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HomeRepair HelpTappan Refrigerator RepairTappan Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Tappan Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
If you smell something burning in your Tappan refrigerator, start with the simple, most likely causes and work outward. Check the fridge light not working or staying on when the door closes, since an incandescent bulb that stays lit can overheat and produce a burning odor. Next inspect the compressor area: a failed start device or start relay and overload kit that prevents the compressor from starting often smells burnt and will leave the refrigerator not cooling. Look at the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit, because a hot cord is a classic sign of a bad connection. If the smell seems to come from the back or lower exterior, the condenser fan motor may be overheating; check for burn marks at the motor wiring and test continuity with a multimeter. Finally inspect nearby wire connectors and the control board for scorching or a stuck fan motor. These steps narrow the problem before you buy parts. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your specific refrigerator.
01 - Tappan 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 - Tappan 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 - Tappan 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 - Tappan 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 - Tappan 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 - Tappan 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
Fridge not cooling but freezer works — could a bad start relay cause a burning smell?
Refrigerator light not working or staying on — can the light cause a burning smell?
Refrigerator control panel not working — could a bad control board be the source of the smell?
Refrigerator noisy or loud and smells like burning — is the condenser fan motor or wiring likely the problem?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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