Gibson freezer

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
1

Does anybody have any idea how to fix a freezer that just hums when you plug it in?

Unplugged it for a day to defrost and move. Let it set for another day after moving and now it just hums when plugged in.

I can stop the humming when I rotate the temp control, so am guessing the thermostat is OK.

Is the compressor locked up?

Thanks.

2

Very likely the problem is a bad start relay for the compressor.

Here are the breakdown diagrams and Replacement parts for Gibson GFU21M3AW2 Gibson/freezer | AppliancePartsPros.com

Gene.

3

Thanks Gene.

I just got around to installing the part and things seem to be working. You’re the man!

4

You are welcome. I’m glad you were able to fix it.

Gene.

5

I too have a Gibson freezer (model GFU14F3AW0) that thawed an it emits a barely audible hum. As a comparison, I can hear my refrigerator/freezer whirring from 10 feet away, but my deep freezer could barely be heard unless I put my ear by the compressor. I read that I could be the timer stuck in defrost, but now I see the relay helped. Any ideas?

6

Try to unplug the freezer for a day and post the results.

Gene.

7

Hi Gene,
Thanks for the quick reply. A few days ago, I think I saw (on another thread) that you posted the same suggestion. The freezer had been unplugged for about 3 days so I went ahead and plugged it back in. It still made the same low hum. Left it plugged in for a bit and went back, still the same. So I unplugged it and took out the relay, capacitor and timer.

8

I don’t think the timer is somehow connected to this problem. Check the capacitor for continuity and the compressor as described in one of our previous threads; http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/refrigerator-freezer-repair/128975-ge-refrigerator-just-clicks-but-does-not-cool.html#post281680

If the compressor is good, replace the start relay.

Gene.

9

I checked the compressor by checking continuity between the 3 prongs. I found approximately 4.5 ohms/6 ohms/10 ohms. The thread I was following said if the lower 2 added up to the highest 1 then the compressor was good. I’ll check out the link you gave me to see if the method is the same.

10

Compressor
Based on my previous post, both the start and run compressor windings had continuity. I did the ground test between each compressor prong and a spot on the compressor where I sanded the paint off and I did not get a resistance reading on any prong…so I assume the compressor is not grounded.

Capacitor
I shorted the capacitor with a resistor and then checked it with an ohm meter and did not get a resistance reading across the capacitor.

So I take it this means I should get a relay.
Please confirm.

11

There is a very good chance that the start relay will fix it.

Gene.

12

I got the new relay last night, installed it today. Plugged it in and heard the compressor start making noise, not just the low hum. So that is a good thing. It still didnt sound right though so I opened the freezer and felt the coil cover and it was already feeling cold. I took the cover off and noticed the fan was not running. I flicked one of the blades with my screwdriver and the fan started working. Does that mean I need a new fan or is there something else that controls it?

Also, there used to be some “suction” inside the freezer that would pull the door shut and almost vacuum seal it. Now there is only the force of the magnet that holds the door shut. It used to be tough to open too, not any more. Any Ideas?

By the way it is already at 10 deg F. Seems to be working. The compressor is now warm/hot to the touch. It was cold before. I can also hear the timer ticking.