Question about this old, ancient-looking fridge in this place we're renting?

Question

Little information before I elaborate.....We're renting, the landlord provides the fridge and a dishwasher.

Anyway, when I open up the lower fridge section and stick my head halfway into it, I smell an almost electric smell emitting from within it. I was wondering if it could possibly be the fan motor (or whatever it's called) going bad/burning up? Anyone know? It wouldn't catch fire or anything would it?

It figures this would happen tonight of all nights, when we have a Citywide Snow Emergency in place and about 8 inches out on the ground and it's freezing cold outside!

Answer 1

An electric smell? You may be talking about ozone which can be generated by arcing between the brushes of an electric motor and the armature. As a motor ages the arcing can get worse. This assumes of course that the motor is not sealed. As long as the smell is not like meting plastic you should be OK until someone can look at it.

Answer 2

Likely the motor burning out--but at least you won't have to worry about your food going bad if the fridge goes--just put your stuff in a box or cooler out on the porch to keep it cold! lol

(Actually, I have done this before when I have had a large meal to prepare--and no room left in the fridge. But make sure the food items are "animal proof" if you live in an area where strays or wild animals may come near the house to keep them out of it...)

Answer 3

Outside makes a great fridge right now.

Answer 4

if its staying cold the fan is still running /but not to say its windings are going bad. the chances of it causing a fire is pretty slim. if its that cold their unplug it put food outside