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HomeRepair HelpRCA Refrigerator RepairRCA Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
RCA Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or musty smell from an RCA refrigerator most often comes from a simple source you can check quickly. First, make sure the interior light is not staying on when the door is closed, since an incandescent bulb left lit can get hot and smell burnt. If the smell comes from the back near the compressor, the start relay or overload kit may be failing and preventing the compressor from starting, which can also leave you with a fridge not cooling or a refrigerator not getting cold. Next check the power cord and wall receptacle for burn marks or a loose fit. If the odor seems to come from the exterior or bottom, inspect the condenser fan motor and its wiring for overheating or burned connections. Pinched or shorted wire connectors and, less commonly, a failed control board can also produce burning smells. You can enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part — light bulbs, start relays, power cords, condenser fan motors, wire connectors, and control boards are all available with fit information and repair help.
01 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 light not working or staying on and smelling like it's burning — could the bulb be the problem?
Fridge not cooling but freezer works and I smell something coming from the compressor — could the start relay be bad?
Refrigerator control panel not working and there's a burning smell — can the control board be the culprit?
My refrigerator smells like something is burning near the back or bottom — could wiring, the power cord, or condenser fan motor be the cause?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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