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HomeRepair HelpHaier Refrigerator RepairHaier Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Haier Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
If your Haier refrigerator smells like something is burning, act quickly but stay calm. Start by checking the light bulb, since an incandescent left on or shorted in the socket can get hot and produce a burning odor. Next inspect the compressor start device or start relay; a failed start device will usually prevent the compressor from starting and is a common cause of a refrigerator not cooling or a fridge not cooling. Check the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit, because a hot plug or damaged cord is a frequent, fixable source. If the smell seems to come from the outside cabinet, look at the condenser fan motor for overheating or burned wiring. Also inspect nearby wire connectors for pinched or shorted wires, and consider the control board if a fan is stuck or electronics look scorched. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.
01 - Haier 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 - Haier 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 - Haier 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 - Haier 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 - Haier 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 - Haier 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
Refrigerator not cooling — could a burning smell mean the compressor or start relay is bad?
Refrigerator light not working — can the light or bulb cause a burning smell?
Refrigerator noisy or loud — could that noise and a burning smell mean the condenser fan or wiring is bad?
Refrigerator control panel not working — can a bad control board cause a burning smell?
How do I enter my model number or part number at RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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