How to replace the evaporator fan blade on a Whirlpool refrigerator

The evaporator motor fan blade is responsible for circulating air over the evaporator coils in the freezer section. Over time, the fan blade may become worn, damaged, or misaligned, resulting in reduced airflow or noisy operation. A faulty fan blade can lead to inadequate cooling, ice buildup, or even complete refrigerator failure if left unaddressed. Fortunately, replacing the evaporator motor fan blade is a straightforward repair that can be completed with basic tools and some patience. This repair should only take approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete, so let’s get started!

Watch here: How To Replace: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Refrigerator Evaporator Motor Fan Blade WP67006337

The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you’ll need

• Quarter-inch nut driver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Pliers
• Work gloves
• Replacement part (check the compatibility with your model)

The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 

Replacement Steps

Accessing the Evaporator Motor Fan Blade

1. Anytime you work on your appliance, make sure it’s unplugged or the circuit breakers are off to prevent any chance of injury.
2. Open the freezer door to access the evaporator motor fan blade.
3. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to loosen the two quarter-inch screws located in the upper corners on each side of the freezer door.
4. Lift the freezer door off and set it aside.

Removing the Freezer Drawers

1. Use a flat blade screwdriver to remove the stopper on the left side of the freezer door.
2. Insert the screwdriver into the rectangular opening and push it out to remove the stopper. 
3. Repeat the same process for the stopper on the right side.
4. Take out the middle freezer drawer by pulling it all the way out and sliding it to the middle. 
5. Lift it up and remove it.
6. Remove the bottom drawer or basket.
7. Use needle-nose pliers to slide the locking sleeve on the support bar to the left. 
8. Remove the support bar.

Removing the Upper Freezer Drawer

1. Pull out the upper freezer drawer. Insert a flat blade screwdriver into the front side rail where there is a locking tab. 
2. Pull the tab aside and lift up on the drawer. 
3. Repeat this process on the other side and remove the drawer.
4. Push in the rails on both sides to make it easier to access the panel.

Removing the Freezer Rails and Panel

1. Remove the rail on the right side by unscrewing two quarter-inch screws using a quarter-inch nut driver. 
2. Pull out the rail.
3. Remove the upper rail using the same quarter-inch nut driver. There is one screw inside the opening. 
4. Slide the rail forward and remove it.
5. Remove the cover that covers the sensor on the right side of the rear panel. Use a flat blade screwdriver to insert it into the opening and push the tab to open the cover. 
6. Turn it around to reveal the sensor and take it out.
7. Remove four quarter-inch screws to take off the access panel using a quarter-inch nut driver.
8. Pull out the rails on the right side to make it easier to access the panel. 
9. Remove the panel by grabbing it on the left side.

Removing the Motor and Fan Blade

1. Take out the two quarter-inch screws that hold the motor bracket.
2. Pull out the bracket with the motor.
3. Pry off the fan blade from the motor shaft carefully. 
4. Hold the motor and bracket while doing this to avoid bending the fins.

Installing the New Fan Blade

1. Install the new fan blade by placing it under the motor shaft with the opening on the shaft. 
2. Support the motor from the back and push the blade onto the shaft.
3. Reinstall the bracket with the motor. 
4. Lift up the bracket and match the holes. 
5. Install the screw on the left and then the screw on the right.

Reassembling the Freezer

1. Install the cover panel. Make sure that the sensor goes on the top right in the cutout.
2. Slide the right side in and then the left side.
3. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to install four screws and secure the panel.
4. Insert the sensor and place it on the evaporator cover panel. 
5. Lock it into the clip and place it into the cutouts. Push it back to lock it.

Reinstalling the Rails and Drawers

1. Install the upper rail. Slide the brackets over the two black mounting pins on the inside and secure it with a quarter-inch screw.
2. Install the rail assembly under the two black pins. Slide it over the pins and lock it in place. Secure the rail with screws.
3. Install the upper freezer drawer by placing it on the rails, pushing it back, and locking it.
4. Push in the upper drawer.
5. Install the support bar by placing it into the left side and then the right side. 
6. Slide the locking sleeve onto the cutout to lock it in place.
7. Install the bottom drawer by aligning the three tabs and three cutouts on each side. Interlock them properly. Install the middle drawer.

Final Steps

1. Install the left side stopper by sliding it in and pressing it. 
2. Install the right side stopper by placing the bottom in first and then inserting the screw into the cutout.
3. Secure the freezer door by tightening the two quarter-inch screws using a quarter-inch nut driver.
4. Close the freezer door. 
5. Plug the refrigerator back in and check that it’s cooling properly.

Congratulations! You have successfully replaced the evaporator motor fan blade in your refrigerator.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the evaporator motor fan blade on your Whirlpool refrigerator. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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