WP2315549 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor
The WP2315549 is the Genuine OEM evaporator fan motor for select Whirlpool, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, and Roper side-by-side and top-freezer refrigerators. This motor mounts behind the freezer back panel and drives the fan blade that circulates air over the evaporator coils. Without it, cold air stays trapped at the coils instead of flowing into the refrigerator and freezer compartments ā the compressor runs but neither side cools properly.
When this motor fails the symptoms follow a predictable pattern: the freezer may still get partially cold (it's closest to the coils), but the fresh food side warms up because there's no airflow pushing cold air through the duct system. You may also hear the motor itself ā a failing evaporator fan motor often becomes loud before it dies completely, producing a buzzing, humming, or grinding noise from behind the freezer wall that stops when you open the freezer door (most models cut power to this motor when the door opens). If the noise stops with the door open and returns when it closes, the evaporator fan motor is the source.
š§ Will This Fix Your Refrigerator?
Replace this motor if the fresh food section is warm while the freezer is cold or partially cold, if you hear buzzing or grinding from behind the freezer back panel, or if the motor has seized and produces no airflow. Part Number:
WP2315549 ā Genuine OEM Whirlpool, 115V / 60Hz evaporator fan motor.
Common Symptoms This Part Fixes
- Fresh food compartment warm but freezer still partially cold
- Loud buzzing, humming, or grinding noise from behind the freezer back panel
- Noise stops when the freezer door is opened and returns when it closes
- Frost buildup on the evaporator coils due to stagnant air
- Compressor runs constantly but refrigerator won't reach set temperature
- Both compartments gradually warm up over time
Replaces These Part Numbers
WP2315549 replaces 2315549, 2220569, 1193008, AP6007250, AWP47338, PD00002704, PS11740362, EAP11740362, ESF-U2A
Compatible With
Compatible Brands
Whirlpool Kenmore KitchenAid Maytag Amana Roper Admiral Jenn-Air
Fits select side-by-side and top-freezer refrigerators on the Whirlpool platform. Kenmore models manufactured by Whirlpool (typically 106-series model prefixes) commonly use this motor. Always confirm with your model's parts diagram ā evaporator fan motors are not interchangeable across different motor mount styles.
Key Features
- Genuine OEM Whirlpool ā factory-original part, exact specifications
- Evaporator fan motor ā circulates air over evaporator coils into both compartments
- 115V / 60Hz operation
- Mounts behind the freezer back panel in a cradle or bracket assembly
- Includes motor only ā fan blade and grommets sold separately if needed
- Approximate dimensions: 4.5" Ć 4.5" Ć 3.5"
Specifications
| Part Number |
WP2315549 |
| OEM Part Number |
WP2315549 |
| Condition |
Genuine OEM |
| Part Type |
Evaporator Fan Motor |
| Voltage |
115V |
| Frequency |
60Hz |
| Approximate Dimensions |
4.5" Ć 4.5" Ć 3.5" |
| Appliance Type |
Refrigerator (side-by-side, top-freezer) |
| Compatible Brands |
Whirlpool, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Admiral, Jenn-Air |
ā Safety Warning
Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect it from power before beginning this repair. The evaporator fan motor operates on 115V household current. Allow the unit to sit unplugged for several minutes before accessing internal components. Handle the fan blade carefully during removal ā forced removal can crack the blade, requiring a separate replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I confirm the evaporator fan motor is bad?
Open the freezer door and listen. On most Whirlpool-platform refrigerators, the evaporator fan motor shuts off when the freezer door is opened (a door switch cuts the circuit). If you hear a buzzing or grinding noise while the door is closed that stops the moment you open it, that's the evaporator fan motor. For a definitive test: unplug the refrigerator, remove the freezer back panel (usually held by Phillips screws or hex-head screws), and try spinning the fan blade by hand. If it's stiff, seized, or grinds when turned, the motor bearings have failed. You can also check for 115V at the motor's wire connector with a multimeter while the compressor is running ā voltage present with no fan spin confirms a dead motor.
Why is the freezer cold but the fridge section is warm?
This is the classic evaporator fan motor failure symptom. The evaporator coils are located behind the freezer back panel, and the fan motor pushes cold air from those coils into both compartments through a duct system. When the motor dies, cold air stagnates around the coils in the freezer area ā the freezer stays partially cold because it's right next to the coils, but no air reaches the fresh food section through the ducts. The compressor still runs and the coils still get cold, but without the fan to distribute the air, the refrigerator side warms up. Replacing the fan motor restores airflow to both sides.
Does this motor come with the fan blade and grommets?
This listing includes the motor only. The fan blade and rubber mounting grommets are sold separately. In many cases the existing fan blade and grommets can be reused ā pull the blade off the old motor shaft and press it onto the new one. However, if the old blade is cracked, warped, or the hub is worn loose, replace it at the same time. The grommets (rubber vibration isolators) should also be replaced if they're hardened, cracked, or compressed flat ā worn grommets are a common source of vibration noise even with a new motor.
The motor runs but makes a loud noise ā should I replace it now?
Yes. A noisy evaporator fan motor is a motor with failing bearings. The bearings are wearing out and generating friction ā that's the buzzing, humming, or grinding you hear. The motor will still move air for a while in this state, but it's producing less airflow than normal (which is why your fridge may feel slightly warmer than usual even though the motor is still spinning). More importantly, the noise will get progressively worse and the motor will eventually seize completely. Replace it now while you can plan the repair rather than waiting for a complete failure that puts your food at risk.
How long does this repair take?
Expect 30 to 60 minutes for a first-time DIYer. The process: unplug the fridge, remove shelves and bins from the freezer to access the back panel, remove the panel screws and set the panel aside, unclip the wire connector from the old motor, remove the motor from its cradle or bracket (note the orientation ā the fan blade is angled slightly toward the back of the freezer), transfer the fan blade and grommets to the new motor (or install new ones), mount the new motor in the cradle, reconnect the wire connector, reinstall the back panel, replace shelves and bins, and plug in. No special tools needed beyond a Phillips or hex-head screwdriver and possibly a pair of pliers.
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