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HomeRepair HelpDacor Refrigerator RepairDacor Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Dacor Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or musty smell coming from your Dacor refrigerator is often easier to fix than it sounds. Start with the light bulb: an incandescent bulb that stays on or is the wrong wattage will get hot and produce a burning odor. If the smell is coming from the back near the compressor, check the compressor start device or start relay next—if the relay is burnt or the compressor is trying to start but can’t, that will create a hot, acrid smell and can lead to your refrigerator not cooling. Inspect the power cord and wall receptacle for scorch marks or a loose fit, then check the condenser fan motor and nearby wiring for burned insulation or poor connections. Less commonly a shorted control board or a stuck fan will be the culprit. You can run a quick continuity test on suspect parts or swap the bulb first to narrow it down. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your specific refrigerator and get step by step parts and repair guidance.
01 - Dacor 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 - Dacor 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 - Dacor 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 - Dacor 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 - Dacor 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 - Dacor 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
Refrigerator not cooling and smells like something is burning — what should I check first?
Refrigerator light not working or staying on — can the interior bulb cause a burning smell?
Fridge not cooling but freezer works — could a bad start relay or condenser fan be causing a burning smell?
Why does my refrigerator smell like it's burning from the back — could wiring or the control board be the issue?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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