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HomeRepair HelpAdmiral Refrigerator RepairAdmiral Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Admiral Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
If your Admiral refrigerator has a bad or burning smell, start with the easy checks and work toward the electrical components. First make sure the interior light is not staying on when the door closes, since a hot incandescent bulb can produce a burning odor. Next check the compressor start device or start relay, because a failing relay often makes the compressor try to start and can overheat or burn, which may also cause your fridge not cooling. Inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for loose connections or burn marks, since a hot cord points to a bad connection. If the smell seems to come from the exterior, look at the condenser fan motor for worn bearings or burned wiring and test it with a multimeter. Also inspect nearby wire connectors for pinched or shorted wires, and, less commonly, a stuck fan or a shorted control board. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts, from bulbs and start relays to fan motors and control boards, along with repair guides to walk you through the fix.
01 - Admiral 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 - Admiral 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 - Admiral 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 - Admiral 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 - Admiral 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 - Admiral 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
Why does my refrigerator smell like something is burning?
Refrigerator not cooling and there is a burning smell — could the compressor start device be the problem?
The burning smell seems to come from inside the fridge — could the light bulb be the cause?
How do I know if the condenser fan motor or wiring is the source of the burning smell?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find and buy the correct replacement part?
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