Make sure the freezer is plugged in tightly. If you don’t think power is reaching the freezer, check the breaker or fuse that powers that room of the house.
Most freezers don’t run the evaporator fan motor when the door is open, so if the fan does work, it will turn off when you open the door. Check the temperature setting on the freezer to be sure it’s on cold.
The switch will likely be the same color as the interior of the freezer. You can usually find the switch low on the frame of the freezer door.
If the fan motor does not turn on while you hold the switch, the motor is probably bad. If you can hear the fan motor running but the freezer isn’t cold, the issue likely is not with the evaporator fan motor.
If you hear a high pitched sound, you will need to remove the rear panel to gain access to the fan motor. The condenser is usually not located at the back of the freezer, so the evaporator fan motor should be the only thing making noise behind the rear panel.
If you can’t access the outlet, you can shut off power to that room using the breaker or fuse box for the house. Failing to shut off the power could result in serious shocks or burns.
Removing the shelves will also give you more room to work. If any mounting hardware comes out with the shelves, make sure to set it aside somewhere safe to reuse when you put the shelves back in.
Set the ducts and mounting hardware aside someplace safe. In most freezers, you can remove the ducts using a Phillips head screwdriver.
Most freezers use a Phillips head screws to secure the rear panel, but in some you might need to use a socket wrench. There are usually at least four screws holding the panel in place, though they may be located in different parts of the panel in different freezers.
There should be a few inches of slack in the wire to let you access it.
Set the panel aside somewhere safe until it’s time to reassemble your freezer. Don’t be forceful with the panel as you pull it out, as you may bend it.
If you find frost over all the coils, leave the refrigerator unplugged for 24-48 hours to thaw and then plug it in again. If the freezer works again after it’s been thawed, the problem is not the evaporator fan motor. Other issues it could be include a stuck condenser fan or a bad relay. You may need a certified technician to address those problems.
If you find something wrapped around the fan blades, remove it, then turn the power on to the freezer again. Hold the freezer door switch down and see if the fan comes on. If it doesn’t, it will need to be replaced.
These wires may be going into the same plug harness. The color of these wires may vary from freezer to freezer.
You can find the correct resistance specifications for the evaporator motor in the owner’s manual, an application specific repair manual, or on the manufacturer’s website. If the reading doesn’t match the manufacturer’s specifications, the evaporator motor needs to be replaced.
