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HomeRepair HelpSamsung Refrigerator RepairSamsung Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Samsung Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or electrical smell from your Samsung refrigerator usually has a few common causes, and the first things to check are simple: make sure the interior light is not staying on, since an incandescent bulb left on can get hot and produce a burning odor. If the odor comes from the back near the compressor, suspect the compressor start device or start relay next, especially if the compressor tries to start and fails or the relay smells scorched. Also inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit, because a hot cord is a sign of a bad connection. Less often the condenser fan motor can overheat or wear out, so look for burn marks at the fan wiring and test the motor for continuity. Finally, inspect nearby wire connectors and the control board for signs of shorts or burning. If the smell is accompanied by the refrigerator not cooling or the fridge not cooling, prioritize the compressor and start device. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your model.
01 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 something burning — could the start relay be the problem?
Refrigerator light not working or staying on — can that cause a burning smell?
Why is my refrigerator noisy and smelling like something is burning?
Can a bad control board cause the control panel to stop working and produce a burning smell?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement?
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