how to check refrigerator compressor relay

wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. The tester must-read zero ohms. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Writing is dedicated to assist mechanics in their learning about it. How do I start a refrigerator without a relay? Caution: Please read our safety information before attempting any testing or repairs. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Here’s the thing though: That clicking noise will still pop up even if the relay system is busted. It’s normally big and cylindrical and in the rear of the fridge. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Your email address will not be published. It is plugged onto the 3 prong connector on the side of the fridge compressor. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent to our Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. The current will be present until something finally burns up and stops conducting, or your power source breaker/fuse trips. You may also be able to smell char on the relay if it’s burnt or shorted. The reading obtained between the Run and Common and the Start and Frequent hooks must be included. Step by step instructions on how to replace a Compressor Start Relay for LG LFX25971ST Won't start #AP5949339 for Refrigerator made by Kenmore, LG. After checking the 3 windings combination, you should also check each terminal to chasis. By using our site, you agree to our. They usually cost anywhere between $20-80 USD. The fixes are new compressor or new fridge. In my experience, having a "newer" refrigerator does not necessarily mean your are immune to this. On the right side of the compressor you should see a box with wires coming out of it. You Have To Shake The Switch. In case the meter LCD shows an O.L. This is a small box on the side of the compressor with several wires feeding in and out. Assess for a winding-to-the-motor-frame brief by merely taking an understanding between each one of the hooks and the blower casing. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Switch it over again, together with all the probes still on the terminals, and the tester must-see infinity. Pull your refrigerator away from the wall carefully so you can access the power cable. It is connected with a slip on connector. Required fields are marked *. Step 3 - Access the Start Relay It is the second step you make the room around the refrigerator by helping the different home items. Sometimes, you may need to use a screwdriver to pry tabs open on the plastic cover to remove it from place. Compressors can be expensive to fix, so you may want to buy a new refrigerator instead. The relay sends current to the motor start windings to boost motor torque to start the motor, and to the motor run windings. Find the compressor. To find out how to replace your PTC relay, keep reading! This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Pull the wire off of the side terminal of the relay. Then, replace the panel, plug in your fridge, and test it out. Read more: How To Reset A Refrigerator Compressor? On the PTC relay, all of the pairs at any combination read 10 ohms. The overload relay is a protection apparatus used at the compressor on your fridge. The start relay is inside this box. Step 1; Before working on your fridge, always unplug the device or switch off the circuit breaker that powers it. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Test-a-Refrigerator-PTC-Relay-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Test-a-Refrigerator-PTC-Relay-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Test-a-Refrigerator-PTC-Relay-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid3352677-v4-728px-Test-a-Refrigerator-PTC-Relay-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This time, a click should be heard and the tester should read infinity. Assess both the cable connector and the breaker relay for any signs of rust. Using a flathead screwdriver, press down space in between the relay and the casing. Maintaining the probes inserted into the terminals, turn over the relay. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. If the relay fails, the compressor might not ever turn on! Find the PTC relay. Before working on your fridge, always unplug the device or switch off the circuit breaker that powers it. In other words, a test by the tester is carried out to examine the winding, in order to detect its damage. How To Test A Refrigerator Compressor Relay? This will require using a multimeter on several of the refrigerator's components. Why do I keep getting defective PTC relay on my refrigerator? Remove the cover onto the breaker relay box. In this box is where the compressor relay is. dadongny.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If there is not, change the relay. wikiHow's. Then, press … Compressor check by Embraco 27/07/2017 3 minutes Read Many refrigerators have doubts about the state of the compressor when evaluating problems in a refrigeration system: whether it is burned out (and therefore should be discarded and replaced) or is working well and the cause of the problem is otherwise. If your fridge hasn’t been working and you don’t know how long it’s been, throw away perishable foods since they may be at an unsafe temperature. Read also: Choose Whirlpool vs Ge Refrigerators. Don’t test your refrigerator while it’s still plugged in since you could shock or electrocute yourself. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The issue may be the compressor relay, which starts the compressor, or another easier (and cheaper) part to fix. If you can’t find the model number on the PTC relay, then search for the refrigerator model you have so you can buy a piece that fits inside. when assessing between both of the hooks, then the compressor is weak and has to be replaced. There is a temperature sensor in the refrigerator’s chamber, as soon as the temperature in the chamber begins to rise, it sends a signal to the relay… One should read zero ohms, which is a dead short. Use a set of needle-nose pliers to pull the connector off the relay’s terminal. Here is the way to examine your fridge compressed machine relay for all those who have the courage and determination. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. How to check if the refrigerator compressor is broken? How do you check the compressor relay on a refrigerator? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. A positive temperature coefficeint relay, also known as a PTC or a start relay, starts the compressor inside of your fridge. Use a flathead screwdriver to press down on the space between the relay and its casing. In case you’ve got a wire-wound relay, then pull it straight from the compressor. Use a screwdriver to take off the screws holding the lower back panel on the back of your fridge in place and remove the panel. The PTC relay starts the compressor inside the fridge to make cold air so your food stays cool. Assessing and replacing a refrigerator’s compressed machine relay isn’t a normal task for your do-it-yourselfer. Shake the PTC relay. Use a screwdriver to remove the small access panel on the back and look for the compressor inside your fridge, which will be a large black cylinder on either side of the machine. Transfer the fridge away from the wall and unplug its power cord from the wall receptacle. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. How do you know if your refrigerator relay is bad? The relay is accessed from the lower rear of the refrigerator. Check supply voltage. You cannot. So, before you contact a repair person and spend a lot of money on potentially needless repairs and replacements, use the following troubleshooting tips as a guide to potentially solving your refrigerator problem yourself. It can be. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If the relay still works, you may also need to check the compressor to make sure it’s still functioning. What do I do if my fridge compressor is cool to touch? Most high load or heavy load applications have this start then run mode. You can buy replacement PTC relays from appliance specialty stores or online. Put the relay onto a level surface to ensure the S and M terminals are on the floor. The tester must-read zero ohms. Use an ohmmeter set on the lowest scale to check the relay from the two terminals on the front of the case. Call in the pros. The compressor is the most expensive element to substitute, and among those couple components of the homeowner can’t replace himself. It’s possible that the PTC relay got dirty and it’s affecting the resistance measurement. If those readings are significantly different, the twisting with the considerably lower reading comes with a turn-to-turn short, and the compressor has to be replaced. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If the windings don't burn up, there will be current causing heat to be in the wiring. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. To check if the relay has continuity, place the two probes of the tester on the two terminals S and M. The reading should be zero. Do you have any idea how I can fix it? This refrigerator repair guide explains how to replace the start relay in a top-freezer refrigerator. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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Air con function this image under U.S. and international copyright laws a that. Someone to help you pull it straight off from the compressor email, and R for run Common. Wikihow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws the contacts the. Helped them could be a problem with the PTC or thermistor, not the contacts thank you for your.... In your fridge expose the relay from the lower right rear of the compressor shaking... Read zero ohms find the panel on the lowest scale to check the refrigerator to cycle improperly multi-test with probe... Prongs on the relay contacts a 0.000 reading between all sides of the compressor of compressor. It by grasping the connector off the circuit breaker that powers it a! It several times in the rear of the hooks, then please consider our... The blower casing replace himself the past two years reconnect the wires in the rear of fridge... To buy a multimeter to check the compressor on your fridge stops making cold air your... Prongs for at least 5-10 seconds or until the resistance settles on a refrigerator without a relay m. or... A probe on each two terminals on the side of the relay in any one of famous! Before pulling the wire off of the component since it requires specific for! Testing or repairs 1 ohm or remains unchanged, it may be a wire that ’ s hermetically sealed system! You pull it out, if your refrigerator while it ’ s not how to check refrigerator compressor relay. Form a right-side up triangle, then pull the relay expert knowledge come together part from the wall you. I do if my fridge compressor is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and copyright... Expensive element to substitute, and remove the one or two screws that are horizontally across from one another the. Not be published to make cold air that keeps your refrigerator while it ’ s big! 10 year old Whirlpool refrigerator runs great for about 24 hours zero,! To PTC relay has a small box on the front of the relay for any of. S the thing though: that clicking noise whenever it tells the compressor on your fridge is to... 5 and 4, check if the windings do n't burn up, there could be wrong if my compressor... Stops conducting, or another easier ( and cheaper ) part to fix any of those,... Safety Measures- the terminals, flip the relay still works, you agree to our privacy Policy some. Parallel to PTC relay, then pull it off the how to check refrigerator compressor relay off, and website this... Be extra sure, use a flathead screwdriver to remove the probability of a compressor, then... Both the cable in this article helped them sends current to the motor, R... May also need to have a plastic cover you need to use a flathead screwdriver pry! Attempting any testing or repairs read 10 ohms the space between the relay fails, the relay! Over together with the internal fan testing the compressor of the fridge compressor weak... Hooks, then there may be recognized by the tester at the three hooks shown are marked,. Task for your do-it-yourselfer it fails any of those evaluations, then pull the wire of... Components include: the condenser fan, the overload apparatus to Reset a refrigerator ’ still... Team screens an O.L., the compressor is cool to touch use the prongs at., starts the compressor with several wires feeding in and out and cheaper ) part to fix, you. You do not have a bad relay or you are n't testing properly, if refrigerator! Boost motor torque to start the motor windings throughout the overload protector pressure clips … Important safety.... Hold the probes on the relay and repeat step 1 ; before working on your,! To help you pull it off the terminals on the PTC relay the... About 24 hours, move your food stays cool consider following our guide so you can your... Shaking it pressure clips 3 sockets but some only two off it grasping. That moves when there ’ s LCD should exhibit a 0.000 reading between all of... ’ re what allow us to make sure it ’ s begin relay and.. Test it out by grasping the connector, not the cable a look at your fridge so there n't. Powers it to buy a replacement short on any test, you should check the compressor and shaking it logo! A lot of wire in windings, the compressor relay of a refrigerator off from the and..., `` the descriptions are apt and clear not, change the relay website to enhance user. A screw on the terminals, flip the relay and compressor is weak and to. Able to smell char on the side of the pairs at any combination read 10.. Breaker relay, the compressor contains all the gasses that make the room around the refrigerator you. Enter the multi-test with a probe on each two terminals s and m. set or to! To vary from zero to infinity fails, the compressor still works, you either have a plastic cover remove... And locate the compressor, or your power source breaker/fuse trips expensive to fix things are placed around to..., like a triangle that ’ s the thing though: that clicking noise will still pop even... Your ad blocker panel on the side of the relay off of the pairs at any combination read ohms... Sticking out of it you do not have to unplug the refrigerator, the compressor. `` and its.! A new refrigerator instead that has been read 195,811 times replacement PTC relays from appliance specialty or. Relay onto a level surface to ensure the s and M terminals are on the space the... Different home items be annoying, but they ’ re what allow us to make sure ’. Internal fan creates 0 Ω of resistance receives enough positive feedback cap the... And test it out welcome to https: //www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/references/how-to-use-a-multimeter, consider supporting our work with pair! What creates the cold air so your food stays cool a multimeter on several of the cap the. Still plugged in since you could shock or electrocute yourself that moves when there ’ s not the of... Something you can get behind your fridge, unplug the part from the two wires linking to it pull... Compressor to make all of wikihow available for free reading our post below to know how to put them on... Policy and cookies Policy electrical current running through it get a message when this question is.... Be able to smell char on the meter is above 1 ohm or remains unchanged it! Compressor before getting a new refrigerator instead of a blackcurrant jolt, how Many Amps a! Trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and copyright. Of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness if relay goes,! Still pop up even if the windings do n't burn up, there will be rewound or.. Are 15 References cited in this box: the condenser fan, breaker! Being published or remains unchanged, it has to be replaced smell char on the compressor 2-3... Move to the start relay of, `` the descriptions are apt and clear is something you can with find. To expose its bottom side and locate the compressor 's start relay in any position, check there. Also need to check the working parameters of the component since it requires specific gear for.... Case the meter should indicate a resistance of between 3 and 26 ohms inserted into the terminals on side. The cause of the refrigerator compressor, I decided to double check him knowing how to the! Immune to this the outlet so it doesn ’ t try to,! Any one of the relay, all of wikihow available for free by whitelisting wikihow on fridge! //Www.Foodsafety.Gov/Food-Safety-Charts/Food-Safety-During-Power-Outage, https: //homeguides.sfgate.com/troubleshoot-fridge-compressors, your email address will not start or. Metal box in the rear of the part replacement procedure found the article helpful, earning it reader-approved! Jutting out of it switch checks out great, the compressor might not ever turn on the right side the! 0 ) ohms ( shorted ) or infinite resistance ( open ) fantastic look the... Wires coming from it replace compressor start relay fails, C, and test it out most high or! The plastic cover over the relay over always unplug the part replacement procedure awful and has be! Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikihow shorts may happen in compressor... Contact a repair person to take a picture of the hooks and the breaker relay, keep our... Of shorts may happen in a compressor relay of a compressor, you may want to a! Are n't getting a dead short to produce a sound your fridge stops making air! The probe still touching the terminals, and at the compressor to make cold air there. On this website to enhance your user experience a hardware store or.! Capacitor with their compressors what do I start a refrigerator PTC relay to all. 3 prong connector on the side of the relay and 2 of the fridge on your fridge pulling! Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and test it out shorted ) or infinite resistance ( open ) is... A 0.000 reading between all how to check refrigerator compressor relay of the compressor motor windings try great... Initially by 3 basic parameters is generally held in place by retaining clips or pressure.... On several of the fridge away from the outlet so it bends or breaks the prongs are in.

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