Refrigerator has a chemical or burning smell when running.
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 first: Immediately unplug the refrigerator if you smell burning or see smoke. Do not continue to operate the unit.
Visual inspection:
- After allowing components to cool, remove the rear access panel and inspect the main control board, compressor area, and wiring for burnt spots or melted insulation.
- Inspect the freezer evaporator area (with power off) for signs of heater overheating or melted plastic.
Action: Any burnt wiring, boards, or components must be replaced before the unit is used again. This type of fault poses a fire risk and should be handled by a qualified appliance technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
We may earn a commission from links on this page.