Wondering what to do about a Bosch refrigerator compressor with problems? This article discusses different compressor problems and their solutions.
Table of Contents
Bosch Refrigerator Compressor Not Running – How to Fix
Do the following if you find that a Bosch refrigerator compressor is not running:
1. Check the Power Cord
A damaged power cord won’t be able to supply the needed amount of voltage to the compressor. And if the compressor does not get power, it won’t run.
Therefore, pull the cord out of the outlet and inspect it. If there is any damage, replace the cord. But if there is no damage, check the outlet.
Plug another appliance into it and check for power. If it turns on, the outlet is working fine. But if it does not, replace the outlet.
You can also check the circuit breaker that powers it as well as the fuses. If there was a power surge or outage, it could affect the output of power.
2. Check the Condenser Coils
Clean the coils if you find that they are dirty. And if they are, do a thorough job of cleaning them using a condenser cleaning tool or a vacuum cleaner with an attached brush.
Make sure to clean them every six months because dirty coils cause heat from the refrigerant to travel to the refrigerator.
Because of this, the compressor tends to work harder to lower the temperature. Eventually, it may stop running altogether because of the stress on it.
3. Check the Start Relay
Pull the relay out of the side of the compressor and shake it. It is a small box. If it rattles when you shake it, it is probably damaged. Replace it.
If you smell any burnt odor from it, it means it is definitely damaged. Replace it because leaving it attached to the compressor could damage the compressor.
However, if you want to be doubly sure, place the probes of a multimeter to the relay’s start and run terminals. Check it for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace it.
The compressor will not run if the relay that is supposed to boost it to run is damaged.
4. Check the Condenser Fan
Turn the blades of the fan to see if they spin well. This is one sure-fire way to check the motor. Before this, make sure nothing is obstructing the blades. Clean them to be sure.
If the blades show any sign of friction or stiffness, the motor might be bad. Consider replacing it. But if the blades turn well, test the motor using a multimeter in order to check for continuity. If you don’t find continuity, replace the fan.
This fan has the job of cooling the condenser coils and the compressor as they work. This way, they don’t overheat. So if it fails, the compressor will overheat and stop running over time because of the excess heat.
5. Check the Temperature Controls
Turn the controls off and on and monitor the compressor. If it starts running, then the controls being off caused it to stop running.
But if the compressor remains the same, check to see if they are still functional. You may have to change them if they are bad.
6. Check the Thermistor
Check the continuity of the thermistor. Its resistance should change as the temperature of the refrigerator changes. Even if the refrigerator is not cooling, the meter should register some number changes if the thermistor is working.
However, if the thermistor’s resistance remains the same, it is faulty and you should replace it. Otherwise, the control board won’t have the correct temperature readings.
And if it does not have the readings, it won’t send the power needed by the compressor to run. As a result, the compressor won’t run.
7. Check the Compressor
It is not every day that the compressor of a refrigerator fails. However, it fails eventually. So, test it with a multimeter to check its resistance. Do this where the start relay is attached; you have to remove the relay first.
If the resistance is incorrect, the compressor may be damaged. Consider replacing it.
Bosch Refrigerator Compressor Noise – Quick Fix
How you fix this problem depends on the noise. A good compressor should make a low and steady hum as it works. This is completely normal. But you should worry if the hum becomes a buzz and gets too loud.
And if the compressor is making a clicking noise, the controls of the freezer may be turning it off and on. This happens when the defrost cycle stops and starts again. However, the noise stops after several seconds.
Nevertheless, if the noise continues without stopping, it is likely the start relay has become defective or the compressor is overloaded. Replace the relay.
Now, if the noise sounds like a thump or a vibration, it could mean that the 3 springs that hold the compressor steady are weak and loose.
The thump or vibration is the compressor hitting the sides of its compartment as the refrigerator shuts off. You may have to get a technician to inspect the springs and replace them.
Another cause for the vibration is the refrigerator hitting the walls or surfaces surrounding it. It means you have to create more space around it to eliminate the occurrence. Move the unit to create about 1 inch at the top, 2 inches at the back, and 1 inch at the sides.
But before all these, make sure the compressor is responsible for the noise. Sometimes, the condenser fan makes a noise. And because it is so close to the compressor, it is assumed the noise is from the compressor.
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Bosch Fridge Freezer Compressor Hot – Solutions
The following are parts to check if the compressor of your Bosch fridge freezer is hot:
1. Evaporator Fan
Turn the blades of the fan behind the back panel of the freezer. They should turn well but if they don’t, the motor may be bad.
However, if they do, test for continuity in the motor with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.
You can also defrost the freezer manually if there is an accumulation of ice on the fan. Then, troubleshoot the components of the defrost system.
The fan spreads cold air in the unit after passing it over the cooling coils. Now, if it fails, there will be no cold air in the unit, causing the compressor to work harder. As a result, it will run hot.
2. Condenser Coils
Clean the coils to remove dust and debris from them. When you do this, the coils are better able to release the heat which the refrigerant carries with it.
This way, the heat does not transfer to the fridge freezer. If the heat goes to the refrigerator, the internal temperature will rise.
And if it does, then the compressor will pick up the slack, thereby overworking itself. Consequently, it becomes hot.
3. Refrigerant
If the refrigerant is low, the unit will stop cooling. This is despite the work the compressor puts in to make up for the low gas. As a result, the compressor becomes hot.
Check the level of the refrigerant with the help of a certified and licensed technician. If it is truly low, the technician is in the best place to fix it.
But while this fix is happening, endeavor to remove food items from the unit and put them in another freezer. If you don’t have access to it, use a well-insulated cooler stocked with ice packs.
4. Thermostat
Turn the thermostat from low to high and wait for an audible click. If the click does not come, test it for continuity using a multimeter. If you don’t find continuity, no matter the setting, replace the thermostat.
A bad or incorrectly-set thermostat affects the functionality of the compressor. The compressor can run hot when the thermostat is too low or too high. The same is true if it is defective.
5. Compressor
Finally, check the compressor. It may not be functioning anymore. One sign that it is no longer in good working condition is that it runs hot while being unable to perform its duty.
Using a digital multimeter, check the compressor for continuity. Do this on the pins you find after detaching the start relay. If there is no continuity or resistance, it might be time to replace it.
Recap
Fix a Bosch refrigerator compressor that has developed one problem or another. The problems listed in this article are the common ones you will find. So, following the steps to solve them will get the compressor and refrigerator working again.
However, contact Bosch to report the issue and request service if all the fixes in this article fail. As an alternative, chat with our technicians using the chatbox to your right. No need for an appointment or waiting period and no need for an expensive in-house call.
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