If your fridge is not working, as usual, you should consider applying the steps on how to test the fridge compressor. There could be several reasons that could lead to the malfunctioning of the fridge compressor.
In this post, you will get to know the common causes that lead to this issue and the different ways in how you are going to test your compressor. Well, there are many reasons why your compressor fails; it may be due to low fridge load, excessive load, location, or some fridge issues.
My friends, there are many more things that you should know about this topic. So keep on reading until the end.
Common Reasons Behind Issues With Your Compressor
As mentioned earlier, the compressor may fail due to various reasons. This will further result in the malfunctioning of the fridge. We will list the most common ones below.
Issue #1. Low fridge load
This happens when the fridge keeps on running while empty. As a result, the ice may accumulate inside the freezer compartment. Another possible cause that resulted from this is the failure of the fridge control system. The refrigerant is a combination of both liquid and vapor forms. The compressor cannot handle such a mixture because it is not designed that way, so it fails.
Issue #2. Excessive load of the refrigerator compartment
If you overload or overstock the fridge or store hot liquids on it, the refrigerator may warm up excessively, thereby moving away from its saturated point.
In such a case, the refrigerant coming to the fridge compressor will increase faster which will make the compressor work longer and harder to provide a similar cooling level. This will result in the overheating and failure of the compressor.
Issue #3. Placing the fridge in a warm location
If you place the unit where direct sunlight can reach or close to any other electronic device that produces heat, then the compressor may overheat, which will cause it to fail.
Issue #4. Refrigerant issue
It may be possible that the refrigerant is contaminated. The fridge must contain only two substances which include oil and refrigerant. If anything else gets in there, it will lead to contamination. It is also possible that you use a refrigerant, and how does it help that is not compatible with your fridge.
Issue #5. Absence of lubrication
The compressor needs lubricant or oil to continue moving smoothly. Failure to lubricate it will result in more wearing and tearing of the fridge compressor and overheating.
Steps To Test Fridge Compressor
Before you get started, take note that you should not work with an appliance still connected to the power source. So, ensure to unplug your unit first and keep it off until you finish working. Also, move it away from your wall. So, how to test fridge compressor?
Step #1. checking the windings of the compressor
In this step, you will need a multi-reader. Remember that the unit must be unplugged since electricity can make the readings false and damage the multi-reader. Next, locate the start relay on how to test the start relay of the refrigerator compressor and then pull this off. You can identify the start delay since it has two wires that are being connected to it. Furthermore, you will see three pins for the start, run, and common winding.
In case the matter will display “O.L” as you check between any two pins, then it means that you have a faulty compressor that needs to be replaced.
Step #2. Checking for short motor windings
Two types of shorts can happen in the fridge’s compressor, including a ‘winding to frame’ and ‘turn to turn’ winding short. Again, using the multi-reader, about .5 ohm reading should be displayed between the common, run, and start pins. If the readings are different, then the wind in with a lower reading is experiencing a ‘turn to turn’ winding short. Again, you will need to replace this motor winding.
Step #3. Checking the switch compressor thermostat control
After testing out the motor windows, which seem to be well, the issue could be in the starting relay or the thermostat control. You cannot test the starting relay other than substituting it, so check the thermostat control instead. Turn the switch in between four and five, then check.
The multi-reader must display a reading of 0.000 between the plug and the wires attached to the start relay. But if “O.L” is displayed, then it means that your thermostat control does not properly work anymore, so you need to get a new one. But if the thermostat controls seem to function normally, then it means that the start relay is the issue. So you have to replace it immediately.
Other Possible Issues
After you have done all the tests and the compressor passes it all, it is not running; as usual, the compressor may have seized up. Its valves or bearings may also be potentially damaged or worn.
This would mean that you need to have it checked by a professional technician. But remember that sometimes the compressor might just need to be reset. This is a trick that may solve the issue right away.
It’s A Wrap!
After you have done the steps on how to test fridge compressor, you have most like find out the issue with your fridge compressor. In such a case, you will know how to deal with it. Do you want to know more about the fridge compressor? Click here on how much is a fridge compressor. Thank you for reading this article!