A GE refrigerator that stops cooling properly may have a faulty evaporator fan motor. This part helps move cold air across the evaporator coils, allowing the refrigerator to maintain the right temperature. The WR60X10307 evaporator fan motor assembly is located at the back of the freezer compartment in side-by-side models and includes a two-wire thermistor built into the harness.
Here’s a guide to help you safely replace it without calling for service.
What the Evaporator Fan Motor Does
The evaporator fan motor is part of the refrigerator’s cooling system. It helps regulate airflow inside the unit by circulating cold air from the freezer to the fresh food compartment. Without it, the refrigerator cannot cool evenly or maintain a stable temperature.
Common signs of a bad evaporator fan motor include:
- The freezer is cold, but the refrigerator feels warm
- Unusual noises such as clicking or whirring from the freezer area
- Poor air circulation inside the compartments
- Frost buildup near the evaporator coil
- The compressor runs but cooling remains weak
Tools You’ll Need
- 1/4-inch nut driver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Replacement WR60X10307 evaporator fan motor (confirm it matches your model)
Important Safety Steps
Before starting, follow these precautions to work safely and avoid damage to the appliance:
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the circuit breaker to cut off power. This helps prevent electric shock.
- Turn off the water supply connected to the appliance.
- Keep towels nearby to catch any leftover water during the repair.
- Let the appliance cool down if it was recently used.
- Work slowly and carefully to avoid injury and protect appliance components.
- Use a clean, well-lit area so you can clearly see and access all parts.
- Keep the workspace clear and avoid distractions. Children and pets should stay away from the area.
- Dry your hands and the workspace before beginning the repair.
- Check the user manual for model-specific guidance or safety tips.
- Handle parts gently to avoid breakage or injury.
- Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges or debris.
- Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. Use insulated tools or gloves when working with electrical components.
How to Replace the Evaporator Fan Motor in a GE Refrigerator
Here are the steps to help you remove the old evaporator fan motor and install a new one so your refrigerator can cool properly again.
Unplug and Prepare the Freezer
- Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet
- Remove the ice bucket by lifting the front and sliding it out
- Slide out the freezer shelves and lift them free from the tracks
- Lift the wire baskets and pull them out
- Press the side locking tabs to detach the light cover
- Unscrew and remove the light bulbs
Remove the Ice Maker Assembly
- Unplug the electric connector at the top of the ice maker
- Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the four screws securing the auger motor
- Unplug the wire connector at the back of the assembly
- Remove the entire ice maker assembly
- Take out the two support brackets by removing their 1/4-inch screws
Access the Fan Motor Area
- Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws holding the support rails
- Remove the support rails from both sides
- Unscrew and remove the rear panel to access the fan motor housing
Disconnect Wiring Components
- Use a flathead screwdriver to release the tabs on the light bulb sockets
- Detach the wiring from each socket using the flathead screwdriver
- Unplug the thermistor connection from the evaporator coils
- Disconnect the fan motor’s electrical connector
Remove the Old Fan Motor
- Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws securing the fan motor cover
- Take off the metal cover to expose the fan motor
- Unplug the fan motor’s electrical connector
- Slide off the plastic fan blade from the motor shaft
- Remove the two screws that hold the fan motor
- Take out the old motor and keep any clips or brackets needed for reuse
Install the New Fan Motor
- Attach any saved brackets or clips to the new motor
- Reattach the plastic fan blade to the motor shaft
- Secure the new motor with the two 1/4-inch screws
- Plug in the fan motor’s electrical connector
- Manually spin the blade to confirm smooth movement
Reassemble the Freezer
- Reinstall the fan motor cover and screw it back in place
- Reattach the rear panel with the original screws
- Reconnect the wiring harnesses, thermistor, and light sockets
- Reinstall the support rails and secure them
- Reattach the ice maker assembly and support brackets
- Slide the baskets, shelves, and ice bucket back into place
Final Testing
- Plug the refrigerator back in
- Reconnect the water supply if it was turned off
- Let the unit run for several hours
- Listen for a steady, quiet fan sound
- Check the temperature in both the freezer and fridge compartments
Also Read: How to replace Samsung refrigerator evaporator fan motor DA97-12815B
What’s Next?
If your GE refrigerator wasn’t cooling right, a bad fan motor could have been the reason. Taking the time to replace it can bring things back to normal and keep your food fresh. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and the steps above, you’ve already done most of the work.
Make sure everything is running as it should once it’s plugged back in. Listen for the fan, feel for the chill, and keep an eye on how your fridge performs over the next few hours. If things stay cool and quiet, you’ve done the job right.
Fixing this kind of issue at home can save you money and give you more confidence in handling future repairs. Just remember to work carefully, follow the steps, and check your model before buying parts. When in doubt, the user manual is always a helpful backup.