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HomeRepair HelpE-Wave Refrigerator RepairE-Wave Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
E-Wave Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or hot smell in your refrigerator usually has a straightforward cause, so start with the basics. Most often a bulb is staying on or an incandescent bulb is running too hot, so check the refrigerator interior light and the door switch first. If the odor is coming from the back near the compressor, the compressor start device or start relay is a likely culprit and will need inspection or replacement. Next check the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit, then inspect the condenser fan motor for overheating or burned wiring. Less common but possible causes include pinched or shorted wire connectors or a failing control board, which can produce a hot or electrical smell when components stick or short out. If you identify a bad part, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your specific refrigerator and get step-by-step guidance to complete the repair.
01 - E-Wave 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 - E-Wave 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 - E-Wave 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 - E-Wave 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 - E-Wave 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 - E-Wave 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?
Can a refrigerator light bulb cause a burning smell?
How do I know if the compressor start relay is bad?
What should I check if the burning smell seems to come from the back or bottom of the fridge?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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