How to Replace 833697 Condenser Fan Motor Kit on Whirlpool Refrigerator — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool ED25DQXBW00 has been running nonstop for three days, the milk feels lukewarm, and there's a weird grinding noise coming from behind the fridge. You've got a failed condenser fan motor. When this motor quits, your compressor works overtime trying to cool your fridge while the condenser coils overheat — eventually, you'll lose both your fresh and frozen food if you don't act fast.

The 833697 condenser fan motor kit sits underneath or behind your refrigerator, pulling air across the condenser coils to dissipate heat. When it fails, symptoms stack up quickly: both compartments run warm, the compressor cycles constantly, and you might hear loud buzzing or complete silence where the fan should be humming. This repair works across Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Kenmore, Amana, and Jenn-Air models — I've installed this exact kit on everything from a KBLA22KMSS00 KitchenAid to an MSD2756DEW Maytag.

What You Need Before Starting

• 1/4" nut driver or socket
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Work gloves (sharp edges on rear panel)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Towel or cardboard (to protect floor when pulling fridge out)

Repair Time: 45-60 minutes
Difficulty: MODERATE — Requires moving refrigerator and working in tight space

Safety First

Unplug the refrigerator completely before touching anything. Don't just rely on the compressor being off — capacitors can store electrical charge. You'll be working near the compressor and electrical components, so keep liquids away from the work area. The condenser coils and compressor may still be hot if the fridge was recently running, so give it 15 minutes to cool down. Wear gloves when handling the rear panel — the stamped metal edges are sharp enough to slice your hands.

Step 1: Pull the Refrigerator Out and Access the Rear Panel

Unplug the fridge and shut off the water line if it's got an ice maker. You'll need at least 3 feet of clearance behind the unit. Slide it straight out — don't pivot it unless you want to gouge your floor. Most condenser fan motors are accessed through a lower rear panel held by four to six 1/4" screws. On some Maytag models like the MSD2556AEW, there's also a cardboard cover you'll need to remove first.

Step 2: Locate and Remove the Failed Fan Motor

The condenser fan motor sits right next to the compressor — you can't miss it. It's a black cylindrical motor with a blade attached, usually mounted to a bracket with two screws. Disconnect the wire harness first by pressing the locking tab and pulling straight out. Remove the mounting screws (usually two Phillips-head), then slide the motor and blade assembly off its bracket. If the blade is stuck on the motor shaft, spray a bit of penetrating oil and let it sit for five minutes before wiggling it off.

Step 3: Install the New 833697 Motor Kit

Your kit includes the motor, mounting bracket, and blade. Slide the new motor onto the bracket and secure it with the mounting screws — snug them down but don't overtighten or you'll crack the plastic housing. Push the blade onto the motor shaft until it seats against the collar. There's usually a flat side on the shaft that matches a flat in the blade hub — line these up or the blade will wobble. Spin it by hand to make sure it rotates freely without scraping anything.

Step 4: Reconnect Wiring and Test

Plug the wire harness back into the motor until you hear it click. Double-check that no wires are touching the fan blade or resting against the compressor. Before you button everything up, plug the fridge back in and listen. The condenser fan should start within 30 seconds and run smooth and quiet. If it doesn't start, check that the harness is fully seated and that the thermal overload switch on the compressor hasn't tripped (it'll reset after cooling down).

Step 5: Reassemble and Monitor

Reinstall the rear panel and any cardboard covers. Slide the fridge back into position — hook up the water line if you disconnected it. Let it run for four hours before you judge the temperature. The freezer should hit 0°F and the fridge should settle around 37°F. If temps are still climbing after six hours, you've got a secondary issue like a bad compressor or sealed system leak, but that's rare when the fan was clearly the culprit.

Testing After Installation

Listen for smooth, continuous fan operation — no grinding, squealing, or rattling. Place your hand near the bottom rear of the fridge and feel for warm air being pushed out. That's the fan doing its job. Check both compartment temperatures with a thermometer after four hours. If the compressor is cycling normally (runs 15 minutes, rests 20 minutes) and temps are dropping, you nailed it. If the fridge still runs constantly or stays warm, check that the condenser coils aren't packed with dust — a clogged coil will overheat the system even with a new fan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this 833697 kit work on my Kenmore refrigerator?

Yes, if your Kenmore model starts with 795 (which means it's Whirlpool-manufactured), this kit will fit. Cross-reference your full model number with the compatibility list, but I've used this exact motor on dozens of Kenmore side-by-sides and bottom-freezers without issues. The mounting bracket design is universal across these brands.

My new fan runs but the fridge is still warm — what's wrong?

First, vacuum the condenser coils. If they're matted with dust and pet hair, the fan can't move enough air to cool the system. Second, check that the fan blade is spinning — sometimes the motor runs but a loose blade just wobbles. Third, listen for the compressor. If it's not running at all, you've got a separate electrical issue like a bad start relay or overload protector. The fan and compressor need to work together.

Do I need to replace the fan blade or just the motor?

This 833697 kit includes both the motor and blade, so you're replacing everything. That's actually better than replacing just the motor — old blades can be warped or have cracks you can't see, and they'll cause vibration or premature motor failure. Install the whole kit and you'll get another 8-10 years out of it.