Hello everyone - On Saturday night I noticed my refrigerator having an unusual humming/buzzing sound. I unplugged it for 45 minutes, plugged it back in, and everything sounded normal. Sunday morning I woke up and it sounded like my refrigerator was still running, but I found it to be nearly room temperature inside!
I’m a complete novice, but figured since money was tight, I’d try to do it myself - after some reading, I thought it might be the defrost timer since it appeared it wasn’t passing some of the standard continuity tests between terminals 1-4 and 1-2. However, that did not solve the problem, but I noticed that the compressor ‘clicked’ ever few minutes.
So I took my multimeter and tested the pins on the compressor - noting that they read 5/6/11 - from what I understand, since they add up to the high number, the compressor isn’t bound-up? Or should the two lesser ones be equal? I also tested continuity between pins, noting all pins tested positive. Finally, I tested for grounding and didn’t note any grounding of the compressor from any pin.
So I bought a new relay/overload (even though my relay didn’t rattle, I figured it was worth a shot). Well, I replaced both and the refrigerator still clicks. I’m out of ideas and ready to buy a new refrigerator, however if I can salvage this one, I’d transfer it downstairs as a back-up/spare room. Anyone have any tips on something I’m missing?
Thanks!
I would measure the voltage to the compressor, verify it’s 115 volts.
If ok, I would use an amprobe to verify if the compressor is drawing “normal” current. Normal current should be around 1.2 amp, much higher would indicate a bad compressor. Current way over 9 amps when the compressor tries to start would also indicate a bad compressor.
Thanks for the tips - that may be a little over my head (I’m still not 100% comfortable working with machinery with live electricity), but I’ll do some more research and might have to default to a professional with all of the right equipment.
One basic question that I’m having a hard time sorting out (I’m at work, so I can’t try it out now, but will when I get home) - but would dirty condenser coils cause the overload to trip and the condenser not to run? The refrigerator came with the house when I bought it about 2 years ago - and I know it hasn’t been cleaned since I moved in. When I opened the back of it up, it was dusty, and I shop-vac’d the condenser and fan assemblies, but didn’t get under to the coils. I know even after moving the refrigerator there was long strip of lint/dust that was embedded at the bottom - so there’s no doubt it’s dirty. Would that overload of dust prevent the condenser from ever booting up - or just to overheat quickly and shut down (I ask because after I unplug the refrigerator, the condenser itself is warm to the touch, and I didn’t know if that meant anything)?
No, the dirty coils usually will not cause compressor failure unless they where badly clogged up and the room temperature was very high. Hard starting can be due to a damaged start winding from a power surge or thermal overload, internal varnish buildup, or simple compressor mechanical failure.