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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Refrigerator RepairKenmore Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Kenmore Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
If your Kenmore refrigerator has a bad or burning smell, don’t ignore it—start by locating where the smell is strongest and unplug the fridge before you inspect anything. The most common cause is an interior light left on or a hot incandescent bulb in the compartment, which can smell burned. Next likely is a failed compressor start device or start relay; if the compressor is trying to start but can’t you may smell burning and your fridge not getting cold or fridge not cooling will follow. Check the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit, since a hot cord or bad connection is a common source of odor. Less commonly the condenser fan motor can overheat or wear out, and pinched or shorted wire connectors will also produce a burning smell. Rarely a stuck fan motor or a shorted control board is to blame. If you need replacement parts, enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your refrigerator.
01 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 not cooling and there is a burning smell — what should I check?
Refrigerator light not working or staying on, can that cause a burning smell?
My refrigerator making noise and smells like something is burning, what parts could be failing?
Refrigerator control panel not working and I smell burning, should I replace the control board?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to buy the correct replacement part?
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