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What to Do If the Refrigerator Fan Is Not Working?

Technically Reviewed by Oleg Chudnovski on Oct 28, 2025 | Written by Spark Service PRO Editorial Contributors

A typical refrigerator uses about $0.81 in electricity per day. But if the refrigerator fan isn’t working, cold air from the freezer won’t circulate properly, leading to higher energy use and potentially doubling or tripling your electricity costs. A faulty condenser fan can also cause uneven cooling, which may lead to spoiled food and health risks. In this article, we’ll cover what to do if the refrigerator fan is not working.

If your refrigerator fan ceases operation, it is essential to inspect the fan motor's electrical connections and wiring for any potential issues. Likewise, carefully examine the fan's wiring for indications of damage or looseness. If everything appears satisfactory, you can consult an extensive list of typical causes and their respective solutions to address the problem and maintain optimal refrigerator performance.

Start by checking for anything blocking the fan blade. If it spins freely by hand but still doesn’t run, test the motor with a multimeter. If it feels stuck or hard to turn, it’s time to replace the condenser fan motor.

Oleg Chudnovski, CEO of Spark Service PRO

What Causes a Refrigerator Fan to Stop Working?

A malfunctioning freezer fan, failing to circulate cold air to the refrigerator, can lead to food spoilage, potential illness from consuming spoiled items, and a spike in your utility bill. As the fridge persistently attempts to pump cold air without proper fan circulation, it is crucial for both your well-being and financial concerns to identify the root cause of the malfunctioning fan. Some of the most common reasons why a refrigerator fan stopped working are:

1. Fan is Blocked

The fan is a mechanical component that constantly spins when it is on. If the freezer or fridge is so jam-packed with items that the fan is blocked, it will not spin and cause the fridge fan to stop circulating cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator's cabin. This may help you troubleshoot a refrigerator fan motor that is not working.

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2. Faulty Fan Motor

The motor responsible for spinning the fan blades in the refrigerator can break if struck or develop faults over time, possibly due to leaks from the fridge. If the fan motor is defective, the fan will cease to operate, even if there are no obstructions and it remains connected to the power supply.

3. Thermostat Control Issues

The refrigerator fan will stop working if the temperature in the fridge is correct. However, if the thermostat that reads the temperature has issues, it can cause the fan to stop working. You will need to gain access to and test the continuity of the thermostat and possibly replace it.

How to Fix a Refrigerator Fan: Step-by-Step Guide

If you have diagnosed the problem or still need a more accurate diagnosis, the following list provides steps you can take to identify the cause of the fridge fan not working and resolve the issue.

1. Remove Any Obstructions Blocking Airflow

It sounds simple, but if you have food stuffed in every nook and cranny of the icebox, you might have accidentally blocked the fan from spinning. Rearrange food from fan to another shelf to allow proper airflow.

2. Test and Replace Condenser Fan Motor

The fan motor is positioned behind the fan assembly. By using a screwdriver to dismantle the fan panel and subsequently turning off the power to the fridge, you can employ a multimeter to examine the motor's wiring for continuity. If you encounter infinite readings from any of the connections, it indicates a faulty motor that needs replacement.

3. Check and Replace the Defrost Thermostat if Faulty

The thermostat is located on the bottom of the refrigerator's control panel. Remove the control panel door using a screwdriver and locate the metal casing, which is held in place by a bracket that connects the thermostat to the fridge. If you test the two wires coming into the thermostat for continuity with infinity readings, remove the thermostat and replace it with another.

Expert Appliance Repair Help from Spark Service PRO

When it comes to refrigerator repair, our team has been in this business for many years. Our refrigeration licensed technicians are well-equipped to handle the job, and we always strive for exceptional customer service. The kitchen's vital hub is undoubtedly the refrigerator, and it must operate seamlessly. Eliminate the uncertainty of diagnosing and fixing your appliance by relying on our team of approachable experts who specialize in refrigerator repairs.

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Appliances that require repair can be hazardous and expensive. Luckily, our qualified appliance repair technicians can do the job for you. Please take a moment to contact us with any issues you may have by visiting our quote page or calling our toll-free number 888-242-0777. When you contact our authorized appliance repair department, you can be assured that customer service is our top priority.