My GE is 2 1/2 years old and works fine. However, about a week ago, the fan in the freezer compartment started making a soft howling noise (like wind blowing through pine trees). I pulled the unit out and cleaned out all the dust (which was minimal) and then took the ice maker and light housing out of the freezer to get to the source of the sound. I found that the fan in the freezer compartment was making the noise but could not find a reason for it. I did notice that the fan is speeding up and slowing down about every 3-5 seconds. at the higher RPMs is when the "howling" sound is made and the slower speed it makes a humm. Nothing is touching the fan and I don't know if the speed change is normal. The temperature is normal in both the fridge and freezer and everything else seems to be working fine. I am just concerned that this is the beginning of a problem and would like to fix it before it is an issue.
Thanks
Mark
We are having the same problem. Thank you for this tool and the reply. Has anyone replaced the fan and had success stopping the howling?
It is very common for the fan inside the freezer to develop a loud noise as it runs. Its in an environment that is hard on them, cold, wet. Its a small and simple motor, and you are right in believing there will be more problem in the future, as the stator is probably touching the housing. It has a sleeve type bearing, and its probably worn a little causing the shaft to wobble. Eventually it will stop completely and the freezer will get warm.
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