Refrigerator stopped working, what should I do?

To properly respond if the refrigerator stops working, you need to understand the causes of the malfunction. If you are attentive to external signs, you can quickly find a problem: for example, there is no cold in the department, but the light is on. What to do if the refrigerator does not work well, our article will tell you.

Typical faults

Regardless of the brand, all refrigerators are prone to breakage. The reason can be both wear of parts, wiring, and improper operation of equipment: overload, lack of defrosting, improper installation.

Consider the problems that users most often complain about.

Refrigerator does not defrost

Automatic defrosting is enabled in refrigerators with the No Frost system. For some time the motor runs, the fan catches up with cold. Then the compressor is turned off, the moisture droplets that appear when the temperature rises flow into the drain hole.

Have you noticed that water is accumulating at the bottom of the refrigerator? At the same time, a snow coat could form on the back wall. Symptoms indicate a problem with the No Frost defrost system. Check these details:

• evaporator heater;
• a temperature sensor that sends data to the module;
• thermostat.

The reason may be in the motor, which does not turn off to rest. Why there are problems with the defrost system:

1. It’s a matter of improper transportation. Oil from the motor could get into the capillary, which led to a breakdown.
2. A door that is not tightly closed can cause many problems: from the constant operation of the motor-compressor to the freezing of snow on the walls. Therefore, make sure that the seal fits snugly against the body.
3. Hot and warm food on the shelves leads to the same effect as in the previous case. The cooling system, compensating for the increase in temperature, works without stopping.
4. The location of equipment near stoves and batteries is undesirable. There is a temperature imbalance.

First, defrost the refrigerator for 10 hours or a day. If the system does not resume automatic defrosting, call a specialist.

The refrigerator often turns on and runs for a long time

Does your refrigerator work for a long time and have little rest, perhaps it doesn’t even turn off? What’s the matter? Normally, the motor should turn off every 15-20 minutes. When the room is hot and stuffy, ventilation does not work well, the compressor can turn off once an hour.

Why equipment works for a long time and does not turn off:

1. The door seal has deteriorated, so there is no hermetic closure of the chamber.
2. The seal may be worn, torn or contaminated. If it cannot be restored, replace the rubber. This procedure will not take long.
3. The temperature sensor is broken. Since the electronic module no longer receives a signal about the temperature in the chamber, it does not consider it necessary to turn off the cooling system.
4. The evaporator capillary tube is blocked.
5. Leakage of refrigerant from the circuit. The amount of freon gas is reduced, so the refrigerator is constantly working.
6. The mechanical control is set to the “Super Freeze” mode. The compressor only runs at maximum until you turn off the unit.
7. The motor is running out of steam. Its power is not enough for normal pressure, to increase the temperature.

An equally rare problem is the refrigerator starts to work and stalls. Usually this happens with new, modern models. The equipment reacts to power surges in the network. It turned out that everything is in order with the voltage? Then the breakdown is likely:

• An open or short circuit has occurred in the motor winding. The compressor overheats, as soon as it starts, after a couple of seconds it turns off again. Clicks may be heard. This start relay disables the compressor for overload protection.
• In case of failures in the main module, the intervals between work can be different. Need diagnostics and replacement of the control module.
• Faulty start relay. The refrigerator also works at short intervals, a click is heard when it is turned off. Replacing a damaged relay will help.

If you want to do the repair yourself, be careful. You need to select spare parts in strict accordance with the brand and model of the refrigerator. Otherwise, you are just wasting your money and time.

Refrigerator compressor constantly running

When the motor is running non-stop, the reason is the increased temperature outside. As we wrote above, placement near radiators and stoves, poor ventilation lead to overheating of the refrigerator. Therefore, the compressor will work to reduce the temperature.

A sagging, poorly closed door has a similar effect. When the equipment starts to work loudly, it is worth checking the motor mounts. Perhaps they are loose and need to be tightened.

If you notice that the compressor is hot, but the refrigerator is not working, the problem is in the windings. Interturn circuit leads to heating of the part. To check the winding, ringing with a multimeter is used.

Also, problems with the motor lead to the fact that the refrigerator is buzzing, but does not work. Let the technique “rest” and defrost, then try to start again.

Refrigerator not working after power surge

Did your lights go out and then the refrigerator stopped working? This is normal for some brands. The motor protection is activated, which does not allow it to start within 6-7 minutes after connection. If after a while the equipment does not work, the following problems are likely:

• as a result of a short circuit, the motor or its wiring burned out;
• The electronic board is especially sensitive to voltage drops – perhaps the problem is in its breakdown.

It is also worth checking the wiring of the refrigerator, so it is better to contact a specialist.

If the refrigerator runs for a few seconds (5-10) and turns off, the electronic board or start relay is most likely faulty. With these breakdowns, it is also better to contact the master.

Refrigerator runs continuously after defrosting

In the case of continuous operation of the equipment after defrosting, the problem may be in the wrong mode. Maybe you accidentally set the regulator to full power or selected the “Super Freeze” mode.

When defrosting the chamber, never break the ice with sharp objects. This causes damage to the walls of the compartment and leakage of refrigerant.

It happens that after defrosting the refrigerator stopped working. See if you plugged the plug into the socket. Possible causes of the problem:

• The insulation of the network cable is broken.
• The socket does not work or the plug is damaged.

• Problems with the thermostat or temperature sensor.
• The elements on the control board burned out.

Before you start defrosting the refrigerator, first turn off the cooling system and only then pull out the plug from the outlet.

Refrigerator not working after shipping

If your refrigerator is noisy or won’t turn on at all after moving, it’s likely that the transportation was not done correctly.

It is recommended to allow the equipment to settle after installation for at least 4 hours. What happens when an immediate connection is made? During long-term operation of the compressor, wear products are formed, during shaking they are mixed with oil. Therefore, if you connect immediately, the motor may jam.

Possible breakdowns:

• Freon leaked due to mechanical damage or depressurization.
• The compressor broke down. One of its parts broke off during transportation.

To prevent this from happening, follow the rules for transporting a refrigerator:

1. Clear the compartments from shelves and drawers.
2. Completely defrost, wash and wipe both chambers dry.
3. Secure compartment doors securely with styrofoam and tape.
4. The main thing is to transport the refrigerator in a horizontal position.

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You are familiar with the main problems of refrigerators. Those who are aware are armed, so when faced with a malfunction, you can make the right decisions.