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HomeRepair HelpGE Refrigerator RepairGE Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
GE Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
If your GE refrigerator has a burning smell or a persistent bad odor, don’t ignore it, that smell usually points to a specific component you can check before calling a technician. The most common culprit is a light bulb staying on when the door closes; a regular incandescent can run hot enough to produce a burning smell. If the odor comes from the back or bottom, the compressor start device or start relay is a top suspect, especially when the compressor is trying to start and the fridge not cooling. Also inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose connection, and check the condenser fan motor for overheating or burnt wiring. Less commonly, a pinched or shorted wire or a failed control board or refrigerator control board not working can create that smell. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your machine, from light bulbs and start relays to fan motors and control boards, with clear instructions to guide the repair.
01 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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
What can cause a burning smell in my refrigerator?
Can a refrigerator light not working cause a burning smell?
Fridge not cooling: could a bad start relay or compressor cause a burning smell?
Can a refrigerator control panel not working mean the control board is burning or shorted?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to buy the right replacement part?
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