How to Replace EAU65058313 Condenser Fan Motor on LG Refrigerator — Step-by-Step

Your LG refrigerator is running constantly, making a grinding noise from underneath, and your energy bill just jumped 30%. The condenser fan motor — specifically part EAU65058313 — has likely seized or is running on its last legs. This motor sits behind the kick plate at the bottom of your fridge, responsible for keeping the condenser coils cool. When it fails on models like the LTCS20020S or LTCS24223S, your compressor works overtime trying to compensate, and you're left with lukewarm milk and warm beer.

What You Need Before Starting

This isn't a complicated repair, but you'll need the right tools. Here's what to grab:

• 1/4" nut driver or socket set
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver (for wire harness release)
• Work gloves (those metal edges are sharp)
• Shop vacuum (you'll find dust behind that kick plate)
• Flashlight or headlamp

Repair Time: 30-45 minutes

Difficulty: ●●○○○ Beginner-Friendly

Safety First

Unplug your refrigerator completely. I don't care if you think you can just "be careful" — condenser fan motors are connected to live wiring, and you're working in a cramped space near sharp metal. Pull that plug. If your fridge is built-in and you can't reach the plug, flip the breaker. Wait 5 minutes before starting work to let any residual charge dissipate.

Step 1: Remove the Kick Plate and Locate the Motor

The kick plate is that long panel at the bottom front of your LG fridge. On most models like the LTCS20220S and LRTLS2403S, it's held by 4-6 Phillips screws along the top edge. Remove those screws, then lift the plate up and pull it toward you. You'll immediately see the condenser coils — those black zigzag tubes — and somewhere in that maze is your fan motor, usually mounted on the right side. Vacuum out all that dust and pet hair while you're down there; it's disgusting and it's part of why your motor failed.

Step 2: Disconnect the Power and Remove the Old Motor

Locate the wire harness connecting the motor to your fridge's wiring. It's a white or black plastic connector — squeeze the tab and pull it apart. Now find the mounting bracket. The EAU65058313 motor is typically held by two or three screws or bolts through a metal bracket. Use your 1/4" nut driver to remove these fasteners. The motor might be wedged in tight, so give it a wiggle as you pull it out. Be careful not to bend the condenser coils in the process.

Step 3: Transfer the Fan Blade

Here's where people mess up: the fan blade doesn't come with the motor. You need to transfer it from your old motor to the new EAU65058313. There's a small setscrew on the blade hub — loosen it with your flathead screwdriver (it's usually an Allen head or flathead slot). Slide the blade off the old motor shaft, then slide it onto the new motor shaft in the exact same orientation. The blade has a flat side on the shaft hole that matches a flat spot on the motor shaft. Line those up, slide it on until it's about 1/8" from the motor housing, then tighten that setscrew firmly.

Step 4: Install the New Motor and Reconnect

Position your new EAU65058313 motor in the mounting bracket, making sure the wire harness can reach without being stretched tight. Thread in your mounting screws and tighten them snug — not gorilla-tight, just firm. Spin the fan blade by hand to verify it rotates freely without rubbing anything. Now plug the wire harness back together until you hear a click. Give the wires a gentle tug to confirm they're seated properly.

Step 5: Test Before Closing Up

Before you replace that kick plate, plug the fridge back in and listen. The condenser fan should start running within a few seconds — it's not super loud, more like a gentle whir. If you hear grinding, clicking, or nothing at all, unplug immediately and recheck your blade alignment and wire connection. Once you've confirmed it's running smooth, unplug again, replace the kick plate with those screws, then plug in for good.

Testing After Installation

Let your fridge run for an hour, then check these things: First, put your hand near the kick plate area — you should feel warm air being pushed out as the fan exhausts heat from the condenser. Second, listen for that constant running noise you had before — it should be gone. The compressor should cycle on and off normally instead of running non-stop. Finally, check your freezer temp after 4-6 hours. It should be back down to 0°F or below. If temps aren't dropping, you might have a refrigerant issue beyond just the fan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the EAU65058313 work on my Kenmore refrigerator?

Yes, if your Kenmore is actually an LG-manufactured unit (most are). This motor replaces EAU63103001 and works across dozens of LG and Kenmore models including the LTCS series, LTNS series, and LTWS series. Check your model number against the compatibility list, or look at your old motor's part number — if it says EAU63103001, this is your replacement.

Why is my new condenser fan motor not spinning?

Three common causes: First, you didn't reconnect the wire harness properly — unplug and reseat it firmly. Second, the fan blade is hitting something (condenser coil, bracket, or debris) — spin it by hand to check clearance. Third, and this is rare, you got a DOA motor. If the harness is connected and nothing's blocking the blade, but it still won't run, you've got a faulty unit.

How do I know if it's the condenser fan motor or the evaporator fan motor?

Location tells you everything. The condenser fan motor (EAU65058313) is at the bottom of your fridge, accessible from the front kick plate. The evaporator fan is inside the freezer compartment behind a panel. If your fridge is warm but your freezer works fine, it's usually the condenser fan. If both compartments are warm or you hear noise from inside the freezer, that's the evaporator fan.