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HomeRepair HelpFrigidaire Refrigerator RepairFrigidaire Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Frigidaire Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
If your Frigidaire refrigerator has a bad or burning smell, don’t panic—start with the easy checks and work outward. The most common cause is a light bulb that stays on when the door is closed; an incandescent bulb can get hot enough to give off a burning odor. If the smell comes from the back or bottom, check the compressor start device or start relay next; a failing start relay often smells burnt and will keep the compressor from starting, which can leave the fridge not cooling. Inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit, since a hot cord means a bad connection. Less commonly the condenser fan motor can overheat or the fan wiring can short, and pinched or damaged wire connectors will also produce a burning smell. Finally, a shorted control board or a stuck fan motor can be the source. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your unit and the repair parts you need.
01 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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 has failed?
Fridge light not working or staying on — can the bulb cause a burning smell?
Refrigerator control panel not working — could a shorted control board be the source of the smell?
My refrigerator smells like something is burning at the back — should I check the power cord, fan motor, or wiring?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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