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HomeRepair HelpThermador Refrigerator RepairThermador Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Thermador Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
If your Thermador refrigerator has a bad or burning smell, start with the simple checks: make sure the interior light is not staying on when the door is closed, since an incandescent bulb left on can get hot and smell like something burning. Next, check the compressor start device or start relay; a failed start relay often makes the compressor struggle to start and can produce a burnt odor. Inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks and a loose fit, since a hot cord is a sign of a bad connection. If the smell seems to come from the back or bottom, look at the condenser fan motor for wear, overheating, or burned wiring and test it for continuity. Also inspect nearby wire connectors for pinched or shorted wires, and consider the control board if a fan is stuck or a component has shorted. These faults can also lead to a refrigerator not cooling. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.
01 - Thermador 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 - Thermador 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 - Thermador 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 - Thermador 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 - Thermador 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 - Thermador 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 and I smell burning — could the compressor or start relay be the problem?
Freezer cold but fridge warm and I notice a burning smell — what should I check?
Fridge light stays on or gets hot and smells — is the light bulb causing the odor?
How do I find and buy the correct replacement part on RepairClinic.com using my model or part number?
Could a shorted wire or control board cause a burning smell even if the fridge still runs?
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