amana Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
If your Amana refrigerator has a bad or burning smell, don’t panic—start with the simplest checks and work toward the sealed components. First make sure the interior light is not staying on; an incandescent bulb left running can get hot and smell like it is burning. Next check the compressor area—the start relay or start relay and overload kit can fail and cause the compressor to try to start and overheat, which often produces a burnt odor and can lead to a fridge not cooling. Inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit; a hot cord points to a bad connection. Less common causes include an overheating condenser fan motor, pinched or shorted wire connectors, or a stuck or shorted control board—look for visible scorch marks and use a multimeter to test motors and connectors if you’re comfortable. If you need a replacement part, enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your refrigerator.
01 - Amana Refrigerator Light Bulb
Make sure the light is not staying on when the door is closed. A regular incandescent bulb can get hot and produce a burning smell.
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Top Solution
02 - Amana Refrigerator Compressor
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.
Highly Likely
03 - Amana Refrigerator Power Cord
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.
Common
04 - Amana Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor
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.
Less Common
05 - Amana Refrigerator Wire Connector
Inspect the wiring and connectors in the area of the smell. A bad connection or pinched or shorted wire can produce a burning smell.
Less Common
06 - Amana Refrigerator Control Board
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.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Fridge not cooling: Could a burning smell mean the compressor start relay is bad?
Refrigerator light not working: Can a bulb or the light staying on cause a burning smell?
Refrigerator control panel not working: Could a bad control board cause a burning odor?
Refrigerator runs constantly: Can an overheating condenser fan motor or wiring issue cause a burning smell?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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