Refrigerator displays E16 and may show erratic or no operation of the condenser fan at the rear of the unit.
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Disconnect mains power before working at the rear of the appliance. Fan blades can cause injury.
Steps:
- 1. Access condenser fan: Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and remove the lower rear cover to expose the condenser coil and fan.
- 2. Inspect for debris: Check for dust, pet hair, or objects blocking the fan. Clean thoroughly with a soft brush and vacuum.
- 3. Spin fan by hand: With power off, rotate the fan blades. They should move freely. If stiff or seized, the motor is likely bad.
- 4. Check wiring: Inspect the fan harness and connector for damage or loose connections. Repair as needed.
- 5. Replace fan motor: If the motor is seized or does not run even with proper voltage (requires advanced testing), replace the condenser fan motor with a Gaggenau-compatible part.
Note: If the fan and wiring are good but E16 persists, the main control board may not be driving the fan correctly and should be checked by a technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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