GE Refrigerator Ice Box Fan Motor Parts — Models & Compatibility

If your GE, Cafe, or Monogram refrigerator isn't maintaining consistent temperatures or you're hearing unusual noises from the freezer compartment, the ice box fan motor is often the culprit. This hub covers the WR60X31997 ice box fan motor replacement — compatible across multiple GE family brands including Cafe, Monogram, and Hotpoint models. This motor circulates cold air throughout the freezer and fresh food sections, and when it fails, you'll notice warm spots, frost buildup, or complete cooling failure.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

The WR60X31997 fits a wide range of GE refrigerator models manufactured primarily for the CVE and CQE series. To verify compatibility, locate your model number inside the fresh food compartment — usually on the left or right wall near the top, or on the ceiling. The full model number will include a series code (like CVE28DP2NBS1 or CQE28DM5NBS5) that you can cross-reference with the compatible models list below. Don't guess — an incorrect motor won't fit the mounting bracket and could have different electrical specs.

About This Replacement Part

The WR60X31997 ice box fan motor (replaces AP6978662, PS12744140, and 4964240) is the OEM-equivalent component that drives the evaporator fan blade inside your refrigerator's freezer section. This motor runs continuously when the compressor is active, circulating air across the evaporator coils and through both compartments. When this motor fails — often after 5-8 years of operation — the most common symptoms include inconsistent cooling, ice buildup on the back wall of the freezer, or a completely silent freezer compartment when the compressor is running. On Cafe series models especially, a failed ice box fan motor can cause the fresh food section to warm up while the freezer stays cold, since the fan isn't pushing cold air through the air diffuser. This part typically includes the motor assembly only; you'll reuse your existing fan blade and mounting bracket.

Compatible GE Refrigerator Models

This ice box fan motor works with the following GE, Cafe, and Monogram refrigerator models. If you don't see your exact model number, check the installation notes or contact us with your full model and serial number:

• CQE28DM5NBS5 — GE French Door
• CVE28DM5NBS5 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DM5NCS5 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DM5NDS5 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DM5NES5 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DM5NFS5 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DM5NGS5 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DM5NS5 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DP2NBS1 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DP2NCS1 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DP2NDS1 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DP2NES1 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DP2NFS1 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DP2NGS1 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DP2NHS1 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DP2NIS1 — Cafe French Door
• CVE28DP2NJS1 — Cafe French Door

Installation Overview

Replacing the ice box fan motor requires accessing the freezer evaporator compartment, which means removing shelves, the back panel inside the freezer, and disconnecting the wire harness. You'll need to unplug the refrigerator first, then carefully remove the screws holding the evaporator cover (usually 4-6 screws along the perimeter). Once exposed, the motor mounts with two or three screws and a wire connector. The entire job takes about 45 minutes if you're methodical. Make sure to transfer your existing fan blade to the new motor — it should slide onto the motor shaft and secure with a retaining clip or set screw.

Why This Part Fails

Ice box fan motors fail primarily due to bearing wear and frost accumulation. If your defrost system isn't working properly, ice can build up around the motor housing, causing the motor to work harder and eventually burn out. Additionally, refrigerators that run in high-humidity environments (like garages or basements without climate control) tend to develop frost faster, accelerating motor failure. On GE and Cafe models, you might also experience failure if the defrost heater or defrost thermostat stops working — the motor keeps running in an icy environment until the bearings seize or the windings overheat.

Order Your Replacement Today

The WR60X31997 ice box fan motor is in stock at $63.99 with fast shipping. This is a direct OEM-equivalent replacement that installs exactly like the original part. If you're not sure about compatibility or installation, check the model list above or reach out — we've helped thousands of GE and Cafe owners get their refrigerators cooling properly again.