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HomeRepair HelpGaggenau Refrigerator RepairGaggenau Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Gaggenau Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
If your Gaggenau refrigerator has a bad or burning smell, don’t ignore it—start with the simplest checks and work toward the electrical components. The most likely cause is the interior light staying on; an incandescent bulb left energized can get hot and smell like it is burning. Next check the compressor area for a burnt odor and a relay that won’t let the compressor start; a failed start relay or start relay and overload kit is a common culprit. Inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for hot or burned prongs and a loose fit, and have a licensed electrician replace the outlet if it’s damaged. If the smell seems to come from the exterior, look for a failing condenser fan motor or burned wire connectors at the motor or harness. Less often a shorted control board or stuck fan motor can produce burning odors, so inspect the board and wiring for scorch marks. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement start relay, light, fan motor, wiring, or control board for your refrigerator.
01 - Gaggenau 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 - Gaggenau 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 - Gaggenau 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 - Gaggenau 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 - Gaggenau 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 - Gaggenau 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 refrigerator smell like something is burning?
Could the refrigerator light bulb cause a burning smell?
If the burning smell seems to come from the compressor area, what should I check?
How do I know if the power cord, condenser fan motor, or wiring is the source of the smell?
How can I enter my model number or part number to find the correct replacement part on RepairClinic.com?
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