How to Diagnose a Compressor on your Refrigerator
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- Simple video showing you some basics on how to troubleshoot the compressor on your refrigerator. This will work on most refrigerators, they all will pretty much test the same. This test can be used for top freezers, side by sides, freezers and french door models.
Thanks for Watching!
If you have any questions please leave them in the comment section.
Be sure to subscribe to my channel and give this video a thumbs up if you liked it. - Jak na to + styl
Thanks a lot. You have made me breathe a sigh of relief. You have also confirmed my my fears of being duped by an unfaithful repairer. Thanks a lot. I will do will to change my contactors
Dude! You are the man! Haven't found my problem yet but you are a master teacher! Thank you for all your electrical information!
Thank you. You showed me how to diagnose, fix, and save myself a lot of money. I spent 20 bucks to fix the fridge. thanks again!
Thanks for the detail explanation. My Kenmore stopped working and I did various checks. Eventually determined that the amperage draw from the compressor was about .5 amp. I felt it was low on Freon R-134a, although I was not certain. I feel better now that you have confirmed my thought. Thank you very much for providing excellent supplementary information.
Great video, and a simple way to test the correct operation of the compressor, compressor overload and relay switches. The video also has helped me to know how to correctly utilize my new amp clamp-on meter; it is always good to know what are the correct volt/amp ranges a good compressor system should have. Thanks!
Nice job on this video. I like that you showed amp readings near the end of it. My compressor runs all the time, is hot and can't get the freezer below 6-7° F. Because it runs continuously at 1.5 amps and is 16 years old, I concluded, after checking everything else out, that the compressor is slowly on its way out.
Thank you! your videos helped me diagnose my Samsung fridge. I replaced a faulty relay that connects to the compressor. Compressor looked dead but it was the relay not driving the voltage. You saved me money!
Hey, Bill. Thanks very much for taking time to post this helpful info. I have a deep freeze that has no condenser fan. It uses the outside skin of the freezer to dissipate the heat. Over several weeks, it cooled less and less. A new one would set me back $700 or more. Seems pretty obvious that it is low on refrigerant but I would like to confirm this somehow.
Continuity between compressor terminals says no short or bad windings. Compressor starts and seems to run smoothly, using about 1.2 amps starting up on a warm freezer compartment after the freezer has been off overnight. Thermostat appears to be working but it seems obvious that it is OK since power is getting to the compressor. I know that many air-conditioning compressors have a delay circuit to keep the compressor from trying to start up too soon after a shut down. I think understand that this is due to high pressures remaining in the refrigerant lines right after shutting down, which would put great load on the compressor, causing excessively high amperage if it were to try to start up again too soon. I'm guessing that the pressures equalize over a few minutes, making it easier for the compressor to restart at that time. My freezer is an Embraco and the tag says 17.7 RLA, which I understand it the maximum amperage on start up. Sure enough, if I let it run for a while, then shut off power, then restore power after a few seconds, I see a little over 17 amps on startup. My question is, does this high 're-start' amperage right after a shutdown an indication that there is freon in the unit? If no refrigerant, would there be high pressure at all? Or, maybe the compressor is just compressing regular air, which I assume is what would be in the lines if a leak let all of the refrigerant out.
So, my questions are, does high re-start amperage confirm anything about whether the compressor is working or not? And, does it tell me anything about if there is any/enough refrigerant in the system? Is there a way to confirm low refrigerant, and if everything checks out OK, would it make sense to put more refrigerant in it, or would it just leak out again? Finally, I understand that the compressors with capillary tubes are very sensitive to having the right amount of charge in them. Whether trying to re-charge the old compressor, or replacing it with a new one, it seems like measuring the refrigerant load might require some more technical knowledge.
amp draw
Thank you Bill. Your CZcams diy video extremely helpful here in South Africa where technical info is limited or non existent. Appreciate you sharing your kind and helpful experience to get things going again 😁🤟
Love love love ur vids man! I'm a student for hvac n I'm learning the basics n fixing window units n refrigerators n ur vids help me out a lot! Thanks bill!
This was excellent, Bill. I followed your logic and am sure I can duplicate the process on my own refrigerator tomorrow. There was no 'dead air' time in your explanation.
Excellent video. I have an LG French door fridge with a freezer that stop freezing but the both the freezer and fridge was cool. Ice cream was not. I called a appliance repair guy out to diagnosed and he spent less than 5 minutes, never did an ohm test said the compressor was bad because it was hot. Cost to repair $1400. Changed me $85 service call. My friend is going to follow your video and perform the tests to check for to see if the compressor reading indicate a bad compressor or possibly a bad relay.
My Daewoo fridge kept making clicking noises for a while, 3 months, until it finally stopped cooling. Compressor fan was working, the compressor sounded like it was working but very weak. The freezer wasn’t working either. Saw this video and replaced the compressor relay like the one on the video. Cost $35 on eBay.
It’s working great now!...Thanks this video was really helpful.
Excellent and crystal clear instruction!
Thank You and Thanks for Watching!
dude thnx alot for the video im studying to be a tech at a trade school and this right here is helping alot , ive been wondering how to fix this problem for a really long time ive finally found it thanks to you, thanks bud.
Thank Bill. Excellent video, I followed your instructions purchased a 3+1 compressor started. 2.85Amps my refrigerator is headed to the graveyard.
clear, concise, professional demeanor and professionally described problem and solution. Excellent video. I subscribed to the channel.
Thanks bro. I just fixed my sisters refrigerator by watching your videos. Not this one in particular, but I did watch a lot of them that I found helpful. I bought a 3 in 1 for $12 on Amazon. Saved a lot of money!!! Thanks!!!
If you just bought a 3 n 1, watch the video I just uploaded this morning.
Thanks for Watching!
I did good advice. But since we're in a pinch for money I will be keeping the 3 in 1. I'll let you know if anything goes wrong. In the meantime its working great.
Some repair guy supposedly fixed our fridge but its still not cooling like it should=(
Wonderful job on this video. Great, you're a blessing to humanity.
Hey Bill,
First off thank you for your killer videos. They are very informative!
My question is: What range can the compressor reading be to still be good?
IE if the two bottom posts are around 7 or 8 would that be to low?
Hey Bill, I got the same setup as your working on here, the fan is running an you can put your hand on the compressor an feel it vibrating but it's not making a noise like it's kicking in.... an all the copper lines are warm except foir one an it's just a little cool
Well relay came in yesterday took 5 min to install plugged it in and works good compressor came right on
Awesome! Great Job!
Very detailed and clear instructions. Thanks
you are awsome thank you for all your hard work and great videos.
good info, not wasting much time explaining.
@6:43- just check frost pattern on evap, that will tell you a lot. And the comp can be running and still not cooling- broken rod or bad valves or like u said a hole somewhere and there is no freon. Great vid thanks for sharing.
I will end up doing a couple more videos on this refrigerator. I will be sure to explain that in another one. Frost pattern, like you said will tell you alot. Thanks for the great comment and thanks for Watching! Semper Fi
Very nice video, important things like seeing a load on a circuit, well done.
I would like you do one diagnosing a clogged evaporator officer and one on knowing if the refrigerant is under or over filled both real good topics, please keep up the good work.
Great Video Bill, thanks for the detailed content going to diagnose mine right now. repair guy just came out and did nothing. Just said its a bad compressor Im on it thanks to you Vid God bless.
was it a bad compressor?
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Thanks for the video! This help me replace the relay on my compressor and test my compressor..
Hi Bill, Great video!!! I have a kitchenaid ksrs25ftms00 Refrigerator that is not cooling on either side. I checked the compressor and it test's fine. The Compressor Fan does not turn on nor does it have power to it. What could the problem be? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!!!
Thanks Bill this was a great help. I removed the relay and it rattled so I ordered a new one. However when I checked the 3 pins on the compressor I got a reading from pin to pin as if I was shorting out the 2 test terminals 0.00! Testing each pin between a chassis ground I get nothing! Confused on what this means?
Thanks for this video. It was very helpful while I try to figure out why my fridge quit
Thanks for your very informative video,no one has ever explained that you should have different levels of resistance between the 3 pins. What does it mean when I have the same level of resistance between the 3? I have used 3 different multi-meters to test with and they all read the same.
Hi Bill,Thank you for this very helpful video! I have 2 questions:1) where can I buy a relay. The one I have on my Arctic Air fridge looks exactly like the one you show in your video.2) if the compressor is shot, is it worth repairing it?Thanx much Peter
Nice job of explaining the start relay and capacitor replacement. However just wondering why you didn’t do a quick check of the compressor windings first ? That was mentioned at first, then you went right into replacing parts. I had a similar situation of no cooling and common to start was open. Compressor was less than 2 months old !
Great video(s). I have been tearing down fridges for the insulation, and now am trying to fix a couple. Have two where the compressors run, but no cooling.
The bigger one, it was pulling vaccuum at the suction, so it appeared to have blocked cap tube, which after opening them all up seemed to be the case.
Any tips on how to determine if there is blockage in the lines, or leaks and not enough freon if compressor running ok? thanks
Great video Bill !! I wish I'd of researched more a while back when I replaced an ice maker in my boat due to a stalled compressor, $1800 !!!! Who knows what I might of found...
Bill, awsome video, my freezer stopped cooling adequately. There is the issue of the "thermistor" that I saw on another video. But I will test the relayer first, based on this video.
Thanks for giving me this channel which everyone can watch and I learn too many things to you such as troubleshooting compressor, not cooling refrigerator, bi metal, thermostat timer and cold control too. I wish for your good heart and sharing your skills to me. Do you have a book author by you?
Thanks Bill your video was very good. I have a Hi-sense fridge that trips my RCD after it has been running for about 10hrs. Why does this happen? Can you help me?
Thanks Warren
Great video... Explained perfectly ...Thanks
Excellent. VEry informative and clear. Thank you !
mr. Newberry love the video but wanted to know what you did with the extra blue wire when your brother brothers refrigerator two Blues one black when you hook up a kit thanks
hello Bill
I considering about my compresser went noisy , can you tell me how much pressure when compressor working?
Bill, Great videos!! Used the 3N1 RCO410 on my GE refrigerator/freezer TFX25ZPBE , and she started and is working. I am however drawing 2.45 amps consistently. Any recommended actions to look for other issues that could cause this?
You r the best, very detailed concepts, I have warm refrigerator, frozen good and evaporated fan works some times only , thanks in advance, keep going like that, help me a lot , thanks
Hi Bill, thanks for the informative video. I have a Kenmore side by side that isn't cooling or freezing. I'm getting a reading of .56 from the relay wires. The fan is running. Do I need to replace the start relay or is the compressor itself going bad?
Great job Bill
Thx was a lot of help
Thank you teacher Bill for your time. Am your student. Watching from kenya
great video, well explained. thank you
Very good and easy to understand.
Great Video, Question, I have a GE side by side refrig with Freezer on bottom, The refrigerator works fine but the bottom Freezer doesn't freeze, Compressor doesn't come on, Fan is running, Also just cleared the drain line that was leaking water..would you have any suggestions.. Thanks.
Thank u on this it help -- I check the oooms n found low test on run an start an tell me from three to two fasse like brokin motor
Thanks for the video. I'm off to test my compact freezer NOW. My one complaint probably would be that you don't show the relay very well, or talk much about it or how to replace it -- which if often obvious once you know what you're lookin' for...then I looked to the right, here on the page, and you have a separate video that shows all that "How to install a universal relay " Hey, thanks again!
Back with results in a minute, but let me ask: relays blow for a reason. What is that reason? I pack my freezer with $$$ of meat, so if it's going to blow again and ruin another box full of meat, I'd rather know and fix that problem or buy new!
Hey, any suggestions on a compact freezer (brand, model?) I would be looking in the 2.5 to 3.x cubic foot range. My Summit FS20 lasted 14 years and the only problem it ever had was icing -- it's a manual defrost model, so that is expected once or twice a year. I just need to go slightly larger (it was a 1.6cu' model.) Are Danby's any good -- like DUFM304A1WDB or Whynter -- CUF-210SS? The Danby is commonly sold and pretty low price. The Whynter is also around and neither as $$$ as Summit (probably all made in China.) But the Summit I know (or at least did, haha) and no one stocks them, and they cost the most: 2.8cu' ~= $429 delivered....
Super helpful video.
Alright Bill, I have 120v going to relay. Relay clicks and I'm near positive it turns the compressor on as it is vibrating and making a small hum. I have not tested resistance on thermostat in fridge or freezer yet but besides those do I test resistance of compressor next to see if it's that?
Got a question; my fridge... being old... it a GE.. gonna say its 15+ years old.. but noticed its been running long last few days... and i shut it down for an hour... and replugged it in.. hit the reset button, put water in the ice trays... and it turned into cubes.. and fridge is nice and cold.. but its running for 20 minutes + and stays off for about 10-13 minutes... any signs? compressor is warm to the touch, but not hot.. any suggestions
Hey Bill, Thanks for another great video. Side Note: the original relay is initially on and then clicks off. 2 Questions: 1.When the wires to the original relay are running at 0.8amps does this mean the relay is bad? 2. If the freon may have escaped and isn't building any pressure, does this mean the compressor is bad or needs to be refiilled? Thanks!
Have seen a decrease in quality of fridges and their compressor in general from older machine (20 or 30 years ago) ? They don't seem to last as long is this true ?
Great video thanks.
Have a Frigidaire Freezer that stopped working again. The last time I tapped the fan and it started working and lasted for about 2 months. This morning i noticed the freezer was not working and again the fan was cutting in and out. Could the problem be to simply replace the fan?
Hi Bill. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. Have watched a bunch and still haven't quite figured out my problem... My Frigidaire side by side stopped cooling (both freezer and fridge). The evaporator fan and condenser fan both work, the compressor is running, all coils are clean, no dust / frost. The relay / capacitor is getting 120 volts. It's very difficult to get at the 3 terminals on the compressor to check for resistance so can't get a good read there, but nothing like the readings you indicate should be. According to this video, it's probably the compressor or the coolant - wondering if you have any other helpful hints. Thanks.
I'm am currently having the same problem exact with my Frigidaire side by side. Did you find a solution? (My fridge temp is 60' and freezer 40')
thank you.. very helpful
you make perfect sence and your videos are super awsome. I checked the voltage on the compresser relay and it gave 122 volts on both sides of the lower piece. Its a 2 piece relay and the positive on that relay is on the top side. the circuit board did some clicking before the 122.2 volt displayed on both bottom sides of relay.
I checked the ohms on the compresser it was bottom two 12.1, left side 9.0, right side 3.3, i know the videos were saying 10 by 6 by 4. Is my compressor off and bad.
Thanks again for all your videos. the compressor runs with the fan, it seems as if the vibration on it is not very strong it is a little hot and the copper pipes out of it the one to the condenser was little warm then it did not feel as warm the other one fealt little cooler. the whole issue started with the freezer being over icing. do you think it is low on freon, i have never had yo add to it before, and it is 11 years old and both fridge and freezer are out.
the compresser seems like it quiets down as it runs even more.
i put a clamp amp meter to the wire harness going to the compressor and it gave me 0.13amp. i had it set on 2-20 amps ac.
thanks bro love your videos
Thx for a great video. If you replaced the relay & cap and unit still clicks & stops after few seconds, would you say that compressor is bad. Possibly locked? (Already passed ohms test).
Hi Bill,
Nice video, this compressor of yours i see the copper pipes there, the one that is near the relay that you switched out is that the recharge/valve from factory that is bent and sealed? On the right side of your compressor are those the high and low copper pipe? My particular compressor one copper pipe the high side one is cut/capped and bent. On the right side of mine has the low copper pipe that run up to freezer, and the factory recharge pipe bent. What happen if I cut the one on the left and join it (not sure if the repairman did that or not but they also took the relay switch as well.) back do I loose the vacuumed and Freon from the compressor? this fridge was gifted from a neighbor. Since then I bought a new relay switch, plugged it in and now hear the compressor but nothing is cooling still. Could it be that pipe is not feeding Freon up to freezer and fridge?
liked your videos etc.. i have a samsung rs21 fridge freezer combo have changed the relay at the motor control board and still the relays click on and off on the compressor any thoughts...
Helps a lot, thanks.
robviolin1 Your Welcome!
Bill
I have a mini fridge. Magic Chef MCBR360HBF. It stopped working and during my troubleshooting, I isolated the wiring to the compressor and did the resistance check across the 3 pins of the compressor in the same order as you showed in the video. I got 7 ohm on the first check across the bottom two pins, and then 1 on the left and top pins, and 1 on the right and top pins. Is there a short?
Bill you the man!
Hi and thank you for nice video, if you read this, maybe you can give me an advice on my fridge GE and is making high pitch nose and then goes away, but is still cooling.
Would that be compressor? Thank you again!
thanks much.this is what toutube people are all about.you saved me a 100 bucks
Hi Bill, quick question for you..
Are most start relays the same? I have 2 fridges, I'm trashing one but it still works fine so I wanted to use the start relay from it for my fridge that just broke after Hurricane Irma.
1 has the same style relay you show in this video and the wires clip into it with a harness just like you show here.
The other 1 has the relay with a metal retaining clip to hold it on and the wires (red & blue) are permanently attached to it without a harness so I would need to cut them and use wire nuts to install another. I don't think the color of the wires matter in this case but not sure if the relays matter?
Both capacitors are the same and the relays have the same female 3 prong inlet. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
Thanks for the understandable explanations! My refrigerator doesn't get cold enough after a move. I think the compressor works because I hear the sound of it. Its thermostat also seems to be working and the fans inside work well. But the air(?) inside is not cold enough. What do you think is the problem? What else should I check?
Hi, Jason, did you ever figure this out? I had same symptoms after a wine cooler was moved. eg, compressor still runs, generates cold from out one port, but doesn't cool sufficiently, even though thermostat keeps compressor running.
Great vid!
Hi Bill I have changed the relay and the capacitor for the compressor and the evapororator fan is running. When i plug the unit in i hear a click the compressor kicks in and then shuts off. I just watched your great video on how to check the compressor which I will do tonight. if the compressor checks good what next. Thanks John
I got an older ROPER top freezer refrigerator everything works and the unit cools quite well, but lately it started to make clunking noise whenever it shuts off. I checked the screws under compressor, and made them a bit tighter. It seems to me the compressor is overheating because it's quite hot to the touch, could it be a faulty relay switch causing compressor to run longer than it should causing overheating...or is there something else I should check. Love your videos. Thank you.
This video is awesome and really appreciated! We have this exact same problem on the exact same fridge. Thanks a million. Things like this are so helpful. We have a repair guy coming Tuesday and it's nice to know the issues and test them before they come. We have replied the capacitor and the relay timer before. We are going to do it one more time today to see if the part is bad because it worked last time. TBH, this fridge has been nothing but problems. You were awesome. Gonna share with followers on Twitter.
I followed your instruction on checking the compressor here are my 3 readings in the begining they jumped alot but eventually settled... 4.5 , 3.4 7.7 and I also checked the amperage draw... in the begining when compressor kicked on it was drawing 1.0 - 1.2 amps but eventually it dropped ton.88 amp. is my compressor still good or bad ? btw I have a LG MC57LAUM compressor..
Hi Bill. Before I change the relay overload, I shake it and I don't heard anything. After I changed it and removed it, I shake it and I hear something loose inside it. Also, I checked and did everything in your video and when I clamp the clamp meter on the white wire I get a reading of .8 amps. I left the refrigerator running overnight and it is still not code. I checked the compressor for continuity and it was fine. Anything I am missing or suggestions? Thanks.
great video it helpful information.
hey bill, I need information ,, what is main cause of compressor short.? We have Side by side refrigerator and replaced two compressor and three relay in three years.
Electricial backfeed? You may have a bad neutral somewhere causing a backfeed on the motor load, resulting in too many volts.
Bill thanks for ur videos, im getting a reading of 160v from the relay does that mean i need a new relay?
Must have a bad multimeter. You are only getting 120v from the elec outlet so you can't have 160v, right???
Great video! Do you happen to have on for connector?
Thank you!
Nice video sir you are a man thank you
thanks Bill!
thanx Bill greate video
Bill, please disregard my recent post. Latter part of post was correct. first part was incorrect. Still checking. tutorial is big help to me. Thanks : Bob
Hi Bill, how are you, your video is very helpfull, I have an issue with my freedge that I read 1.6 ampere when he's sleeping, thank you.
hi sr i have a question I got a LG refrigerator and I wanted to ask you if this kind of refrigerator have a relay or not all of The refrigerators have one?
Nice video my fridg freezer is working but the top is not cooling properly its on but the temp has dropped very low also the freezer has been having a problem with bad frost build up if that helps. I'm trying to trouble shoot its an Amana BB20
My fridge turns off the fuse in the mains after a few minutes of turning it on. It makes clicking noises. I'm not sure what the problem is. Any help??
Thanks for the video. I have the same symptoms , but my compressor is also hot and the fan does not come one unless I give it a push it with my finger, then it will keep going. I also unplugged the fridge and let the compressor cool down, and when I plugged it back in, same thing. Does the fact that the compressor is hot mean that it's OK? Resistance between the 3 pins are about 4, 6, and 10.
I got a Haier vine cooler with two compartment ,practically new little over 1 year old, of course I did not got the extended warranty. Couple of days ago the inside lights came on and stayed on .I did unplugged the unit for a full day than plugged back on, problem was fixed. Yesterday start to make a very loud sound coming from the back of the unit.The digital panel with the temperature display also stop working . Do you have any idea what could be the problem? Appreciated
Very good thanks
Hi bill, can you show me which website to buy fridge parts. Thank
Just serviced one yesterday. But the compressor was not doing anything, and there was zero activity. Changed relay and away she ran. Easy service call.
Hey I watched a couple of your videos. My compressor will click on for like 3 seconds and shut off. It does this every few minutes or so. I put a brand new relay and still the same problem. I checked the pins on the compressor and it looks like it's alright. any ideas??
I have a Whirlpool Sidekick Freezer - it recently stopped cooling. I did a little troubleshooting on my own, and then had a technician out for a second opinion yesterday. It is not cooling, at all - I exposed the EVAP coil - not seeing any condensation on the high side. Tech said it was pulling 0.9A and diagnosed it as a bad compressor. Thoughts?