The refrigerator does not work after defrosting, what should I do?

After turning off the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to defrost (at least a day for No Frost models), did you notice that it does not cool or does not turn on at all? In this case, there may not be cold in one chamber – refrigerating, freezing – or in both. An alarm may also beeping and the Alarm, “!” lights will flicker. Signals indicate that the cells are not cold enough.

Let’s find out what these symptoms are talking about and whether they warn of a breakdown.

The refrigerator does not work after defrosting: what is the reason

In 95% of cases, the fact that the refrigerator stopped working after defrosting is not a breakdown. Do not panic and set aside the phone number of the master – first watch the technique. She is working to bring the required temperature up: if you decide to fill the shelves to the top right away, this situation cannot be avoided. What to do? Give the refrigerator time – up to 24 hours – for it to enter into a working rhythm.

If, after a day, the equipment notifies of a high temperature inside the case, and the motor-compressor works for a long time, then the probability of a breakdown is high.

How to turn off the sound

If you decide to wait until the temperature is restored to the set mode, the sound signal provided by the manufacturer can ruin your nerves. Therefore, in many models, the signal is turned off. The disable button is located on the user panel, or you need to select a function on the electronic scoreboard.

If you haven’t found how to turn it off, take a look at the technical documentation or user manual.

Why did the error occur

If the equipment stays in emergency mode for more than a day, gains temperature or does not turn on, a problem has occurred. To make it easier for the user to find the cause, we have collected all the signs in one table.

Breaking How to fixEvidence
Freon leak from the cooling circuit.The leak must be located and repaired. The filter drier must be replaced and the system subsequently charged with refrigerant.For single compressor models:
  • after defrosting, the refrigerator did not start, there is light inside;
  • the refrigerator has turned on, the compressor is working for wear, it is not cold enough in the chambers;
  • having defrosted the refrigerator, you fixed its operation for a short time, after which it turned off and did not start; the light in the chamber is on.

For models with two compressors, the reasons are the same, but only apply to one of the chambers.

A breakdown may be accompanied by a signal sound, the lights on the control panel may flash, which indicates a high temperature inside the chambers. Refrigerant leakage is typical for pipe solder joints (locking connections). Leakage also occurs in a warm circuit, which is located in the evaporator or in the chambers around their entire perimeter.

Compressor failure.The motor needs to be diagnosed and replaced. The item is not repairable.Single compressor:
  • does not start at all, there is light in the chamber;
  • the motor turns off after starting, clicks, both cameras are in idle mode, the light in the main compartment is on;
  • XO (refrigeration equipment) is buzzing, the motor is running, there is no frost.

Double compressor:

  • one compartment refuses to work, the lighting is in order;
  • clicks are heard, there is no frost in one of the compartments, the light bulb works;
  • CW does not turn off, the motor runs without interruption, there is no cold or frost in the chambers.

In all cases, the failure is accompanied by a flashing of indicators or a squeak from the control panel; they tell the user that the temperature in the chambers is too high.

Compressors usually break down when the operating life (depletion, loss of productivity) expires. After defrosting, it is difficult for them to enter the operating mode, especially if the user immediately loads all the compartments with uncooled products.

System board failure.Need firmware or module replacement.

If the main unit breaks down after defrosting, the refrigerator may behave as you like, including not starting. The temperature in the chambers may also change, due to which the compartments will not cope with freezing.

XO can start and turn off after a couple of seconds. It is possible that the failure will be accompanied by the sounds of blinking lights.

Models equipped with an LED or LCD display will display a specific error code (the combination depends on the manufacturer).

The main reason that the refrigerator is “buggy” is moisture, which forms on the electronic module during defrosting and disables it.

Proper defrosting

To avoid damage, you should follow the rules when defrosting equipment:

  1. Remove all products from the shelves, without exception. Some models need a day to completely defrost, leftover food may go bad.
  2. Find suitable containers or containers for collecting melt water – place them under the base of the equipment. Spread a rag on the floor to avoid a flood in the kitchen. If the refrigerator has not been defrosted for a long time, there will be a lot of water.
  3. Organize the cleaning. Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the chambers. You can use professional non-abrasive products for washing refrigerators or ordinary soap solution. 
  4. Dry the chambers by leaving the doors open.
  5. Start the appliance and do not load it with products – let it idle for several hours. When laying, divide the products into 2-3 batches to avoid stress on the motor.

What can not be done

  • Do not put jars and pots of warm water on the shelves.
  • Do not break off ice and snow with a knife or other sharp objects, otherwise you risk breaking through the freezer evaporator and causing a refrigerant leak;
  • Do not use hair dryers or fan heaters to speed up the process.

In conclusion, let’s say that the malfunction of the equipment may not be related to defrosting, but the fact that the motor did not work is a coincidence. The list of possible failures is expanding significantly, but this is already a topic for a separate article.

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