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HomeRepair HelpDanby Refrigerator RepairDanby Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Danby Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
If your Danby refrigerator has a bad or burning smell, start with the simple checks first: make sure the interior light bulb is not staying on when the door is closed, since an incandescent bulb can overheat and produce a burning odor. If the smell seems to come from the back or bottom, the compressor start device (start relay and overload) is a likely culprit; a failing start relay often keeps the compressor from starting and can leave you with a fridge not cooling. Next, inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit, since a hot cord points to a bad connection. Less commonly, an overheating condenser fan motor, pinched or shorted wire connectors, or a failed control board can produce burning smells, so check for scorch marks and test motors and continuity where possible. If you find a faulty part, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement part for your specific refrigerator and get the correct parts and repair guidance.
01 - Danby 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 - Danby 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 - Danby 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 - Danby 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 - Danby 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 - Danby 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
My refrigerator is not cooling and I smell something burning. What should I check first?
Fridge light is staying on and smells hot. Could the bulb be causing the burning smell?
Why does the burning smell seem to come from the back of the refrigerator?
My refrigerator is making noise and there's a burning smell. Could the condenser fan motor be the problem?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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