A Haier refrigerator compressor is not built to develop faults easily. However, if it becomes faulty, there are possible solutions to it.
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Haier Refrigerator Compressor Hot – How to Fix
The following are possible fixes for a Haier refrigerator compressor that is running hot:
1. Top Up Refrigerant
Shortage of refrigerant in the unit could cause the compressor to work harder. The extra effort causes stress on the compressor, which eventually makes it hot.
You need to find a licensed technician to check the problem and top up the refrigerant. You also need them to fix the bigger issue of the refrigerant leak; that is what is likely to cause the shortage.
The extra work the compressor is forced to do is in order to keep the refrigerator’s temperature from rising.
2. Dust the Condenser Coils
Be sure that the coils are not too close to the wall or surface behind the refrigerator. If they are, move the refrigerator to allow for better airflow. This way, the coils don’t overheat and transfer some of it to the compressor.
In addition, make sure they are clean. Dust or any other debris on the coils means they won’t efficiently remove the heat from the refrigerant as it goes through the process of compression and expansion.
As a result, the refrigerator’s internal temperature rises. And the compressor picks up the slack by trying to lower the temperature. Eventually, it becomes hot because it keeps working harder as the heat keeps getting transferred to the refrigerator.
3. Check the Evaporator Fan
Activate the door switch of the freezer after opening the door. The motor of the fan, which usually stops running once the door opens, should start running again. But if this does not happen, it is likely faulty.
An unusually loud noise from the motor is an indication that it is defective and should be replaced.
However, if you are not sure, remove the fan assembly and test the continuity of the motor. If there is no continuity, replace it.
An evaporator fan with a failing or defective motor cannot cool the refrigerator. And if the motor fails, there will be no cold air so the compressor puts in more work to help keep a steady and cool temperature.
3. Test the Thermostat
To test this component, rotate it from low to high and listen for an audible click. The click tells you that it is working fine.
If you don’t hear the click, run a continuity test on the thermostat with a multimeter. If you don’t find continuity, consider replacing it soon.
Setting the thermostat too low affects the functionality of the compressor. The same is true if it is set too high or if it is faulty.
4. Replace the Condenser Fan
Using a multimeter, check the motor of the fan to see if there is continuity. But before going technical, try the easy method first.
Spin the blades to see if they spin well. Usually, if they are stiff, it is a pointer to the state of the motor. Clean them and make sure no debris or dirt is making them stiff.
When you are sure the blades are clean yet are still stiff, then check for continuity. If you don’t find continuity, replace the motor.
The compressor will run hot if the condenser fan is faulty. This is because the fan should cool it, along with the condenser coils.
5. Check the Compressor
A hot compressor could signal failure. If nothing else is affecting it negatively, consider testing it with a multimeter.
Remove the start relay and check the resistance of the compressor on the 3 pins. If there is no continuity, consider replacing the compressor.
Haier Refrigerator Compressor Not Running – Solutions
Below are possible solutions to a Haier refrigerator compressor that is not running:
1. Change the Cord
The power cord of the refrigerator may be damaged due to a power surge or a recent outage. Therefore, remove it from the wall socket and inspect it.
If there is any sign of fraying or burns, get a new cord that fits your Haier refrigerator model. Apart from possibly getting the compressor to work again, it prevents a possible fire outbreak.
Now, if the cord seems to be in good condition, check the outlet to which it is connected. The best way to do this is to connect another inexpensive appliance to it. A table lamp works for this purpose.
If the lamp works and lights fully, it means the outlet is working fine and is supplying a good amount of voltage. Otherwise, consider changing the outlet.
It also helps to check the circuit breaker that controls the unit as well as the fuses. One or more may have burnt out, causing poor power supply to the refrigerator’s compressor.
2. Clean the Coils
Inspect the coils to see if they are significantly dirty. If they are, clean them thoroughly using a condenser brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush head.
If you can reach them, see if they are sticky. Wipe them down with a soapy rag until all the stickiness is gone.
The location of the condenser coils makes it easy for them to attract dust. And this same location makes it difficult to notice them. So it is common to find that the coils are dirty; they are in a hard-to-reach area.
But make a note to clean them once or twice every year. Doing this improves their ability to work at releasing heat from the refrigerant.
Otherwise, the heat goes to the refrigerator and heats it. The compressor begins to work extra to help maintain a cool temperature. And the extra work can cause it to fail with time.
Note: Unplug the refrigerator from power before cleaning the coils.
3. Replace the Relay
Detach the start relay from the compressor’s side and shake it. This is one of the easiest ways to check its functionality. If it rattles, the relay may be damaged. And if it smells as if it is burnt, it further cements the fact that it is damaged.
However, to be sure, check it for continuity using a multimeter. Place it between the start and run terminals to check it. If there is no resistance registering on the multimeter, replace the relay.
A bad start relay is most likely the cause of a compressor not working. Replacing the relay, which is quite inexpensive, usually fixes it.
4. Change the Motor of the Fan
Turn the fan blades with your hand. If there is any stiffness, there could be something stuck in them. Clean the blades and remove any foreign objects and debris.
The stiffness could also be an indication that the motor is bad, with worn bearings. So, remove the fan assembly to check the motor properly.
Next, test it for continuity using a multimeter. If you don’t find continuity, replace the motor or the entire fan assembly.
The condenser fan, sometimes referred to as the compressor fan, enables the compressor to run smoothly. It does this by cooling it while it works so that it does not overheat.
So if the motor or even the entire assembly fails, the compressor might begin to overheat. Over time, it may stop working completely.
5. Replace with a New Thermistor
Check the resistance of the thermistor with a multimeter. The resistance should change as the temperature of the refrigerator changes. This is because it monitors the temperature and reports to the control board for the proper supply of power to the fan motors and compressor.
But if the resistance remains the same even when the temperature is changing, consider buying a new thermistor for replacement.
The cooling system, made up of the compressor and fans, won’t get the power it needs to operate if the thermistor sends wrong temperature readings to the control board.
6. Check the Temperature Controls
Turning the controls down or off turns the compressor off. It stops running and appears to not be working.
Therefore, check the temperature controls inside the refrigerator. Set them to the right point and wait to see if the compressor picks up again.
However, if the controls don’t seem to work, find a refrigerator service agent or contact Haier to report the issue.
7. Replace the Compressor
Finally, consider the compressor itself. It may be totally bad or may have packed up due to overuse.
Run a test on it to check for resistance or continuity. It is quite tricky and a little complicated to do this. So a certified technician may be in the best position to do this.
However, this video shows steps to accurately test a refrigerator compressor…
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Recap
As soon as you notice that your Haier refrigerator compressor has issues or is not running smoothly, find a fix immediately. This is because the compressor is the heart of the refrigerator and if it fails, the refrigerator would stop functioning optimally.
Finding the origin of the issue can be quite easy if you follow the steps listed in this article. Nevertheless, if it seems too daunting, consider contacting Haier’s service center. Report the compressor issue and request service.
Otherwise, use any appliance technician we have available onsite.
Remember to disconnect the refrigerator from electric power before testing the compressor or any other part. Doing this prevents accidental electric shock.
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