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HomeRepair HelpModern Maid Refrigerator RepairModern Maid Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Modern Maid Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or musty smell in your Modern Maid refrigerator usually points to a few specific problems you can check in order. First, make sure the interior light is not staying on; an incandescent bulb that stays lit with the door closed will get hot and smell like burning. If the odor comes from the back or bottom of the unit, inspect the compressor area next: a failed start relay or start device often smells burnt and can also leave the refrigerator not cooling. After that, check the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit; a hot cord or bad connection is a common cause. Less likely, the condenser fan motor can overheat or wear out and emit odor, so examine the fan and test it for continuity. Finally, inspect wire connectors and the control board for charred insulation or shorts. If you need parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement component for your specific refrigerator.
01 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 I smell something burning — what should I check?
Freezer cold but fridge warm and I smell a burning odor — what could be wrong?
Could the refrigerator light cause a burning smell if it stays on?
How can I test the condenser fan motor or other components with a multimeter?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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