Troubleshooting Common Appliance Motor Failures

By MYGORP Supply – South Louisiana’s Family-Owned Distributor for Tools, HVAC, and Appliance Parts

Appliance motors are the driving force behind everything from refrigerators and washing machines to dryers and dishwashers. When one fails, the entire unit stops working — costing both time and money. Understanding how to diagnose common motor issues helps technicians and repair professionals restore performance quickly and avoid unnecessary part replacements.

1. Check the Power Supply First

Before replacing any motor, confirm that the unit is receiving power.

Loose connections, tripped breakers, or blown fuses are frequent culprits. Use a multimeter to verify voltage at the terminal block or control board. A motor can’t run without consistent power, and misdiagnosing an electrical supply issue wastes both time and parts.

2. Test the Capacitor or Start Relay

In appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators, motors rely on start capacitors or relays to deliver the initial jolt of energy needed to spin.

A weak or failed capacitor will cause symptoms like:

  • Humming sounds with no motor rotation
  • Delayed or incomplete startup
  • Overheating or tripped thermal protectors

Replacing the capacitor or relay often restores operation without changing the entire motor.

3. Inspect Bearings and Shafts for Wear

Grinding, squealing, or excessive vibration usually points to worn bearings or a bent shaft. Over time, friction and imbalance can lock up the rotor.

Technicians should manually spin the motor shaft — it should rotate freely with minimal resistance. If it feels rough or seized, the motor likely needs replacement or a rebuild.

4. Look for Overheating and Burnt Windings

A burnt smell or discolored winding insulation indicates electrical overload or insulation failure. Causes may include:

  • Blocked air vents or poor cooling
  • Over-amping due to mechanical resistance
  • Prolonged use with a failing capacitor

Once windings are burnt, the motor cannot be repaired reliably — replacement is the safest option.

5. Evaluate the Load and Connected Components

Sometimes, the motor itself isn’t at fault.

In washers, jammed pumps; in dryers, seized blower wheels; or in refrigerators, stuck fans can overload the motor and trigger failure.

Always disconnect the drive system and test the motor independently to isolate the problem.

6. Confirm the Correct Replacement

When replacement is necessary, match the model number, RPM, horsepower, and voltage exactly. Even small differences can affect performance or cause premature burnout.

Working with a trusted distributor ensures you get genuine, spec-accurate parts from reliable brands.

The MYGORP Supply Advantage

At MYGORP Supply, we carry authentic appliance motors, capacitors, and components from the industry’s most trusted manufacturers.

Our knowledgeable team helps technicians identify compatible replacements quickly — saving you downtime on the job.