HOW TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX A FRIDGE (OR FREEZER) COMPRESSOR THAT WON'T COOL !
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- Опубликовано: 19 янв 2022
- When a refrigerator stops working, the cause can be as simple as a failed start relay, whose function is to start the compressor. In this video, I show you how to check the compressor windings with a multimeter. Once the compressor is determined to be electrically sound, I show you how to install a new start relay kit (commonly known as a "Hard Start Kit"). These kits are inexpensive and can be installed by anyone who is reasonably competent with a multimeter and can practice basic electrical safety.
Very often, when a start relay fails, the fridge fans will continue to run (blowing warm air) and the compressor may get warm (due to current being passed to the motor via the "RUN" winding), but the motor won't be turning to drive the piston that circulates refrigerant through the system because the "START" winding isn't getting energized. The start winding adds extra torque to turn the compressor against pressurized refrigerant in the system each time the compressor tries to start. The "START" and "RUN" windings work together to get the compressor up to speed, then the "START" winding is disconnected from the circuit by the start relay until the next cycle. When the start relay fails, the compressor will attempt to start but be unable to get going.
NOTE: This repair is only one of several potential reasons for a refrigerator not cooling, but demonstrates a frequent cause of compressors not starting. In the absense of exhaustive troubleshooting and specialized refrigeration service equipment, this guide offers owners an opportunity to get a fridge or deep freeze going again if the cause of the "non-cooling" is a failed start relay or capacitor.
Please ensure that you read the disclaimer below.
3-in1 Hard Start Relay Kit Amazon (U.S.A.)
www.amazon.com/Supco-RCO810-S...
3-in-1Hard Start Relay Kit Amazon (Canada)
www.amazon.ca/Supco-RCO810-ST...
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Disclaimer: IMPORTANT! READ!: This video may portray household, construction, automotive or other repair methods and/or activities that may not be suitable for everyone. These videos are informative but are for entertainment purposes only. Always use certified contractors, licensed mechanics, qualified electricians and professionally certified tradespeople to perform any work. Follow the advice of your local building inspector and get appropriate permits before undertaking any repairs or electrical work. Please follow all safety precautions and local Codes. Viewers are advised not to undertake any of the actions in these videos themselves. Everyday Projects cannot be held responsible for any damage, injury or claim resulting from information or instruction gleaned from these videos, whether expressed or implied.
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I’ve used 2 of these. Saved me $100s. Going on 15 years now
They are a great way to replace the start capacitor and get a fridge or freezer working again.
Great and clear demonstration! Thanks. Oh, and thanks for the reminder to unplug before working on anything electrical.
Safety first! thanks for watching and commenting!
Awesome video!!!
Thank you! These hard start capacitors can work wonders. Please be careful and practice electrical safety.
How's she goin'? Way to go. That fix saved you enough money to buy a couple of steaks and a box of beer!! Well done. I like the details you gave for the trouble shooting, finding the start and run windings. Well done and a nice fix. Take care and thanks for sharing!!!
I hope this helps someone who is faced with a fridge that just up and quits. Sometimes it's just the relay as it was in this instance. My victory dance (from the Christmas of 2017 says it all LOL HA). Take care and Be Good!
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Hot Dang! I have a neighbor up the hill with a freezer that doesn't work but they don't want to chuck it. This might be the ticket!
Jesus. Great vid!
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thosand times thanks for this video
I hope you got your fridge to work. Take care
good demonstration ! like
Thanks!
Interesting. Nice Share. Stay Connected 😀
Does the 3 in 1 relay thing works on all brands of fridges and freezers? This is a very useful video, I like that you explain with the drawing what these holes are and what they do. Tthank you for posting.
Yes, the 3-in-1 kits are widely used on most brands.
I would worry about those wires just plugging onto the compressor either a touching at some point by vibration or coming loose. You would think they would have rubber coatings over them or sleeves just in case.
Great point! It seems that the wires stay on the terminals without falling off. The newer compressors are contained behind a cover on the rear of the refrigerator so that would lessen the chance of someone coming into direct contact with a live terminal. It's just the way it's done. I'm sure a fellow could coat the exposed terminals with liquid electrical tape (actual product). Take care. thanks for your concern and comment.
Great schematic and multimeter walk through. If my fridge powers on with interior lights, the thermostat checks out on the multimeter, but I still get no fan or compressor start, is it still likely the Supco RCO410 that I discovered on my Amana? It's 16 years old.
These "Hard Start" Kits are a near universal fit for most refrigerators and freezers. If it was me, I'd check the motor windings and if they checked out, I'd get a kit and try it. The interior light and thermostat are independent of the motor start, although the thermostat will signal when to start and stop the motor. Best of luck and remember--Be careful!
It worked on my Kenmore Elite Trio, circa 2010 or so. I used RCO810 tho. I think it covers more types of hp rated motors.
Question: would this work for a 1950s fridge? How different is rhe wiring for those antiques?
That would be a question for an expert appliance repairman. I'm just a general fixer and mechanic , mostly. If you find out, please post it here so we'll all know . Thanks
How did you decide between a Supco 3 n 1 RCO410 and the RCO210?
I ordered the RCO210 because is is good for 1/12 to 1/2HP compressors. The RCO410 is only good up to 1/3hp. I went for the more rugged.
My compressor label states it's LRA is 18.2amps. My OEM start relay was clicking and going into overload. The fridge always cooled enough but I feared the repetitive clicking would get worse.
It's been a while and I cannot remember exactly why I chose that particular hard start kit. I bought it on Amazon and it was a match for the hp of my fridge compressor motor. As I remember I have a 1/3 hp motor and the RC0410 works up to 1/3 hp. That would have been my first choice. The RC0210 works up to and including 1 hp motors. Quite frankly, it was most likely a choice of the least expensive hard-start-kit that matched my motor (considering the same brand and quality).
Is the 3-in1 relay/capacitor you have had on your description works for any refrigerator?
Yes. these should work on most brands of refrigerator or freezer. You can find them on Amazon or at major box stores. Good luck.
Hi, I heard the 3N1 can fry/damage the compressor depending on the type of the compressor even if you choose the correct HP rating. It can lead to compressor death after a few months. Is that true?
I haven't had that experience. The 3N1 units are simple components sold in one package: a start capacitor, a start relay and an overload. The alternative to this repair is to use the OEM factory start relay which are readily available. When choosing a 3N1 hard start kit, look for reputable brands that have been proven. If in doubt, ask an appliance repair company to provide a quality unit. This can help avoid the cheapest and lowest quality knock-offs that may give you trouble. And always, if you have any doubts about which unit to select or how to install it, have a qualified service technician perform the repair.
hello can a 1/2hp compressor be replaced with a 1/3compressor, and will it be much difference??
I have no idea, sorry.
I did installed one exactly like this one on whirlpool refrigerator and it didn’t work, any suggestions. The problem with the refrigerator is that it sometimes starts when I plug it in for few hours then it stops and can’t start back with original relay and capacitor.
Use a multimeter and check the resistance in the motor windings that I showed in the video. This will help you decide if the motor has a defect. There are other components that can cause a refrigerator to run intermittently such as a themostat problem or control board, etc. Start with testing the motor windings. Good Luck!
@@EverydayProjects thank you, I did check the compressor with multimeter it matched the two top number equal to the one on bottom number. I don’t know what else to do. Also I noticed that the compressor fan is not blowing towards the compressor, it’s blowing the opposite direction, is that how it supposed to be and when it runs sometimes the compressor gets really hot.
@@yayahkhan117 The repair may be beyond my knowledge but I’d search for the electrical diagram for your make and model and find thermostat and control board. You may be able to identify a defective component. You may have to bring in a technician.
Someone help me here
I replaced the capacitor with a hard start and it run for 10 minutes before clicking off
Could it be my hard start kit too small?
It could be the compressor motor itself that has a problem. Do the tests I showed to see if the windings are intact. Good luck.
@@EverydayProjects turns out I really had to replace the compressor