How to Replace WR60X25858 Freezer Evaporator Fan Motor on GE Refrigerator — Step-by-Step

Your GE refrigerator's fresh food section feels fine, but the freezer's barely cold enough to keep ice cream solid. You hear silence instead of the usual hum from the back of the freezer compartment. That's your evaporator fan motor giving up—and on models like the CFE28TP2MBS1 or PFE28PSKBSS, this WR60X25858 motor is the heart of your freezer's circulation system.

The evaporator fan circulates cold air throughout both compartments. When it fails, your freezer can't distribute the cold air the evaporator coil produces. You'll notice frost buildup in weird places, ice cream that's soft around the edges, and eventually food spoilage. This replacement takes most people about 30-45 minutes and doesn't require advanced skills—just patience with a few screws.

What You Need Before Starting

Gather these tools before you pull your refrigerator out:

• 1/4" nut driver or socket wrench
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver (for wire connectors)
• Towels (for any ice melt)
• Work gloves (those metal edges are sharp)
• Flashlight or headlamp

Repair Time: 30-45 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate — You'll need to remove the evaporator cover and work in tight spaces

Safety First

Unplug your refrigerator completely before starting. Don't just rely on turning it off—pull that plug. The fan motor runs on live voltage, and you'll be working right next to the evaporator coil. If there's frost buildup on the coil, let it thaw for 2-3 hours before starting, or you'll be working in a puddle. Keep those towels handy because water will drip as you work.

Step 1: Access the Freezer Evaporator Cover

Empty your freezer completely and remove all shelves and drawers. Look at the back wall—you'll see a large plastic panel held by several screws. On most GE models like the GFE28GMKES or CFE28TP3MBD1, there are 6-8 Phillips screws around the perimeter. Remove these screws and set them aside in a container. The cover might stick due to ice—gently pry it loose with your flathead screwdriver, starting at the bottom corners.

Step 2: Locate and Disconnect the Old Fan Motor

Behind that cover, you'll see the evaporator coil (looks like a radiator) and a small motor mounted to the left or right side. That's your evaporator fan motor. You'll spot a wire harness connector—press the release tab and pull it apart. Don't yank on the wires themselves. On some models, there's a plastic bracket securing the motor housing. Remove the mounting screws (usually 2-3 of them) holding the fan assembly in place.

Step 3: Remove the Fan Blade from the Old Motor

The fan blade sits on the motor shaft, held by either a spring clip or a small screw. If it's a spring clip, carefully pry it off with your flathead screwdriver. If it's a screw, turn it counterclockwise—but be aware that some GE models use reverse-thread screws here (turn clockwise to loosen). Pull the fan blade straight off the shaft. It might be tight, so wiggle it gently while pulling. You'll reuse this blade on your new motor unless it's cracked or damaged.

Step 4: Install the New WR60X25858 Motor

Slide the fan blade onto your new motor shaft in the same orientation it came off—curved side should face the direction of airflow (usually toward the coil). Secure it with the spring clip or screw. Mount the new motor assembly into the bracket using those same mounting screws. Make sure it sits flush and doesn't wobble. Connect the wire harness—you'll hear a solid click when it's seated properly. Give the fan blade a spin with your finger; it should rotate freely without scraping anything.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Position the evaporator cover back onto the freezer wall. Start the screws by hand to make sure they're threading correctly, then tighten them snugly—but don't overtighten and crack the plastic. Replace your shelves and drawers. Plug the refrigerator back in and listen. Within 30 seconds, you should hear the new fan motor running. Close the freezer door and check back in 2-3 hours—the temperature should drop significantly.

Testing After Installation

Let your refrigerator run for at least 4 hours before restocking it fully. Open the freezer door and hold your hand near the vents—you should feel cold air blowing. Check the temperature after 24 hours; your freezer should read 0°F or below. If you still don't feel airflow, double-check that wire connector and make sure the fan blade isn't installed backwards. On models like the PFE28KSKBSS, there's a door switch that cuts power to the fan when the door opens—make sure you didn't accidentally leave it pressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this motor work if my model number isn't listed?

The WR60X25858 replaces WR60X10340, AP6891698, and PS12727431. Check your existing motor's part number or use the model number lookup on heima.com. This motor fits most GE French door and side-by-side models from 2012-2023, including CFE, GFE, and PFE series refrigerators. If your current motor looks identical and has the same connector type, it'll work.

Why does my freezer still feel warm after replacing the fan?

Give it 24 hours first—refrigerators don't cool instantly. If it's still warm, check two things: Is the fan actually spinning when the door's closed? Use a flashlight to verify. Second, you might have a separate issue with the defrost system or a refrigerant leak. A working fan motor moves air, but it can't create cold if the evaporator coil itself isn't getting cold.

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

Only if the motor itself still runs. If your fan blade is cracked or broken but the motor spins smoothly and quietly, yes, buy just a replacement blade. But if the motor is making grinding noises, not starting, or running intermittently, replace the entire motor assembly. A failing motor will burn out completely within weeks, and you'll be doing this job twice.