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HomeRepair HelpCrosley Refrigerator RepairCrosley Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Crosley Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or strange odor in your Crosley refrigerator usually points to a simple issue you can check yourself before calling a technician. The most likely cause is the interior light staying on; an incandescent bulb left energized can get hot and smell like something burning, so start by confirming the door switch and bulb are working — this is also the first thing to check when troubleshooting refrigerator light not working. If the smell is coming from the compressor area, the compressor start device or start relay may have failed and the compressor may be trying to start but cannot, which can produce a burnt odor and leave the fridge not cooling. Next, inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose connection. Less commonly, an overheating condenser fan motor, a pinched or shorted wire connector, or a failed control board can cause burning smells. Look for visible scorch marks, listen for stuck fans, and use a multimeter where appropriate. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts for your refrigerator.
01 - Crosley 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 - Crosley 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 - Crosley 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 - Crosley 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 - Crosley 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 - Crosley 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 not cooling and I smell burning. Could a failed start relay be the cause?
Refrigerator light not working or staying on — can the bulb cause a burning smell?
Refrigerator runs constantly and smells like something is burning — could the condenser fan motor or control board be bad?
Fridge not cooling but freezer works and I smell burning. Could wiring or the power cord be the issue?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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