How to Troubleshoot Fridge Compressors

Refrigerator compressors force cold air into the food storage compartments.

Refrigerators are chilled by compressors that pump air through the condenser, where it is cooled, and into the food storage compartments. The compressor is typically located in the rear of the refrigerator, outside the cooled compartments. When a compressor goes bad, or requires maintenance, it can cause a number of symptoms. These symptoms can effect the efficiency and functionality of your refrigerator. The job of troubleshooting your refrigerator compressor requires a methodical process of elimination and a knowledge of what each symptom means.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Brush attachment

Instructions

1. Remove some recently added items if your compressor runs and does not turn off. Overloaded refrigerators, or refrigerators that have just been filled with an abundance of warm items, may struggle to cool down. The longer-than-usual cooling process will require your compressor to run continuously until the job is done. By removing some of the items in your fridge, you lighten the load and shorten the compressor run time.

2. Inspect the air filter connected to your condenser. This filter removes dust and debris from air entering your condenser. If the filter is clogged, there will not be sufficient air reaching your condenser, and your compressor will run overtime to make up for it. The condenser may be located at the top or bottom, front or rear of your refrigerator, but is usually found behind a metal grill . Use your vacuum with brush attachment to clean away any dust or debris from the filter and the grill.

3. Check your home circuit breakers and fuses if your refrigerator compressor ceases to work altogether. Check that power is still being delivered to the refrigeration unit. If power is being delivered, and the compressor still fails to work, call a licensed refrigeration repair person to examine and repair the faulty compressor motor.

4. Check that all the refrigerator doors and drawers are properly closed and that the door liners create a tight seal around each opening if your compressor runs more than usual. Cold air leaking out, or warm air leaking in, can place more load on your compressor than normal and result in extended run times.

5. Move your refrigerator away from any walls or obstacles, and inspect the rear of the unit if you hear unusual sounds coming from behind or beneath the machine. If the noise you hear is originating from the rear of the fridge, the problem is likely the compressor. If your compressor is making strange or loud noises like rattling, call a licensed refrigerator repair person to perform the repair or replacement.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure there is sufficient room for your refrigerator compressor and condenser to cool. Leave at least 1 inch of breathing room on each side and behind your refrigerator or risk overheating and declined performance.

• Do not attempt to repair or dismantle your refrigerator compressor with the power on. Always make sure the power has been turned off before working on any home appliance or electronics.

• Opening the compressor compartment, even with the power off, may result in costly damage to the refrigeration unit.

References

• Repair Clinic: Refrigerator -Troubleshooting
• National Compressor Exchange Inc.: Compressor Failure Modes, Symptoms and Corrections
• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Guide: Troubleshooting Checklist for Refrigeration Systems
• Manage My Life: Kenmore Refrigerator Use & Care Manual
• Manage My Life: Side-by-Side Refrigerator Use & Care Guide
• LG: LSC27935SW: LG Knowledge Base
• LG: Owner's Manual Side-by-Side Refrigerator
• Repair Clinic: Refrigerator Answers to Common Questions