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HomeRepair HelpMaytag Refrigerator RepairMaytag Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Maytag Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or bad smell from your Maytag refrigerator usually has a few common causes you can check yourself. First, make sure the interior light is not staying on; an incandescent bulb left on with the door closed can get very hot and smell like burning. Next, smell the compressor area—if the compressor start device (start relay/overload) has failed you may also notice the refrigerator not cooling and the compressor trying to start but unable to, or a distinctly burned electronics smell. Inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks and a loose connection, since a hot or damaged cord is a common cause. Less often the condenser fan motor will overheat or wear out, and bad wiring or a shorted connector can produce an odor. In rare cases a stuck fan or a failing control board will be the source. Always unplug the unit before inspecting or testing components, and if you need replacement parts enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact parts that fit your refrigerator.
01 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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. Could the compressor or start relay be the problem?
Could the refrigerator light be causing a burning smell?
How do I test a start relay or condenser fan motor with a multimeter?
The burning smell seems to come from the back or bottom of the fridge. What should I inspect?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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