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HomeRepair HelpJenn Air Refrigerator RepairJenn Air Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Jenn Air Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or rotten smell from your Jenn Air refrigerator usually has a few likely causes you can check quickly. First make sure the interior light is not staying on; an incandescent bulb left energized can get hot and smell burned. Next, if the smell comes from the compressor area the start relay or start device may have failed and the compressor may be trying to start but cannot, which can also lead to a fridge not cooling or refrigerator not getting cold. Inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit, since a hot cord is a common sign of a bad connection. If the odor seems to come from the exterior or bottom, inspect the condenser fan motor and its wiring and test the motor with a multimeter. Finally check nearby wire connectors and the control board for signs of burning or shorted components. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement start relay, light bulb, fan motor, power cord, or control board for your refrigerator.
01 - Jenn Air 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 - Jenn Air 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 - Jenn Air 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 - Jenn Air 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 - Jenn Air 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 - Jenn Air 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
My fridge is not cooling and smells like something is burning. What could be wrong?
Refrigerator light not working or door light staying on, could that cause a burning smell?
Refrigerator control panel not working and I smell burning. Is the control board bad?
My refrigerator runs constantly and I notice a burning smell. Could the start relay or condenser fan be the cause?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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