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HomeRepair HelpArctic Air Refrigerator RepairArctic Air Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Arctic Air Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
If your Arctic Air refrigerator has a bad or burning smell, don’t panic — the fix is usually one of a few common problems. Start by checking the interior light; an incandescent bulb left on when the door is closed gets hot and can smell like burning, so confirm the fridge light is turning off properly. Next, smell and listen near the compressor; a failed start relay or start relay and overload kit will often make the compressor try to start and can produce a burnt odor, and that failure is a common cause of a refrigerator not cooling. After that inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose connection, then check the condenser fan motor for overheating or damaged wiring. Also look for pinched or shorted wire connectors and signs of a failed control board or stuck fan. If you need replacement parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact parts that fit your refrigerator and get the parts and guidance to make the repair.
01 - Arctic Air 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 - Arctic Air 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 - Arctic Air 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 - Arctic Air 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 - Arctic Air 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 - Arctic Air 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 light not working but I smell something burning — could the bulb be the problem?
Refrigerator not cooling and there is a burning smell — could the compressor or start relay be failing?
Refrigerator making noise and a burning smell — could the condenser fan motor or wiring be the cause?
Refrigerator control panel not working and I notice a burning smell — can the control board cause that?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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