If a refrigerator compressor is cold, it is crucial to find out why and fix it permanently.
Should a Refrigerator Compressor Be Hot or Cold?
A refrigerator compressor should be warm. As it runs, it generates heat, and it is normal. When you feel it during regular operation, it should be warm or a little hot but not excessively so. When you should worry is when the compressor is cold or too hot.
Refrigerator Compressor Is Cold – What to Do
If you find that your refrigerator compressor is cold, it means it is no longer working. First, disconnect the refrigerator from electric power. Then, remove the start relay and check it. The relay provides power to the compressor so that it can run smoothly. The compressor may run only intermittently or not at all if the relay is faulty.
Shake the relay to see if it rattle. Rattling means the relay is broken. Sometimes, the shaking may be accompanied by a burnt smell. And if that is the case, replace the relay.
You can go a step further by testing the relay between the two terminals with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the start relay.
If the relay is not the cause of the cold compressor, then check the condenser fan and condenser coils. These can cause the compressor to fail and stop working. Ensure the condenser fan blades are clean and the shaft is turning well. Then, clean the condenser coils if they are noticeably dirty.
An overload of heat can cause the compressor to stop working. And the heat can come from the coils if they are dirty, and the fan cannot cool them because it is defective. Thoroughly cleaning the coils keeps the compressor from failing. And ensuring the fan is in good working condition will help both the compressor and the coils.
Incorrect temperature settings or a leaky door gasket also play a role in how the compressor works. If the temperature is wrong due to any of these factors, the compressor will run too much and eventually wear out.
Bottom line: a compressor that is no longer functioning tends to be cold. Hire a professional to test the compressor and advise you on the next step.
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