Okay, picture this: Your trusty chest freezer’s compressor is humming away, but the ice cream’s melting, and the chicken’s thawing. You think, “Chest freezer compressor running but not cooling… what gives?” Don’t panic. We’ve got you covered. This article will walk you through the who, what, when, and how to show that freezer who’s boss!
Table of Contents
Comprehend the Issue: Chest Freezer Compressor Running but Not Cooling
Like a detective, let’s first understand our suspect – the compressor.
Understand the Role of the Compressor
The compressor is the heart of your freezer. It pumps refrigerant through the system, which is basically like a freezing version of blood in your body. Let’s delve deeper.
Function of the Compressor
Think of the compressor as a relentless sherpa, tirelessly carrying the cold up the mountain. It compresses the refrigerant, making it hot and pressurized, then sends it on its merry way to the coils.
Symptoms of a Running Compressor
You might hear it buzzing or humming, kinda like a bee that got trapped in a jar. If it’s running but the freezer isn’t cold, that’s like a car engine running but the car not moving. We have a problem, Houston!
Recognize Common Causes for the Issue
Let’s put on our detective hats again and scope out the usual suspects.
Dirty or Damaged Condenser Coils
If those coils are dirtier than a pig in mud or they’re beaten up like an old rug, they won’t work properly. They release heat from the refrigerant. If they’re in bad shape, it’s like trying to breathe through a straw.
Malfunctioning Evaporator Fan
This little guy’s job is to spread cold air around like confetti. If it’s busted, cold air is going nowhere fast.
Defective Start Relay
Imagine trying to start a car with no key. The start relay is the key to the compressor’s engine. No start relay, no action.
Faulty Thermostat
It’s like the boss of the freezer, calling the shots. If it can’t tell the freezer to get chilly, then you’re outta luck.
Diagnose the Problem: Steps to Identify the Cause
Time to roll up those sleeves and get down to the business of uncovering the causes of the chest freezer compressor running but not cooling case. Time to play detective!
Visual and Physical Inspection
A good old once-over can tell you a lot about what’s going on.
Inspecting the Condenser Coils
Check out the coils. They’re usually at the back or bottom. If they look like they’ve seen better days or are coated in dust, well, there’s your culprit!
Checking the Evaporator Fan
Peek inside the freezer. Hear that? If the fan’s not spinning or making a racket, then it’s having a bad day.
Evaluating the Start Relay
If you shake the relay and it rattles like a can of spray paint, it’s time to bid it adieu.
Assessing the Thermostat
Turn the thermostat from the lowest to the highest setting. Hear a click? No? Could be the boss isn’t giving orders anymore.
Advanced Diagnostic Techniques
Some things need a little more than a look-see. For those, we get technical.
Using a Multimeter to Test the Start Relay
Connect the multimeter to the relay. If it doesn’t give a reading between zero and one, then it’s pushing up daisies.
Testing the Thermostat
Get that multimeter again. Connect it to the thermostat. If there’s no continuity, it’s time for a replacement.
Assessing the Evaporator Fan Motor
Give the fan blades a spin. If they don’t spin smoothly or if the motor shaft doesn’t turn, it’s time for a fan funeral.
Check out these other related articles…
Fridge Compressor Hot but Not Running: Causes & Solutions
Refrigeration Compressor Troubleshooting: Your Easy Guide
Refrigerator Compressor Only Runs for 10 Seconds [Solved]
Refrigerator Compressor Inside: Everything You Need to Know
Refrigerator Compressor Turns On and Off: Causes & Solutions
Troubleshoot and Fix the Issue: DIY Solutions
If you’re a hands-on kind of person, here are some DIY solutions to fix the chest freezer compressor running but not cooling issue. Time to be the hero your freezer deserves!
Cleaning or Replacing Condenser Coils
Coils covered in dust? Time to do some spring cleaning!
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean the Coils
Just like sweeping under the bed, dust off those coils with a coil brush. Be gentle though, they’re a bit delicate.
Procedure for Replacing Damaged Coils
If the coils look more battered than an old shoe, you might need to replace them. It’s a bit of a project and needs some know-how, but it’s doable.
1. Unplug your chest freezer and move it away from the wall. Safety first!
2. Remove the back panel or the protective grate to access the coils. This is usually held in place with screws.
3. Take a picture of the current setup for reference. It will come in handy later.
4. Carefully disconnect the old coils from the compressor and the condenser fan by detaching the connections and any mounting screws.
5. Fit the new coil in place, ensuring it’s aligned just like the old one. Use your earlier picture as a guide.
6. Reconnect the new coils to the compressor and the condenser fan.
7. Secure the coil in place using the same screws or new ones if provided with the replacement part.
8. Replace the back panel or protective grate, plug your freezer back in, and monitor it for a couple of hours to ensure it’s working properly.
Fixing the Evaporator Fan
Is your fan feeling down? Let’s see if we can perk it up!
Cleaning the Fan
Sometimes, a little TLC goes a long way. Clean off any dust or debris that could be causing the fan to act up.
Replacing the Fan
If your fan has spun its last, fear not! Replacing it is as easy as pie.
1. Unplug your chest freezer to avoid any electrical mishaps.
2. Locate the fan compartment. It’s typically behind an access panel.
3. Remove the screws holding the access panel, and carefully remove the panel.
4. Take a picture of the current setup to use as a reference.
5. Detach the wiring connected to the fan. Note: You might need to remove a clip or a couple of screws to do this.
6. Remove the screws holding the fan in place, and carefully remove the old fan.
7. Fit the new fan in the exact position as the old one. Use the picture as a guide.
8. Reconnect the wiring to the fan and secure it with the screws or clip.
9. Replace the access panel and plug in the chest freezer. Monitor the freezer for a few hours to confirm everything is working well.
Resolving Issues with the Start Relay
If your relay has given up the ghost, we’ve got you covered.
How to Replace a Start Relay
Out with the old, in with the new! Just unplug the old relay and pop in the new one. Let’s break it down.
1. Disconnect the freezer from the power source.
2. Locate the start relay on the compressor, usually at the back of the freezer.
3. Disconnect the wires from the relay. Be sure to mark or take a picture to remember where each wire connects.
4. Remove the relay from the compressor. This is often as simple as pulling it straight off.
5. Connect the new relay to the compressor. Make sure it is secure.
6. Reconnect the wires to the relay as per your marking or picture.
7. Plug your freezer back in and monitor it to ensure it starts and runs correctly.
Dealing with a Faulty Thermostat
If your thermostat’s fallen down on the job, it’s time for a change.
How to Replace a Chest Freezer Thermostat
Just disconnect the old thermostat, attach the new one, and voila, the chest freezer compressor running but not cooling problem solved. Want details, here you go…
1. Unplug the chest freezer from the power source.
2. Locate the thermostat, usually found inside the freezer.
3. Remove the thermostat dial or knob.
4. Take out the screws that secure the thermostat and carefully pull it out.
5. Disconnect the wires attached to the thermostat. It’s wise to take a picture before doing this for future reference.
6. Attach the wires to the new thermostat using your picture as a guide.
7. Secure the new thermostat in place with screws.
8. Replace the thermostat dial or knob.
9. Plug in the chest freezer and adjust the thermostat to an appropriate setting. Monitor the freezer’s temperature over the next few hours to ensure it’s working correctly.
When to Call a Professional: Recognize the Limits of DIY
Sometimes, we’ve got to admit when a job’s too big for us. Let’s figure out when it’s time to call in the pros.
Signs That You Need Professional Help
Some chest freezer compressor running but not cooling problems are bigger than a DIY fix. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to raise the white flag and call for backup.
Persistent Issues Despite Replacements
If you’ve replaced parts but the chest freezer compressor running but not cooling problem persists, it’s time to call in the cavalry.
Complex Malfunctions Beyond Simple Repairs
When your freezer starts making noises that would frighten a banshee or if it’s hotter inside than outside in a heatwave, that’s your cue to call a pro.
Choosing a Reliable Appliance Repair Service
Getting someone who knows their stuff is crucial. Here’s how to pick the right one.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Service
Look for good reviews, a decent price, and a nice customer service rep who doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out.
Steps to Ensure a Smooth Repair Process
Have a chat with the repair service. Tell them what’s going on, and what you’ve done to fix it, and ask for a quote. Be sure to take notes!
Preventive Maintenance: Keeping Your Chest Freezer at Optimum Performance
Now that your freezer’s back in action, let’s keep it that way. Here are some tips to keep your appliance in tip-top shape and prevent the chest freezer compressor running but not cooling issue from occurring again.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
A clean machine is a happy machine. Here’s how to keep it that way.
How Often to Clean Your Freezer
Give it a good scrub every three or four months. That’s less often than most of us shower, so it’s not that bad!
Recommended Cleaning and Maintenance Routine
Keep those coils clean, defrost regularly, and check for weird noises or smells. It’s like giving your freezer a spa day!
Detecting and Addressing Issues Early
Stop the chest freezer compressor running but not cooling problems before they start. Here’s how.
Signs of Possible Problems
If your freezer starts making strange noises, sweating like a marathon runner, or just not keeping things cold, it’s time for some TLC.
How to Address Minor Issues Before They Escalate
Catch chest freezer compressor running but not cooling issues early. Give it a once-over regularly, keep it clean, and don’t ignore little problems. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine!