How to Replace 3015924900 Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor on Kenmore — Step-by-Step

Your Kenmore refrigerator's freezer is running, but the fridge compartment feels warm. You can hear the compressor humming, but there's an eerie silence where you used to hear that familiar whirring sound. That's your evaporator fan motor—and when it quits, cold air stops circulating between compartments. The 3015924900 is the direct replacement that'll get your fridge cooling properly again.

What You Need Before Starting

This repair takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your fridge model. You'll need:

• 1/4" nut driver or socket set
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver (for wire harness clips)
• Work gloves (those evaporator coils get cold)
• Cooler with ice packs (to store perishables during repair)

Difficulty: Moderate — You're working inside the freezer compartment, which means removing shelves and panels.

Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes

Safety First

Unplug your refrigerator completely before starting this repair. Don't just shut off the cooling—pull the power cord from the wall outlet. The evaporator fan motor runs on 13V DC, but you'll be removing panels near electrical connections. Also, the evaporator coils can cause frostbite if you're not careful. If your freezer has excessive frost buildup, let it thaw for a few hours before attempting this repair—working with ice-covered components makes everything harder and increases the risk of breaking plastic clips.

Step 1: Empty the Freezer and Remove Interior Components

Transfer all frozen food to your cooler. Remove all freezer shelves, baskets, and the ice bucket if you have an ice maker. You need clear access to the back wall of the freezer compartment. On most Kenmore models like the 11173027711 or 11173025713, you'll see a rectangular panel covering the evaporator coils—that's where your fan motor lives.

Step 2: Remove the Evaporator Cover Panel

Locate the screws holding the evaporator cover in place—typically 4-6 Phillips screws along the edges. Remove these screws and set them aside. Gently pull the panel forward at the bottom, then lift up to unhook the top tabs. You might feel resistance from ice buildup between the panel and the freezer liner. Don't force it. The panel reveals the evaporator coils and, mounted behind or beside them, your fan motor.

Step 3: Disconnect and Remove the Old Fan Motor

You'll see the fan blade attached to the motor shaft. Some models have a spring clip holding the blade—squeeze it and slide the blade off. Others use a set screw on the blade hub—loosen it with your flathead screwdriver. With the blade removed, locate the wire harness connecting the motor to the fridge's wiring. Press the release tab and disconnect it. Now remove the mounting screws (usually 2-3) holding the motor bracket to the evaporator housing. The old motor lifts right out.

Step 4: Install the 3015924900 Replacement Motor

Position your new 3015924900 motor in the same orientation as the old one—the wire harness should exit in the same direction. Secure it with the mounting screws you removed earlier. Slide the fan blade onto the motor shaft, making sure it's centered and doesn't wobble. If it has a set screw, tighten it against the flat side of the motor shaft. Reconnect the wire harness—you should hear it click into place. Give the blade a spin by hand to verify it rotates freely without hitting anything.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Replace the evaporator cover panel, securing all screws. Double-check that no wires are pinched between the panel and the freezer liner. Reinstall your shelves and baskets. Plug the refrigerator back in and listen carefully. Within 30 seconds, you should hear the new motor start up—it's a steady, smooth hum. The fan blade should spin continuously. Close the freezer door and wait 15 minutes, then check the temperature. Cold air should now be circulating properly into the fresh food compartment.

Testing After Installation

After an hour of operation, verify both compartments are cooling. The freezer should be at 0°F or below, the fridge section between 35-38°F. Open the freezer door and hold your hand near the evaporator cover—you should feel cold air being pushed out. If the motor runs but airflow seems weak, check that the fan blade is securely attached and spinning at full speed. The 3015924900 runs at 2100 RPM, so it should move air noticeably.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my evaporator fan motor is bad or if it's a different problem?

Listen for the motor when you open the freezer door—most models shut the fan off when the door opens, and it should start again when you close it. If you hear nothing, or hear clicking/grinding sounds, the motor's failed. If the compressor runs but the fridge compartment is warm while the freezer is cold, that's a classic evaporator fan motor failure. The cold air isn't being circulated.

Will this 3015924900 motor work on all Kenmore refrigerators?

It's designed for specific Kenmore models including the 11173027711, 11173022120, 11173025120, and many others in that series. Check your model number on the label inside the fridge compartment—it's typically on the left wall. If your existing motor has the part number D4612AAA36 stamped on it, this 3015924900 is the correct replacement. The specs are 13V DC, 2W, 2100 RPM.

Why does the fan motor fail in the first place?

Evaporator fan motors typically fail from bearing wear after years of continuous operation, or from frost and moisture buildup in the freezer compartment. If your defrost system isn't working properly, ice can accumulate on the fan blade and motor housing, eventually seizing the motor. That's why it's smart to check for excessive frost buildup during this repair—if you find it, you might have a defrost timer or heater issue to address next.