How to Replace WR60X23584 Evaporator Fan Motor on GE Refrigerator — Step-by-Step

Your GE refrigerator's making a clicking sound, and you've noticed the freezer section isn't getting cold enough. The fresh food compartment feels warmer than usual, and the compressor seems to be running constantly. There's a good chance your evaporator fan motor — part number WR60X23584 — has failed. This fan circulates cold air from the evaporator coils throughout both compartments, so when it quits, you'll know pretty quickly.

The good news? This is one of those repairs that sounds intimidating but really isn't. Most people get it done in under 30 minutes with basic tools.

What You Need Before Starting

Tools required:

• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Socket set (typically 1/4" or 5/16" sockets)
• Towels for any frost or condensation

Repair time: 15-30 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy

This replacement works for GE, Hotpoint, and RCA refrigerators. Compatible models include 36211XBMBRWW, 36411XBRERWW, 38451HBRFRWW, A3316ABSARWW, and dozens of others. Check your model number against the compatibility list to confirm fitment.

Safety First

Unplug the refrigerator before you start. The evaporator fan motor is located in the freezer compartment behind panels, and you'll be working near electrical connections. Don't just turn off the icemaker — pull the actual plug from the wall. If your fridge is built-in and you can't access the plug, flip the breaker. You might also encounter sharp edges on metal panels, so work carefully and consider wearing gloves.

Step 1: Empty the Freezer and Remove Shelving

Take everything out of the freezer — food, shelves, bins, ice trays. You need clear access to the back wall where the evaporator cover panel is located. Most GE models have the fan motor hidden behind a white or silver panel at the rear of the freezer. If there's frost buildup, now's the time to grab those towels.

Step 2: Remove the Evaporator Cover Panel

Look for screws along the edges and bottom of the back panel — usually 4 to 6 Phillips head screws. Remove these with your screwdriver and set them aside. Gently pull the panel forward and down to unhook it from any top clips. You'll now see the evaporator coils and the fan motor mounted behind or beside them. On some models like the A3315ABRERWW, there's an additional wire cover you'll need to unscrew.

Step 3: Disconnect and Remove the Old Fan Motor

Locate the wire harness connected to the fan motor — it's usually a white or blue plug. Squeeze the clip and pull it straight out to disconnect. Now remove the mounting screws or bolts holding the fan motor bracket in place. Your socket set comes in handy here. Lift the old motor assembly out carefully. The fan blade might be attached with a spring clip or set screw — if you're reusing the blade, note which direction it faces before removing it.

Step 4: Install the WR60X23584 Replacement Motor

If your new WR60X23584 motor doesn't come with a fan blade, transfer the old one to the new motor shaft. Make sure it's oriented the same direction — the curved side should face the direction of airflow. Secure the blade with the clip or screw. Position the new motor in the mounting bracket and fasten it with the screws or bolts you removed earlier. Connect the wire harness until you hear it click into place.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Replace the evaporator cover panel and reinstall all screws. Double-check that the panel sits flush — any gaps will affect cooling efficiency. Put the freezer shelves back in place, but leave the food out for now. Plug the refrigerator back in and listen. You should hear the evaporator fan start running within a few seconds. It should be quiet and steady, not clicking or grinding.

Testing After Installation

Give it 30 minutes, then check the temperature in both compartments. The freezer should start dropping toward 0°F, and the fresh food section should cool to around 37°F. Place your hand near the vents inside the fridge — you should feel cold air blowing through. If the compressor's running but you don't feel airflow, recheck your wire connection. Once you confirm everything's working, reload your food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator running constantly but not cooling properly?

When the evaporator fan motor fails, cold air isn't circulated from the freezer to the fresh food compartment. The compressor keeps running trying to reach temperature, but without air movement, you end up with a too-warm fridge and an overworked compressor. The WR60X23584 fixes this circulation problem on compatible GE models like 38341FBMERWW and 36411XBRFRWW.

What's that clicking sound coming from my freezer?

A clicking noise from the freezer usually means the evaporator fan motor is trying to start but can't spin freely. This happens when the motor bearings wear out or the motor windings fail. The clicking is the motor attempting to engage but stalling immediately. Replacing the motor eliminates this symptom completely.

Can I replace just the fan blade instead of the whole motor?

Not if the motor itself has failed. If the blade is broken or damaged but the motor runs fine, sure — replace just the blade. But if you're experiencing the symptoms listed above (warm compartments, clicking sounds, fan won't start), the motor is the problem. The WR60X23584 replaces worn-out motors on models like A3316ABSBRWW and 38351HBMERWW, restoring proper cooling function.