Brand: Frigidaire
Model Number: 242018301 Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor / Frigidaire FFSC2323TS4 Refrigerator
Main Symptom: Even, near-constant whining from rear
What happens & when: The fridge makes a loud squealing noise from the bottom/rear area whenever it is running (compressor/fan cycle). The sound stops during normal compressor motor cycling ‘off’ periods of a few minutes before restarting.
I replaced the condenser fan motor with a new OEM 242018301 from AppliancePartsPros:
The new motor makes the exact same squeal as the old one. I reused the original condenser fan blade. After install the blade spins freely by hand and does not appear to be rubbing the shroud.
A search on this forum for part number 242018301 or fridge model did not any results.
No other issues. Stays cool without issue.
Turn the volume up and you should be able to hear the whining sound, especially when I record from the sides.
Is this just the normal sound this motor makes? Are refrigerators not typically more silent?
If so, I guess I have to swap the motors back and return the motor and deal with the sound for as long as I can stand this refrigerator.
Error Code (if any): None, not applicable
Parts or tests already tried: I replaced the OEM condenser fan motor and there was no change to the sound.
HI i can faintly hear the noise kinda sounds like a whistle. it could be coming from the fan or the compressor.
Thanks for listening to the video.
The new OEM condenser fan motor made the same sound as the old one, the blade spins freely by hand, and the noise only happens while the compressor/fan cycle is running. It stops during the short off periods.
Can you help me narrow it down with a couple of next checks?
- On this model, if a brand-new 242018301 still squeals, do you usually look at the reused blade (241639502), motor alignment/grommets, or the evaporator fan instead?
- What’s the best way to tell fan vs compressor on this fridge — freezer door open/closed test, pulling the rear panel and watching the blade, or unplugging the condenser fan connector while it is running?
- If the condenser fan is ruled out, what part would you test next?
I can do the checks and report back. Just trying to avoid replacing parts at random.
Hi, I would remove the panel where the noise is coming from and unplug the condenser fan motor. Then wait for the compressor to start. If the noise is still there with the fan unplugged, that points more toward the compressor.
If the noise stops, plug the fan motor back in, remove the fan blade from the motor, and let it start again. If the noise comes back with the blade removed, the condenser fan motor is most likely the problem. If it only makes the noise with the blade installed, check the blade for damage or make sure it isn’t rubbing against anything.
This should be the easiest way to narrow down exactly which part is making the noise and what needs to be replaced.