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HomeRepair HelpJC Penney Refrigerator RepairJC Penney Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
JC Penney Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or strong musty smell from your JC Penney refrigerator usually means something is running hot or shorting out. The most common culprit is a light bulb left on or an incandescent bulb getting too hot when the door doesn’t close fully. If the smell comes from the back or bottom of the unit, the compressor start device or start relay is the next likely cause; a failed start device often prevents the compressor from starting and can leave the fridge not cooling. Check the power cord and wall receptacle next for burned prongs or a loose connection, since a hot cord is a sign of a bad connection. Less commonly the condenser fan motor, a pinched or damaged wire connector, or a shorted control board will produce a burning odor. Inspect the area carefully, unplug the refrigerator before working on electrical parts, and replace any damaged components. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part and step-by-step parts breakdown for your specific refrigerator.
01 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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 JC Penney refrigerator smell like something is burning?
My fridge not cooling and there's a burning smell — could the start relay be the problem?
The light in my fridge is hot and smells like it is burning — is the refrigerator light not working or causing the smell?
Could a bad control board or condenser fan motor cause a burning smell or make the refrigerator control panel not working?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic to find the correct replacement part?
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