How to Troubleshoot Compressor Problems in Refrigerators

This #diy video shows how to #diagnose and #repair a refrigerator with compressor problems.

Find the written version of compressor troubleshooting here: https://www.searspartsdirect.com/diy/...

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This video from Sears PartsDirect shows how to troubleshoot problems with your refrigerator’s compressor. The compressor circulates refrigerant throughout the cooling system. If your refrigerator’s not cooling, the compressor could be to blame.

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1. Check for power.
Make sure the refrigerator light is on.

2. Check the condenser fan.
Remove the machine compartment cover.
• If the condenser fan runs, you know the compressor also is getting power be getting power, because the compressor shares a circuit with the condenser fan motor on most refrigerators.
• If it doesn’t run, skip to step 4.

3. Check the PTC start relay.
For safety, unplug the refrigerator.
Unhook the retainer clip and pull the PTC start relay out of the refrigerator. Shake the start relay:
• If the start relay rattles, replace the start relay.
• If the start relay doesn't rattle, check for continuity by putting one multi-meter lead into terminal 5 and the other lead into terminal 6.
o If you detect an open circuit between those terminals, the meter will read 1 in the far left digit. You’ll need to replace the PTC relay.
o If the start relay's okay, you may have a defective compressor.

4. Enter diagnostic test mode.
If the condenser fan wasn’t running in Step 2, the refrigerator may have a defective electronic control board or a bad temperature sensor.

Many refrigerators have a diagnostic test mode to check refrigerator operations.

To enter diagnostic test mode on this Kenmore model, quickly press the light switch 3 times, then press and hold it a 4th time until you hear a long beep. The refrigerator is now in test mode. (If this method doesn’t work on your model, check the tech sheet for instructions. It’s either behind the bottom front grill or taped to the back of the refrigerator.)

In test mode, press the door switch twice to start the compressor. The control beeps twice, and you should hear the compressor start. If the compressor runs in the diagnostic test mode, go to the next step.

5. Check the thermistor.
A bad thermistor prevents the compressor from running in normal operating mode. The diagnostic test mode forces the compressor to run whether the thermistor is broken or not. If the compressor doesn't start in the diagnostic test mode, go to the next step.

6. Check continuity from the electronic control board through the compressor circuit.
With the refrigerator unplugged, remove the screw that holds the control box.

Pull the control box down and remove the electronic control board.

Unplug the connector from the compressor circuit. Put one multimeter lead on the red wire and the other on the blue wire.
• A reading of about 5 ohms indicates continuity in the compressor circuit which means you probably have to replace the electronic control board, because the board isn’t sending voltage through the circuit to the compressor.
• If the meter displays a 1 in the far left digit on the meter, look for pinched or broken wires in the control board harness and on the wires leading up to the compressor. Repair or replace any broken wires that you find.

7. Check continuity on the control board harness.
Even if the wires look ok, check continuity in the control board harness. Unplug the wire harness and check continuity between the ceiling plug and the control board plug on the blue wire and the red wire.

If the control board harness is ok, plug the harness back in and check continuity between the red wire at the control board plug and the red wire on the compressor plug.

If the red wire is good, check the blue wire.

If both wires have continuity, and the start relay wasn't the problem, have the compressor replaced.

Or call 1-800-437-1673 to speak with a parts specialist.

The video includes these parts. Look up your model to make sure you get the right parts for your refrigerator.
Thermistor
https://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...
Start relay
https://www.searspartsdirect.com/kenm...
Electronic control board
https://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...

Find parts for your refrigerator at:
https://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...