A Whirlpool refrigerator that makes strange noises or struggles to stay cold often has a faulty evaporator fan motor. This part circulates cold air through the refrigerator and freezer compartments. When it wears out, you may notice weak airflow, uneven temperatures, or unusual sounds.
Replacing the evaporator fan motor (part W11334745) is a project most homeowners can complete in about an hour. With the right tools and a little patience, you can get your refrigerator back to top performance without the expense of a service call.
Tools and Parts You’ll Need
- 1/4 inch nut driver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Pliers
- Insulated work gloves
- Replacement evaporator fan motor W11334745 (confirm it matches your refrigerator model)
Safety First
Take precautions before beginning any appliance repair.
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the circuit breaker to eliminate electrical hazards.
- Let the appliance cool down if it has been running recently.
- Turn off the water supply and keep towels handy for any leftover water in the system.
- Work in a bright, uncluttered space and keep children and pets away.
- Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- Make sure the work area and your hands are completely dry.
- Take photos or label wiring connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
Why the Evaporator Fan Motor Matters
The evaporator fan motor moves cold air from the evaporator coils through both the refrigerator and freezer. When the motor fails, air circulation drops, and the appliance cannot keep consistent temperatures. Common symptoms include:
- Warm areas in the refrigerator
- Frost or ice buildup
- Grinding, buzzing, or squealing noises
Replacing the motor restores proper airflow and cooling.
How to Replace the Evaporator Fan Motor in a Whirlpool Refrigerator
Follow these steps to safely remove the old evaporator fan motor and install a new one in your Whirlpool refrigerator.
Preparation
- Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet.
- Shut off the water supply to the refrigerator.
Freezer Door and Rails Removal
- Open the freezer door and remove the baskets.
- Use a flathead screwdriver to pry out baskets if needed.
- Remove the 1/4-inch screws from each rail support with a nut driver.
- Pull on the frame while pressing the frame tabs with a screwdriver to release the gear.
- Repeat on the opposite side to release the rear brackets.
- Press the tabs on each rail with a screwdriver and pull the rails out.
- Slide out the freezer door with the rails.
Fresh Food Compartment Rails
- Open both fresh food doors.
- Remove the upper left-side rail by pulling it out of the wall.
- Remove the lower left-side rail by taking out four 1/4-inch screws with a nut driver.
Thermistor and Rear Access
- Insert a screwdriver into the thermistor cover clip opening and push left to release it.
- Remove the thermistor from the clips.
- Use a nut driver to remove four 1/4-inch screws from the rear access panel.
- Pull the top of the panel out first, then the left side.
- Insert a screwdriver into the cutouts of the grille and lift the tabs to release it.
Electrical Disconnects
- Disconnect the defrost thermostat plugs by squeezing the tabs.
- Remove the green ground wire.
- Disconnect the plug on the right side and remove the defrost thermostat from the copper tube clip.
Removing the Old Fan Motor
- Remove the two 1/4-inch screws holding the rubber fan motor bracket and housing.
- Take out the evaporator fan motor and bracket assembly.
- Remove the fan motor blade, prying it out if necessary.
- Squeeze the bracket tabs and push out the motor.
- Free the harness wires from the clip.
- Slide off the front and rear grommets and save them.
Installing the New Fan Motor
- Install the new motor into the bracket.
- Slide the grommet onto the front and back ends of the motor.
- Insert the rear bracket grommet into the opening and lock the motor into the bracket groove.
- Install the fan blade by pressing it onto the motor shaft.
- Slide the motor and bracket into the rear cavity, aligning the holes.
- Secure with one 1/4-inch screw, then lift the bracket and secure with the second screw.
- Reinstall the defrost thermostat onto the tube and plug it in.
- Reinstall the ground wire.
- Reconnect all other plugs.
- Straighten the temperature sensor cord and position it near the assembly.
Reassembly
- Reinstall the rear access panel, starting with the right side, then the bottom.
- Place the sensor wires into the cutout at the top.
- Slide on the grille and lock it in place.
- Install the right-side 1/4-inch screws, then the left-side screws.
- Install the thermistor into the bracket and secure it with clips.
- Reinstall the thermistor cover by sliding it into the side openings and locking it.
- Install the lower rail into the groove and secure with four 1/4-inch screws.
- Install the upper rail by sliding the pin post into the slots at the back.
- Close the refrigerator doors.
- Slide the freezer rails onto the door and push them into place.
- Install the baskets onto the rails and lock the mechanisms.
- Secure the rails with 1/4-inch screws.
- Install the middle basket by sliding it in and pressing down.
- Close the freezer door.
- Plug the refrigerator back in.
- Turn on the water supply.
Also Read: GE Fridge Evaporator Fan Motor Replacement Made Easy
Summing Up
A working refrigerator keeps daily life running smoothly, and a faulty fan motor doesn’t have to put that on pause. Knowing the signs of a failing part and taking the time to swap it out can keep food safe, save money on repairs, and extend the life of the appliance. Once the new motor is in place, the difference is immediate with stronger airflow and steadier temperatures. If you’ve followed the steps carefully, you now have the satisfaction of handling a repair that might otherwise have needed professional service. Keeping up with small fixes like this helps your refrigerator perform well for years to come.