Whirlpool Maytag Jenn-Air Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Parts — Models & Compatibility

Your freezer's running warm, or maybe you're hearing a grinding noise from the back of your fridge. Both symptoms usually point to the same culprit: a failing evaporator fan motor. This motor circulates cold air from the evaporator coils through both compartments, and when it quits, your Whirlpool, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, or Kenmore refrigerator can't maintain proper temperatures.

The 12002744 evaporator fan motor kit replaces multiple OEM part numbers including AP4009649, 67003917, 67006515, and 1174059. This hub covers compatible models across multiple brands — all using the same refrigeration platform.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

Your model number is stamped on a label inside the fresh food compartment, typically on the left or right wall near the top. For side-by-side models, check the left interior wall. Bottom-freezer models usually have it on the upper right wall of the fridge section.

Cross-reference your full model number with the compatibility list below. Models starting with MFD, MBF, JCD, AFD, and Kenmore 596-series are most common for this part. Don't rely on visual matching alone — refrigerators that look identical can have different fan motors depending on year and configuration.

About This Replacement Part

The evaporator fan motor sits behind the rear panel in your freezer compartment, mounted directly to the evaporator coil assembly. Its job is simple but critical: pull air across the ultra-cold evaporator coils and push it through ducts into both the freezer and refrigerator sections. When this motor fails, you'll typically notice the fridge section warming up first — often accompanied by frost buildup in the freezer or unusual grinding, squealing, or clicking sounds.

Three symptoms dominate evaporator fan motor failures: the fridge running too warm while the freezer seems okay, excessive noise coming from behind the freezer wall, and eventually the freezer section warming as well. The motor itself contains sealed bearings that wear out over time, especially in humid environments where condensation accelerates deterioration.

This kit includes the complete motor assembly with mounting bracket — you're not just replacing the motor, you're getting the entire fan housing. That matters because aftermarket motors sometimes have slightly different shaft lengths, and the kit design ensures proper fitment without modification.

Compatible Model Series

This evaporator fan motor fits over 100 refrigerator models across the Whirlpool family of brands. The most common series include Maytag MFD French door models, MBF bottom-freezer units, Jenn-Air JCD premium series, Amana AFD French door refrigerators, and Kenmore 596-series models manufactured by Whirlpool.

Check the full compatibility list below to verify your specific model. Remember that minor letter variations (like HES vs HEW) typically indicate color differences, not mechanical changes — if the base model matches, you're good.

Installation Considerations

You'll need to access the evaporator compartment, which means removing the freezer's rear panel. Most installations require a quarter-inch nut driver, Phillips screwdriver, and about 30-45 minutes if you're methodical. The hardest part isn't mechanical complexity — it's dealing with tight spaces and ensuring you don't damage the evaporator fins while working.

Unplug the refrigerator before starting. Remove frozen items from the freezer and take out any shelves or bins blocking access to the rear panel. The panel is typically held by several screws around its perimeter. Once exposed, you'll see the fan motor mounted to the evaporator housing. Disconnect the wire harness, remove the mounting screws, and swap in the new motor. The entire evaporator doesn't need to come out — just the fan assembly.

Brand Cross-Compatibility

This part's cross-brand compatibility reflects Whirlpool Corporation's manufacturing strategy. Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, and KitchenAid all use shared refrigeration platforms with brand-specific exterior designs. A Maytag MFD2560HES and a Jenn-Air JCD2295HES might look completely different from the front, but they share the same evaporator fan motor, compressor relay, and control boards.

Kenmore models are interesting because Sears sourced from multiple manufacturers. The 596-series specifically was built by Whirlpool, which is why they appear in this compatibility list. If your Kenmore model starts with a different prefix, it might be made by LG, Samsung, or Frigidaire — and this part won't fit.

When to Replace vs. Troubleshoot

Not every temperature issue means a dead fan motor. Before ordering, open your freezer and listen carefully. You should hear a subtle whooshing sound when the compressor runs — that's the fan pushing air. If it's completely silent, try manually spinning the fan blade (with the fridge unplugged). If it doesn't spin freely or feels rough, the motor bearings are shot.

If the fan spins freely but still doesn't run, you might have a control board issue or a wiring problem instead. A multimeter can test for voltage at the motor connector — you should see 120VAC when the compressor cycles on. No voltage? The fan motor isn't your problem.

Order the Right Part

Verify your model number appears in the compatibility data below before ordering. The 12002744 supersedes older part numbers like 67003917 and 1174059, so if your original service manual lists those numbers, this is the correct updated replacement. The kit design has been refined over multiple revisions — you're getting the latest version that addresses early failure modes from the original equipment.