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HomeRepair HelpAmericana Refrigerator RepairAmericana Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell Repair
Americana Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
A burning or bad smell from your Americana refrigerator usually has a straightforward cause, so start with the easy checks first: make sure the interior light is not staying on, since an incandescent bulb left on can get hot and smell burnt. If the odor seems to come from the bottom or back and the fridge is not cooling or the compressor won’t run, suspect the compressor start device (start relay/overload); a failed relay often smells burned and keeps the compressor from starting. Next check the power cord and wall outlet for burn marks or a loose fit, since a hot plug is a sign of a bad connection. If the smell is coming from the exterior fan area inspect the condenser fan motor for overheating or damage and test it with a multimeter. Also look for pinched or shorted wire connectors and nearby wiring damage, and finally consider a failed control board or a stuck fan motor. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator and get step by step repair parts and guidance.
01 - Americana 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 - Americana 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 - Americana 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 - Americana 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 - Americana 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 - Americana 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
My refrigerator not cooling and I smell something burning — could the start relay or compressor be the cause?
Refrigerator light not working or staying on — can the light cause a burning smell?
My refrigerator is making noise and smells like something is burning — is the condenser fan motor bad?
Can a refrigerator control panel or control board failure cause a burning smell?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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