I have a Kenmore side by side, about 6 years old. I noticed a nasty chemical smell coming from the back bottom area of the fridge. Not sure if it's the water line connection or something mechanical. The smell has overtaken my kitchen and living room area. Anyone have any ideas what this might be and how to correct it. The smell is overwhelming! Thanks much.

Alfredo, September 2008

Noticed something similar myself on an old fridge that I recently "put out to pasture". The toxic "burning plastic" smell was coming from an electrical "short" burning some of the plastic housing on the electrics on the compressor (round the back of the fridge). Not sure if this helps but I'd pull the fridge out and have a good look for charred or discoloured plastics or connectors round the compressor (be sure to turn the electrics off first though!)

Bob Ryan, January 2009