Insignia Overheating Electrical Component

Burning or electrical smell from the unit during operation.

Advertisements

Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

Advertisements

Possible Causes

Dust burning off heating elements (heat models) or coils, Overheating fan motor, Failing capacitor or wiring insulation, Loose electrical connections causing arcing

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: If you smell burning plastic or see smoke, turn the unit off immediately, unplug it, and do not use it until inspected. Fire hazard.

Steps:

  • 1. Initial check: For a new or long-unused unit, a slight burning dust smell for the first 10–20 minutes can be normal. If it persists or is strong, proceed with inspection.
  • 2. Inspect wiring: Remove the front panel and control box cover. Look for discolored, melted, or charred wires and connectors. Repair or replace any damaged wiring harnesses.
  • 3. Check motors and capacitor: Smell near the fan motor and capacitor. If either is very hot or shows signs of melting, replace the affected part.
  • 4. Tighten connections: Ensure all screw terminals and spade connectors are tight to prevent arcing.
  • 5. Professional evaluation: If you cannot locate the source or if the main PCB appears burned, discontinue use and have the unit inspected by a qualified technician.
Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Wiring Harness
Check Price on Amazon

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Advertisements