How to Check Your Refrigerator's Condenser

Think of the condensor as the circulatory system of your fridge.

Your refrigerator has a compressor unit that cools the fridge. The compressor forces the refrigerant inside the fridge through the condenser coils on the back of the fridge. The refrigerant reduces heat inside the unit and is then released through a valve. If the motor of the compressor is not working properly your fridge will not stay at a consistent temperature, causing unnecessary energy expenditure as well as weakening the fridge's efficiency.

Things You'll Need

• Multitester

Instructions

1. Unplug the refrigerator.

2. Pull the refrigerator out from the wall.

3. Locate the compressor on the left hand side, at the bottom of the unit. Locate the terminal box right next to it, which has wires sticking out.

4. Pull off the cover of the terminal box.

5. Pull the compressor relay out from the terminal box. The compressor relay has exposed copper wires in a tight bundle. Inspect the ends of the relay for signs of corrosion. Replace if necessary.

6. Pull the wire off the side terminal of the relay by pulling on the plastic connector.

7. Set your multitester, a unit used to test electrical current, to the X1 setting. Place one probe on any terminal in the compressor and the other probe to any of the other two terminals. You should receive a reading of zero ohms. Test the other two terminals in the same manner, If you get any reading other than zero the compressor needs repair.

Tips & Warnings

• If you notice that your refrigerator has a capacitor on the motor do not test the compressor on your own. A capacitor carries a deadly charge and should be discharged by a professional.

References

• Acme How-to: How to Test the Condensor Motor
• Dave's Repairs: Test Refrigerator and Freezer Compressors