If you’re experiencing problems with your Viking VCBB36 refrigerator, one of the first things you’ll need to do is remove the back evaporator cover. This can be a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple once you know how to do it. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to remove the back evaporator cover on a Viking VCBB36 refrigerator.
Before you begin, it’s important to gather all of the tools you’ll need. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. Once you have your tools, you can begin the process of removing the back evaporator cover. To start, open the refrigerator door and remove the two screws that are located at the top of the back panel. Then, carefully pull the back panel away from the refrigerator. Be careful not to damage the wires or hoses that are attached to the back panel.
Once you have removed the back panel, you’ll need to locate the evaporator cover. The evaporator cover is a large, rectangular panel that is located at the back of the refrigerator. It is held in place by four screws. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the four screws. Once the screws have been removed, you can carefully pull the evaporator cover away from the refrigerator. Be careful not to damage the evaporator coils that are located behind the evaporator cover.
Safety Precautions
Before you begin, make sure to take the following safety precautions:
- Unplug the refrigerator from its power source.
- Clear all food and drinks out of the appliance.
- Wear gloves while working to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- Have a flashlight on hand to help you see inside the appliance.
- Follow the instructions carefully, and if you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact a qualified appliance repair technician.
Power Connection
To minimize the risk of electrical shock, the refrigerator should be properly grounded. The power cord should be plugged into a grounded three-prong outlet, and the appliance should be grounded by connecting the ground wire to a copper grounding wire running along with the power supply wires to the ground terminal on the electrical panel.
Sharp Edges
Some parts of the refrigerator may have sharp edges. It is important to wear gloves when working on the appliance to protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
Gaining Access to the Evaporator Cover
To access the evaporator cover, you will need to first remove the back panel of the refrigerator.
Materials You’ll Need
Material |
---|
Phillips screwdriver |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet.
2. Remove the screws that secure the back panel to the refrigerator. The screws are typically located around the perimeter of the panel.
3. Carefully lift the back panel off the refrigerator. The panel may be heavy, so be sure to have someone assist you if necessary.
4. Locate the evaporator cover. It is typically a large, rectangular panel located at the top of the freezer compartment.
5. Remove the screws that secure the evaporator cover to the freezer compartment. The screws are typically located around the perimeter of the cover.
6. Carefully lift the evaporator cover off the freezer compartment.
7. Once the evaporator cover is removed, you can access the evaporator coils and other components inside the freezer compartment.
Disconnecting the Electrical Connectors
Once the back evaporator cover has been removed, you will need to disconnect the electrical connectors. To do this, follow these steps:
- Identify the electrical connectors that are connected to the back evaporator cover. There will typically be two or three connectors.
- Use a screwdriver or nut driver to loosen the screws that are holding the electrical connectors in place.
- Gently pull the electrical connectors away from the back evaporator cover. Be careful not to damage the wires.
- Once the electrical connectors have been disconnected, you can remove the back evaporator cover.
Connector Type | Color | Location |
---|---|---|
2-Pin | Red/Yellow | Top left corner of cover |
3-Pin | Blue/White/Yellow | Bottom left corner of cover |
4-Pin | Black/Red/White/Orange | Right side of cover |
Additional Tips:
Inspecting the Evaporator Coils
Once the evaporator cover is removed, you will be able to inspect the evaporator coils. These coils are responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside the refrigerator. Over time, they can become clogged with dust and debris, which can reduce their efficiency.
To clean the evaporator coils, you can use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Be sure to gently brush away any dust or debris without damaging the coils.
In addition to cleaning the coils, you should also inspect them for any damage. If you see any cracks or breaks in the coils, you will need to replace the evaporator.
Here are a few tips for inspecting the evaporator coils:
- Use a flashlight to get a good look at the coils.
- Look for any dust or debris buildup.
- Check for any cracks or breaks in the coils.
- If you see any damage, replace the evaporator.
Cause | Effect |
---|---|
Dirty coils | reduced cooling efficiency |
Damaged coils | Refrigerator not cooling |
Cleaning the Evaporator Coils
To clean the evaporator coils, you will need the following tools:
- Soft-bristled brush
- Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- Mild dish soap
- Water
Follow these steps to clean the evaporator coils:
- Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet.
- Locate the back evaporator cover on the back of the refrigerator. It is typically held in place by screws.
- Remove the screws and carefully lift off the back evaporator cover.
- Use the soft-bristled brush to gently remove any loose dust or debris from the evaporator coils.
- Vacuum the evaporator coils with the soft brush attachment to remove any remaining dust or debris.
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and water in a bowl.
- Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently wipe down the evaporator coils.
- Rinse the evaporator coils with clean water and allow them to dry completely before replacing the back evaporator cover.
Additional Tips for Cleaning the Evaporator Coils:
- If the evaporator coils are heavily soiled, you may need to use a commercial coil cleaner. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
- Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners to clean the evaporator coils. This could damage the coils.
- Clean the evaporator coils at least once a year to maintain optimal refrigerator performance. You may need to clean them more often if you live in a dusty area or if you have pets.
Reinstalling the Evaporator Cover
Once the evaporator coils have been cleaned, it’s time to reassemble the unit.
1. Carefully lift the evaporator cover and align it with the mounting holes on the evaporator coil housing.
2. Insert the screws into the mounting holes and tighten them securely using a screwdriver.
3. Reattach the electrical connections to the evaporator fan motor.
4. Reconnect the drain hose to the evaporator coil housing.
5. Replace the access panel and secure it with screws.
6. Turn on the refrigerator and check if the evaporator fan is running properly.
7. If the evaporator fan is running, the evaporator cover has been successfully reinstalled.
Checking for Air Leaks
Once the evaporator cover has been reinstalled, it’s important to check for any air leaks.
1. Turn on the refrigerator and let it run for a few minutes.
2. Use a flashlight to inspect the seams between the evaporator cover and the evaporator coil housing.
3. If you see any light leaks, tighten the screws on the evaporator cover until the leaks are sealed.
Table: Air Leak Troubleshooting
Air Leak Location | Possible Cause | Troubleshooting Steps |
---|---|---|
Between evaporator cover and evaporator coil housing | Loose screws | Tighten screws |
Around electrical connections | Loose connections | Recheck and tighten connections |
At drain hose connection | Loose hose | Reattach hose securely |
By following these steps, you can successfully reinstall the evaporator cover on your Viking VCBB36 refrigerator and ensure that it’s operating properly.
Testing the Refrigerator
Before proceeding with any repairs, it is essential to test the refrigerator to pinpoint the issue accurately. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you perform a thorough test:
Unplug the Refrigerator
For safety, unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet before beginning any work.
Moisture Condensation
Check for moisture buildup or condensation on the back of the refrigerator. Excessive condensation may indicate a damaged evaporator cover or a leak in the cooling system.
Frozen Coils
Inspect the coils located at the back of the refrigerator. If they are covered in ice buildup, it could indicate restricted airflow, a clogged evaporator cover, or a malfunctioning defrost system.
Uneven Cooling
Place a thermometer inside the refrigerator and freezer. Monitor the temperature over several hours to determine if it remains consistent. Inconsistent temperatures may indicate an issue with the evaporator cover, thermostat, or cooling system.
Unusual Noises
Listen for any unusual noises, such as loud grinding, rattling, or buzzing. These noises may indicate a problem with the evaporator fan or motor.
Defrosting
If the refrigerator has an automatic defrost system, observe it during a defrost cycle. The refrigerator should run constantly and produce warm air from the back panel. If the defrost cycle is not functioning properly, it could lead to evaporator cover damage.
Temperature Sensors
Use a multimeter to test the temperature sensors located inside the refrigerator and freezer. If the sensors are faulty, they may not accurately measure and regulate the temperature, leading to evaporator cover issues.
Electrical Components
Verify that all electrical components, such as the thermostat, defrost timer, and control board, are functioning correctly. Malfunction in these components can disrupt the refrigerator’s operation and impact the evaporator cover.
Visual Inspection
Carefully inspect the evaporator cover for any visible cracks, holes, or damage. Check the gasket’s fit around the cover, ensuring a tight seal to prevent air leaks.
Evaporator Fan
The evaporator fan circulates cold air throughout the refrigerator. Verify that the fan is running smoothly and not obstructed by ice buildup or debris. A malfunctioning fan can affect the refrigerator’s cooling efficacy and damage the evaporator cover due to excessive frost.
How to Remove the Back Evaporator Cover on a Viking VCBB36
Here are the steps on how to remove the back evaporator cover on a Viking VCBB36:
- Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet.
- Remove the bottom grille by pulling it straight out.
- Locate the two screws at the bottom of the back panel and remove them.
- Lift the back panel up and off of the refrigerator.
- Locate the four screws holding the evaporator cover in place and remove them.
- Pull the evaporator cover straight out to remove it.
Once the evaporator cover is removed, you can clean it with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Allow the cover to dry completely before reinstalling it.
People Also Ask About How to Remove Back Evaporator Cover on a Viking VCBB36
How often should I clean the evaporator cover on my Viking VCBB36?
It is recommended that you clean the evaporator cover on your Viking VCBB36 every 6 months.
What should I use to clean the evaporator cover on my Viking VCBB36?
You can use a damp cloth and mild detergent to clean the evaporator cover on your Viking VCBB36.
Can I remove the evaporator cover on my Viking VCBB36 without unplugging it?
No, you should always unplug your refrigerator before removing the evaporator cover.