If your refrigerator feels warmer than normal or if there is weak airflow coming from the vents, the evaporator motor mounting seal may be the cause. This seal helps guide cold air through the fresh food section. When it is worn or damaged, airflow becomes uneven and cooling performance drops.
Replacing the evaporator motor mounting seal is a simple task. With just a few basic tools and a few minutes of your time, you can complete this repair and help your refrigerator maintain the right temperature.
Why the Evaporator Motor Mounting Seal Matters
The mounting seal may seem like a small part, but it has a direct impact on how well your refrigerator cools. Here’s why it is important:
- Helps direct airflow into the fresh food compartment
- Prevents cold air from leaking into unwanted spaces
- Reduces strain on the evaporator fan and motor
- Supports even temperature throughout the fridge
- Helps lower energy consumption by improving efficiency
Common Signs of a Worn or Damaged Seal
Before replacing the evaporator motor mounting seal, it helps to know the warning signs that suggest it may be failing:
- Weak or uneven airflow in the fresh food section
- The refrigerator feels warmer than usual, despite the motor running
- Unusual noises coming from the evaporator fan area
- Visible gaps or tears around the seal
- Increased frost or moisture buildup on the back panel
How to Replace the Evaporator Motor Mounting Seal in a Refrigerator
Follow these steps to remove the old evaporator motor mounting seal and install a new one to restore proper airflow in your refrigerator.
1. Disassemble the Refrigerator
- Open the evaporator motor mounting seal kit and identify the new seal.
- Open both fresh food doors.
- Pull out the two drawers from the left and right sections.
- Remove the four glass shelves by lifting the front and pulling out the back.
- Lift and slide out the central drawer cover frame, tilting slightly if needed.
- Use a putty knife to remove the plug cover from the lower right-hand corner.
- Pry off the top bar using the putty knife from the lower corners where clips are located.
- Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws from the top and bottom of the air duct cover.
- Use the putty knife to loosen and release the clips along one side of the cover while gently pulling on it.
- Repeat the same process for the opposite side and bottom of the cover.
- Disconnect the wire plug by squeezing the tabs and pulling it out.
- Pull out the entire air duct cover and place it on a flat surface.
2. Replace the Mounting Seal
- Use a putty knife to remove the installation strip from the motor and let it hang to the side.
- Remove each wire from the bracket to free the wiring harness.
- Take out the evaporator motor from the cover and thread out the wiring.
- Slide off the old mounting seal from the motor.
- Place the new seal around the motor, aligning the groove under the harness and the front tabs with the motor’s tabs.
- Fit the seal firmly over the motor until it sits correctly on all sides.
3. Reassemble the Refrigerator
- Position the motor so the back faces you and the wiring harness is at the bottom left.
- Lift the cover and slide it over the motor until it fits into place.
- Press the installation strip back on top of the motor to secure it.
- Turn the cover over and place the wiring into the slot at the bottom.
- Thread the wires back into the bracket one at a time.
- Slide the motor into the opening at the bottom of the refrigerator.
- Push the air duct cover into place and align the holes for the screws.
- Press down the sides of the cover so the clips snap into place from top to bottom.
- Plug the wire harness back into the lower right-hand corner.
- Use the 1/4-inch nut driver to reinstall the two screws at the top and bottom of the cover.
- Clip the top plate into place by hooking the top first, then pressing it down to lock.
- Push the plug cover back into the lower right-hand corner until it clicks.
- Slide the drawer cover frame back into place.
- Hook the four glass shelves into the back slots and lower the front ends.
- Slide the two drawers back into the left and right tracks.
- Close the refrigerator doors. The repair is now complete.
Also Read: The Complete Guide: DIY Refrigerator Maintenance Made Easy
Closing Thoughts
With the new seal in place, your refrigerator can move cold air better, helping it stay at the right temperature. You also help cut down on energy use, which is good for both your appliance and your bills. This kind of simple repair helps your fridge work the way it was built to. It also keeps your food fresh without having to call for service.
Doing small tasks like this keeps your fridge in good shape for longer. The tools are basic, and you don’t need special skills to get the job done. Once everything is back in place, you can relax knowing your refrigerator is running as it should.