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HomeRepair HelpInglis Refrigerator RepairInglis Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Inglis Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or rotten smell coming from your fridge usually means an electrical part is overheating or a light bulb is staying on, so start by checking the interior lamp and door switch — an incandescent bulb left on can heat up and smell burnt. If the odor comes from the compressor area, the start relay or start relay and overload kit is the likely culprit; a relay that smells burned or a compressor that tries to start but cannot often points to that part and can lead to your refrigerator not cooling or refrigerator not getting cold. Next inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks and a loose fit, since a hot cord signals a bad connection. If the smell is from the exterior back of the unit, the condenser fan motor can overheat or fail. Also look for pinched or shorted wire connectors and, less commonly, a failing control board or stuck fan motor. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator and get step by step parts and repair guidance.
01 - Inglis 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 - Inglis 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 - Inglis 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 - Inglis 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 - Inglis 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 - Inglis 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?
My fridge is not cooling and I smell burning — could the compressor start relay be the problem?
How can I check the condenser fan motor or wiring if I suspect they are overheating?
Could a bad power cord or wall outlet cause a burning smell, and what should I do about it?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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