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HomeRepair HelpNorge Refrigerator RepairNorge Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Norge Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
If your Norge refrigerator has a burning or electrical smell, act quickly but stay calm. The most common cause is a light bulb left on when the door closes; a hot incandescent bulb can give off a burning odor. Next check the compressor area — a failed start relay or overload kit often causes the compressor to struggle or not start and can smell like something's burning while the fridge not cooling. Inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit, since a bad connection will heat up. If the smell seems to come from the back or bottom of the cabinet, the condenser fan motor may be overheating. Also look for pinched or shorted wire connectors and, less commonly, a stuck fan motor or a failing control board. Unplug the unit before you test parts, and call a licensed electrician if the outlet is damaged. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts you need, like light bulbs, start relays, condenser fan motors, power cords, and control boards.
01 - Norge 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 - Norge 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 - Norge 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 - Norge 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 - Norge 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 - Norge 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 refrigerator smells like something is burning. What should I check first?
Fridge not cooling but I smell burning from the compressor area. Could the start relay or compressor be bad?
Refrigerator light not working or staying on and making a burning smell?
How can I tell if the condenser fan motor or a wire connector is the source of the burning smell?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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