Hi!
I replaced the starter on the compressor of our frige because the compressor wouldn't start. It then took a long time for the frige to cool down and I was wondering if the r134a charge might be low. I asked a serviceman how I could check the charge myself and he said to measure he run current on the compressor itself. He said normal should be about 2.9 amps, and if it was around 2 amps or less the charge was low.

I measured the run current and it was about 1.1 amps, but now that the frige is cooled down it is maintaining about -5 degrees in the freezer and about 37 degrees in the frige with both temp dials about mid-range, so it seems to be running fine. Do you know if this method of checking charge status is accurate? If not, can you tell me a better way to check myself? Unfortunately there are no taps to connect gauges to... it looks like they purged the system, filled it, pinched off the tube and soldered the end to permanently plug it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Nick

The only way to check would be to put a tap valve on the process stub of the compressor and hook your guage up there. If there was a leak you would know by warm temps, if you had a weak compressor you would know by warm temps. your best bet is to leave it alone, -5 and 37 at mid setting is normal.