refrigerator running continuously still cooling but no fan running

Have you tried a bit of light oil on each bearing?

No, not sure how/ where to apply. I have not removed the fan so is it possible to do it while still in place and refrig off? I have some clock oil here, is that light enough?

That should work. You will likely need to remove the motor to reach both bearings. Search "lubricate fridge Evaporator Fan Motor" for more info. Be careful to only get a small amount on each bearing. Dipping a toothpick end into a drop of oil once or twice is a good way to get an appropriate amount to apply into the right place.

Tried it and no go. The fan has continuity and I can feel the EM force when I bring a screwdriver near it but no go.

Any thought that it might be the defrost timer ? .. a pretty common failure part. < in general - not specific to your unit >

John T.

I don't think so because the fan still turns just extremely slowly. I'm thinking more and more that its just a weak fan.

Remove the fan. Wire directly to 120 V and see it it runs normally.

Does it turn freely? The oil might take some time to soak in. If it feels sticky to turn, you could try turning it a bunch, even maybe with a drill motor to work the oil in. If it feels like something scrapes, replace it.

Wired directly to 120 V... nothing. I can feel the EM force when metal brought near. Looks like the fan is weak and needs replaced.

Ok, so I think it was definitely determined, based mainly on John Keiser's suggestion, to wire the evap fan directly to 120 V and getting no response, that at least the fan needs replaced, and I have one on the way.

In the meantime, I need to cycle the frig manually by plugging/ unplugging from the outlet so that it doesn't run continuously. What's a good cycle time, how long on and then off? The frig section is already warm so I may lose what's there, but the freezer gets cold. Thanks.

Have you considered placing a portable fan to blow on the condenser coils while you're waiting for the new fan ? Not convenient or optimum but any air flow at all will help .

Yes, I do have a small fan that will fit into the freezer but which way should the air go... away from the freezer opening or towards it?

Are we talking about the fan that moves air from the freezer to the fridge inside the box or are we talking about the fan that blows on the condenser coils outside the box ?

There is a covering with ventillation over the coils and fan, but when removed here is what is seen:

That's the fan in question ? The solution I suggested will probably not work if this is the bad fan . Those small shaded pole motors are often easy to disassemble and lubricate , done more than a couple myself . If the shaft is hard to turn it's probably dry bearings .

$90 is a bit rich. The shaded pole motor is easy to disassemble. There are felt pads that are probably dry and need to soak up oil. Just a drop of oil on the shaft won't work. See:

Very good reference. Thanks.

Run it until the compartment is cold maybe?