How to Check Refrigerator Compressor for Common Issues

The refrigerator compressor is the heart of your fridge, keeping your food and drinks at the right temperature. It's essential to check it regularly for common issues.

A faulty compressor can cause your fridge to malfunction, resulting in spoiled food and wasted energy.

The compressor is usually located at the back or bottom of the fridge, making it easy to access. You can check the compressor's fan and coils for blockages or dust buildup, which can cause it to overheat.

A clogged air filter can also cause the compressor to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption.

Explore further: How to Troubleshoot a Refrigerator Compressor

If your refrigerator isn't keeping your food cool enough, a failing compressor might be the culprit. The compressor will also be faulty if some parts of the fridge are less cool than before. To test the compressor motor, you need to access it from the back of the fridge.

A refrigerator running non-stop might indicate an issue with the compressor. If your refrigerator isn't overfilled, unplug it and clean the condenser coils at the back or underneath your fridge - dust buildup can cause inefficiency.

If the compressor runs continuously without the freezer and refrigerator compartments reaching their proper operating temperatures, it's definitely faulty. You should also note that low refrigerant levels in the fridge or failing compressor valves can cause this problem.

If the compressor won't run, test it for continuity by following a video (values vary based on the compressor). If the values are outside of the range or short to ground, replacing the compressor is a costly repair. If your fridge is more than a few years old, you may be better off replacing the fridge instead of the compressor.

A humming or buzzing sound from the compressor is normal, but if you don't hear it, there may be an issue. If the compressor is running constantly without shutting off or making unusual noises, it's likely there's a problem with the compressor.

Here's a quick checklist to help you identify potential issues with your refrigerator compressor:

Your refrigerator might be on its last legs if you notice it's not cooling properly. A failing compressor could be the culprit, especially if the thermostat is set correctly and the vents inside the fridge aren't blocked.

If the fridge is running continuously without reaching the proper operating temperatures, it's likely a sign that the compressor is faulty. This can also be caused by low refrigerant levels or failing compressor valves.

A faulty start relay can cause the compressor to run intermittently or not at all, resulting in a refrigerator that won't get cold enough. This small device provides power to the run winding and start winding for a split second at startup.

Listen for the compressor noise, which should sound like a faint humming. If you don't hear it, there might be an issue. Paying attention for half an hour can help you determine if the compressor is working correctly.

A refrigerator running non-stop might indicate an issue with the compressor. Before calling a professional, try ensuring the fridge isn't overfilled and clean the condenser coils at the back or underneath.

A faulty capacitor can prevent the compressor from starting and running as it should. Most newer refrigerators use a run capacitor, which stays in the circuit and improves energy efficiency. If the capacitor has failed, you may be able to tell by looking for a small rectangular block shape or a cylindrical shape.

If the compressor won't run, it may be due to a short to ground or values outside of the range. In this case, replacing the compressor is a costly repair, and it might be better to replace the fridge instead if it's more than a few years old.

Some common signs of a faulty compressor include a hum or buzz, or unusual noises that persist after trying simpler solutions. In this case, it's time to call a professional to diagnose the issue.

Here's a list of common symptoms that might indicate a compressor problem:

Table 1: Symptoms of a Faulty Compressor

If your refrigerator's compressor is hot to the touch, it's a clear sign of trouble. Excessive heat can be due to issues like a malfunctioning condenser fan or a defective compressor.

You should leave dealing with a hot compressor to a professional. It's complex to handle without proper training.

A failing compressor can lead to serious issues like food spoilage or a complete breakdown of your refrigerator.

Intriguing read: Refrigerator Compressor Is Hot to the Touch

If your refrigerator's compressor isn't running at all, it could be due to a faulty compressor or a defective main control board. A faulty compressor is often a costly repair, especially if your fridge is more than a few years old, in which case it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire fridge.

A faulty compressor can be tested for continuity, and if the resistance values are outside of the range or short to ground, it will need to be replaced. The compressor's resistance values vary based on the compressor, so it's essential to check the manufacturer's specifications or a video for guidance.

A defective main control board is not a common issue, but it's worth checking the defrost system, cooling fans, and cooling controls first. If the compressor still won't run, a faulty thermistor might be the culprit. The thermistor is a sensor that monitors the air temperature and is connected to the control board.

A faulty capacitor can be a real showstopper for your refrigerator, causing the compressor to fail to start and run properly.

Most newer refrigerators use a run capacitor, which is a type of capacitor that stays in the circuit and improves the energy efficiency of the compressor.

You may be able to tell what kind of capacitor you have by looking at its shape and size. Polymer-type capacitors with a small rectangular block shape are quite common.

A typical run capacitor has a capacitance value between 10 and 22µF (microfarads). If you need to replace a capacitor, it's essential to get the exact type and capacitance value of the original one.

Before replacing a capacitor, you should safely remove it and discharge it with a discharge tool to avoid any electrical shocks.

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Inverter board failure can be a major issue with your air conditioning system. This usually means that the sealed motherboard and wires have replaced the traditional start relay assembly.

The first step in diagnosing an inverter board failure is to test the input voltages. You'll need to check for both a 120V AC main power supply voltage and a 4-6V DC voltage from the main control board. Remember to make these measurements with everything connected.

If one of these voltages is missing, the inverter board won't work. It's essential to verify that the voltage is present before moving on to other troubleshooting steps.

To confirm that the compressor isn't shorted, follow the compressor continuity testing procedure mentioned earlier. This will give you a clear indication of whether the compressor is okay or not.

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Dirty condenser coils are a common issue that can significantly impact your fridge's performance.

The condenser coils at the backside and bottom of your fridge are responsible for dissipating heat during the cooling cycle.

On a similar theme: Refrigeration System Condenser

If these coils get clogged with dust and debris, your fridge will have to work harder to cool down, making it less efficient.

It's not uncommon for the compressor to overheat and shut down if the coils are severely dirty.

Pull your fridge out and inspect the coils to check for any buildup.

Use a stiff condenser coil brush and vacuum to clean dust off the coils and fan.

Work carefully during this task to avoid bending or damaging the tubes.

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A faulty thermistor can prevent your compressor from running, causing the refrigerator to not cool or to cool continuously until the compressor overheats. This is because the thermistor is a sensor that monitors the air temperature.

The thermistor is connected to the control board, so if it's defective, the control board won't receive the correct temperature reading.

To diagnose a faulty thermistor, grab a multimeter and perform a continuity test on the thermistor. You'll need to find the resistance value expected for your refrigerator's thermistors at 32°F (0°C).

If you're at home most of the time, you might have noticed the compressor kicking on and off, characterized by a faint humming noise from the fridge.

This hum is usually a sign that the fridge is running properly. If you've been in the house for the entire day and haven't heard this noise, it's likely that the compressor is bad.

Pull the fridge away from the wall and listen carefully. If it's all silent, the compressor isn't working.

If you hear humming sounds, but the fridge's food is warm, the compressor is functioning improperly.

On a similar theme: Samsung Refrigerator Freezer Fan Noise

If you suspect the compressor is the issue, start by pulling the fridge away from the wall and unplugging it. This is a crucial step to avoid an electric shock.

You can test the compressor further by removing the panel on the side of the compressor and locating the starter relay switch. It's usually the size and shape of a small ink cartridge.

Shake the relay switch to check for a rattle. If you hear one, it's likely bad and needs to be replaced. If not, it's possible the relay is fine but the compressor is the issue.

A new compressor can be expensive, so it's worth exploring warranty options first.

To test the compressor for incoming voltage, you'll need a multimeter. Start by unplugging the power cord and accessing the compressor by pulling the fridge away from the wall and removing the lower access panel.

You may need to detach a water inlet line to fully remove the panel. Disconnect the compressor wire connector and identify the compressor's voltage designation, which can usually be found in the tech sheet or on a label attached to the compressor.

Set your multimeter to "Volts AC" or "Volts DC" to match the compressor's voltage designation. Plug the power cord back in and contact the meter leads to the power input connector.

Observe the meter display to see if voltage is present. If it is, the start relay or compressor itself could be responsible for the cooling problem. If not, the main control board or inverter board is likely defective and needs to be replaced.

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Here are the steps to test the compressor for incoming voltage:

If the refrigerator is always running, it might indicate an issue with the compressor. First, ensure the fridge isn't overfilled, as this can cause it to work harder. If that's not the issue, unplug the refrigerator and clean the condenser coils at the back or underneath your fridge – dust buildup can cause inefficiency.

If your fridge fails to cool enough, it's a clear sign that your compressor is faulty. This can also happen if some parts of the fridge are less cool than before.

The compressor motor is the culprit behind this issue, and testing it is essential to diagnose the problem.

To do this, you need to access the motor from the back of the fridge. This can be done by yourself, but if you're scared of dealing with a capacitor, it's best to let an experienced professional do the job.