Are you looking for how to fix an Electrolux refrigerator compressor that is not working? Look no further. This article explains how to fix such a compressor.
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Electrolux Refrigerator Compressor Not Working – Solutions
The following are possible solutions to the problem of an Electrolux refrigerator compressor not working:
1. Change the Fan Motor
The motor of the condenser fan may be defective. So, turn the blades of the fan to check it. If the blades turn well, the motor is likely working fine.
However, if they don’t turn well and no debris or dirt is restricting them, then the motor is bad. To be sure, check the motor for continuity using a multimeter.
If you don’t find continuity when you run the test, replace the fan motor.
The compressor of the refrigerator is likely to stop working if it becomes overloaded with heat. And overheating can occur if the condenser fan stops working.
The fan is supposed to blow air over the compressor and the coils to prevent too much heat. Therefore, if the motor fails, overheating will occur and lead to compressor failure eventually.
2. Replace the Start Relay
Pull the relay from the side of the compressor and smell it. It should not smell as if it is burnt but if it does, it is damaged.
Also, shake it a little. A damaged start relay makes a rattling sound. If you hear it with yours, replace it.
But if you are still not sure whether or not the relay is bad, run a continuity test on it with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the relay as soon as possible.
The relay is what powers the compressor so it can run. If it becomes defective or faulty, you might find that the compressor has a hard time starting. And even if it does start, running would not be smooth.
3. Check the Power Supply
The supply of power to the refrigerator may be impeded or hindered. So start with the fuses and circuit breaker.
Check them to see if there are burnt ones or damage to the breaker. Replace the bad ones if there are; let a professional electrician perform this task.
Go to the power cord of the refrigerator if the breaker and fuses are in perfect condition. Unplug it and check for burns or any other damage.
If you find any, you might have to buy a new cord and replace it. It is usually inexpensive and easy to find.
Make sure the cord is fully plugged into the outlet before replacing it. Partial connection is another cause of poor power supply to the compressor.
However, if the cord is working fine, then check the wall outlet. There may be a poor voltage supply, making it near impossible for the compressor to work.
Plug another electrical appliance into the outlet, preferably one that is inexpensive but in good working order. If it comes on, it means the problem does not stem from the outlet. Otherwise, consider replacing it.
You may require the services of a professional electrician in order to accurately check and replace the outlet. This is especially true if you don’t know your way around electrical appliances.
4. Get Another Thermistor
With a multimeter, check the continuity of the thermistor. The resistance of the component should rise and drop as long as the temperature in the unit changes.
If you cannot check the resistance with the temperature within the refrigerator, use ordinary water to check it.
Place the thermistor in a cup or bowl of water and check its resistance. Then, slowly heat the water and keep checking the resistance as you do so.
If the resistance remains the same, you know the thermistor is bad. You should get another one.
A compressor may stop working if the thermistor is faulty. The reason for this is that the thermistor monitors the refrigerator’s temperature and sends the results to the main control board.
However, the component won’t be able to send the correct result to the board if it is faulty. And if the board receives the wrong results, it won’t send power to the compressor to run.
5. Inspect the Condenser Coils
Go to the back of the refrigerator and check the coils. If yours are under the unit, take a look at them there. They should not have a thick coat of dirt; it impedes their ability to dissipate heat from the refrigerant.
Take a vacuum cleaner with a hose attached to it or a condenser cleaning brush. Do a thorough job of cleaning the coils as well as you can. Some coils are hard to reach and may require the services of a professional to be cleaned.
Check for grease or stickiness on the coils, too. If you find any, clean it using a damp soapy rag. You see, the location of the coils makes them susceptible to dirt. So it is important to check and clean them every 6 months. At most, clean them every 12 months.
6. Replace the Compressor
Consider the likelihood that the compressor has completely failed. This means none of the other parts has a fault and the compressor simply needs to be replaced.
To be sure, run a resistance check on the compressor using a multimeter. If you don’t find continuity, replace the compressor.
For newer Electrolux refrigerator models, it is cheaper to do this than to replace the entire refrigerator.
Here is how to test a compressor to check for resistance…
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Important Notes…
It is important to disconnect the refrigerator from electric power before checking the compressor. It is dangerous to check any part of the refrigerator while it is still running.
Even if you have to test a component while the refrigerator is connected to power, do so cautiously.
Additionally, allow the compressor to cool after unplugging the refrigerator. While running, the compressor tends to become hot. So if you touch it immediately after unplugging the unit, you may be injured.
However, if you cannot seem to find the true cause of the compressor not working, contact Electrolux. Report the issue and request service. This is especially needed if the refrigerator is under warranty.
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