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HomeRepair HelpGibson Refrigerator RepairGibson Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Gibson Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or bad smell coming from your refrigerator is a warning you should act on right away. Start by checking the light bulb and door switch first; an incandescent bulb left on with the door stuck can get hot and smell like something is burning. If the smell is coming from the compressor area and the fridge not cooling, the compressor start device or start relay is a likely culprit and may be overheating as it struggles to start the compressor. Next check the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose connection. Less likely but still possible causes include an overheating condenser fan motor, a pinched or shorted wire or wire connector, or a failed control board creating a hot spot. Use your nose and a flashlight to localize the smell, unplug the refrigerator before inspecting electrical components, and replace any damaged parts. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part you need for your refrigerator and get step by step guidance for the repair.
01 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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 could be wrong?
Refrigerator light not working or staying on, can it cause a burning smell?
Refrigerator making noise and a burning smell, could it be the condenser fan motor?
Refrigerator runs constantly and smells like it's burning, could the control board or wiring be to blame?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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