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HomeRepair HelpMontgomery Wards Refrigerator RepairMontgomery Wards Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Montgomery Wards Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or musty smell from your refrigerator usually has a few common causes you can check in order. First, make sure the interior light is actually turning off when the door closes — an incandescent bulb or a stuck door switch can overheat and smell burnt. Next likely is the compressor start device or start relay; if the compressor is trying to start but can’t you may get a burning odor near the compressor and the fridge not cooling. Inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit, since a hot cord points to a bad connection. Less commonly the condenser fan motor will overheat, so look for burn marks and test the motor for continuity. Also inspect nearby wiring and connectors for pinched or shorted wires, and consider the control board if a component has failed and produced smoke. Always cut power before you probe electrical parts, and enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.
01 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 is not cooling and smells like something is burning — could the compressor start relay be the problem?
Could a hot refrigerator light bulb cause a burning smell?
Freezer is cold but fridge is warm and I smell burning — what should I check?
Could a bad condenser fan motor or wiring cause a burning smell and extra noise?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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