To respond correctly, if the refrigerator has stopped working, you need to understand the causes of the malfunction. If you are attentive to external signs, you can quickly find the problem: for example, there is no cold in the department, and the light is on. What to do if the refrigerator does not work well, our article will tell.
Typical malfunctions
Regardless of brand, all refrigerators are prone to breakage. The reason can be both wear of parts, wiring, and improper operation of the equipment: overload, lack of defrosting, improper installation.
Consider the problems that users most often complain about.
Defrost does not work in the refrigerator
Automatic defrosting is activated in refrigerators with the Nou Frost system. For some time, the motor is running, the fan is catching cold. Then the compressor is turned off, moisture droplets that appear when the temperature rises, flow into the drainage hole.
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Notice that water accumulates in the bottom of the refrigerator? At the same time, a snow coat could form on the back wall. Symptoms indicate problems with the No Frost defrost system. Check such details:
- evaporator heater;
- temperature sensor that sends data to the module;
- temperature regulator.
The reason may be in the motor, which does not turn off to rest. Why there are problems with the defrost system:
- The point is the improper transportation of equipment. Oil from the engine could enter the capillary, resulting in a breakdown.
- A tightly closed door can cause many problems: from the constant operation of the motor-compressor to the freezing of snow on the walls. Therefore, make sure that the gasket is tight against the body.
- Hot and warm food on the shelves leads to the same effect as in the previous case. The cooling system, compensating for the temperature increase, works without stopping.
- The location of equipment near stoves and batteries is undesirable. A temperature imbalance occurs.
First defrost the refrigerator for 10 hours or days. If the system did not resume automatic defrosting, call a specialist.
The refrigerator often turns on and works for a long time
Does your refrigerator work for a long time and rest a little, maybe it doesn’t even turn off? What's the matter? Normally, the motor should shut off every 15-20 minutes. When the room is hot and stuffy, ventilation does not work well, the compressor can turn off once an hour.
Why the equipment works for a long time and does not turn off:
- The door seal has deteriorated, so there is no tight chamber closure.
- The seal may be worn, torn, or dirty. If it cannot be restored, replace the rubber. This procedure does not take much time.
- The temperature sensor has broken. Since the electronic module no longer receives a signal about the temperature in the chamber, it does not consider it necessary to turn off the cooling system.
- The capillary tube of the evaporator is clogged.
- Refrigerant leak from the circuit. The amount of freon gas is reduced, so the refrigerator is constantly working.
- The mechanical control is set to Super Freeze mode. The compressor only works at maximum until you turn off the unit.
- The motor runs to wear. Its power is not enough for normal pressure, to increase the temperature.
No less rare problem - the refrigerator starts to work and stalls. Usually this happens with new, modern models. The technique responds to power surges. It turned out that everything is in order with voltage? Then a breakdown is likely:
- An open or short circuit has occurred in the motor winding. The compressor overheats as soon as it starts, switches off again after a couple of seconds. Clicks may be heard. This start relay switches off the compressor to protect against overload.
- In case of failures in the main module, the intervals between operation can be different. Diagnostics and replacement of the control module are needed.
- Defective start-up relay. The refrigerator also works at short intervals, a click is heard when disconnected. Replacing a damaged relay will help.
If you want to make repairs yourself, be careful. You need to select spare parts in strict accordance with the brand and model of the refrigerator. Otherwise, you will only lose money and time in vain.
The compressor of the refrigerator is constantly working
When the motor runs without stopping, the reason is the increased temperature outside. As we wrote above, placement near batteries and stoves, poor ventilation lead to overheating of the refrigerator. Consequently, the compressor will operate to lower the temperature.
A sagging, poorly closed door has a similar effect. When the equipment starts to work loudly, it is worth checking the motor mounts. Perhaps they have weakened and need to be tightened.
If you notice that the compressor is hot, but the refrigerator is not working, the thing is windings. Inter-turn circuit leads to heating of the part. To check the winding, a multimeter dial is used.
Also, problems with the motor lead to the fact that the refrigerator is buzzing, but does not work. Allow the technique to “rest” and unfreeze, then try to start again.
The refrigerator does not work after a power surge
Did you turn off the light, and then the refrigerator stopped working? In some brands, this is normal. The motor protection works, which is not allowed to start within 6-7 minutes after connecting. If, after the time has passed, the equipment does not work, the following problems are likely:
- as a result of a short circuit, the motor or its wiring burned out;
- The electronic board is particularly sensitive to voltage surges - perhaps it is a matter of failure.
It is also worth checking the wiring of the refrigerator, so it is better to consult a specialist.
If the refrigerator runs for a few seconds (5-10) and turns off, most likely the electronic board or start relay is faulty. With these breakdowns, it is also better to contact the master.
The refrigerator after defrosting works without interruption
In the case of continuous operation of the equipment after defrosting, the problem may be in the wrong mode. Maybe you accidentally set the regulator to full power or selected the “Super Freeze” mode.
When defrosting the camera, never crack the ice with sharp objects. This results in damage to the compartment walls and refrigerant leakage.
It happens that after defrosting the refrigerator stopped working. See if you plugged the plug into a power outlet. Possible causes of the problem:
- Insulated mains cable.
- The outlet does not work or the plug is damaged.
- Problems with the thermostat or temperature sensor.
- Burned out items on the control board.
Before you start defrosting the refrigerator, first turn off the cooling system and only then unplug the plug.
The refrigerator does not work after transportation
If after moving your refrigerator is noisy or does not turn on at all, the transportation was probably not carried out correctly.
It is recommended that the equipment be left at least 4 hours after installation. What happens when an immediate connection is made? During long-term operation of the compressor, wear products are formed, during shaking they are mixed with oil. Therefore, if you connect immediately, the motor may jam.
Likely breakdowns:
- Due to mechanical damage or depressurization, freon leaked.
- The compressor has broken. One of its parts came off during transportation.
To prevent this from happening, follow the rules for transporting the refrigerator:
- Free the compartments from the shelves and drawers.
- Thaw, wash and dry both chambers completely.
- Securely lock the compartment doors with foam and tape.
- The main thing is to transport the refrigerator in a horizontal position.
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You have familiarized yourself with the main problems with refrigerators. The one who is aware is armed, therefore, faced with a malfunction, you will be able to make the right decisions.