Looking for solutions to a Waeco fridge compressor with issues? Look no further; this article explains such issues and how to fix them.
Table of Contents
Waeco Fridge Compressor Not Running – How to Fix
Do the following to fix the issue of a Waeco fridge compressor that is not running:
1. Check the Condenser Coils
Take a look at the coils at the bottom of the fridge. They should be clean; cleaning should occur every 6 or 12 months. But if they are dirty, take a refrigerator condense cleaning brush to them. If you don’t have this tool, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush or hose attached to it.
Make sure to get all the dust and dirt on the coils, leaving them thoroughly clean. Go a step further to wipe them with a rag if they feel greasy.
Dirty condenser coils easily transfer the heat from the process of compressing refrigerant to the fridge. As a result, the internal temperature rises and the compressor tends to try to lower it.
If this trend continues without being corrected, the compressor would eventually succumb to the stress and stop working.
2. Check the Thermistor
Run a continuity test on the thermistor using a multimeter. The continuity test means the resistance of the component changes as the fridge’s temperature changes.
If you cannot use the fridge’s temperature, take the thermistor out and put it in a cup of water. Heat the water slowly while the sensor is in it and monitor its resistance. If it is still working, you should see the resistance changing.
However, if this does not happen or there is no visible continuity, the thermistor is bad and needs a replacement.
The thermistor keeps an eye on the fridge’s temperature and sends readings to the control board. It does this so that the control board can activate the cooling system, a system to which the compressor belongs.
If the readings of the thermistor are wrong, the system may run too much or not all. So, you may find the compressor not working at all, along with the fan motors.
3. Check the Start Relay
Disconnect the fridge from the wall socket and unmount the relay from the body of the compressor. Check it for continuity between its two terminals using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace it.
An easier way to check the functionality of the relay is to shake it. If there is a rattling when you do this, the relay is damaged. And if it smells as if it is burnt, replace it.
A compressor will have a hard time starting or running if the start relay is bad. The same applies if the overload or start capacitor is bad.
4. Check the Fan
First, spin the blades with your hand. They should turn without a hitch and as long as no debris is causing them to stick. If they are stiff, check for dirt or debris especially along the shaft. Clean them and remove anything that may be impeding their movement.
However, if they are clean yet cannot turn well, it might be an indication that the motor bearings are worn out. Since these cannot be foxed, the only solution is to replace the motor.
If you are not sure, test the motor with a multimeter to check for continuity. If you don’t find continuity, replace the motor.
The fan should blow cool air over the compressor and condenser coils. This way, they will not get too hot while operating.
But if the motor or fan assembly fails, the compressor would overheat and eventually may stop running altogether.
5. Check the Fridge Cord
While this solution does not affect only the compressor, it is important to check it. This is especially true if nothing else is working in the fridge.
Unplug the cord and inspect it. Burn marks or wear and tear will be readily visible to the naked eye. So if you notice any of these, replace the cord. It is quite easy and inexpensive.
If the cord is not the problem, the wall outlet might be. So connect another electrical appliance to it. Preferably, use a small inexpensive one. If the appliance powers, the outlet is working well. Otherwise, consider replacing the outlet or relocating the fridge.
However, if all the above are working well, contact an electrician to inspect the wiring and fuses of the house. If something is burnt or damaged, the electrician is the best person to fix it.
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6. Check the Compressor
When every other component checks out, run a test on the compressor. It may have failed completely or is about to stop working altogether.
This video shows you how to test a fridge compressor with a multimeter…
And this video shows how to fix a Waeco fridge compressor that is not running…
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Waeco Fridge Compressor Problems
The following are problems you may encounter with the compressor of a Waeco fridge:
1. Compressor Hot or Overheating
If the condenser coils are too dirty, they wouldn’t be able to dissipate heat efficiently. The heat goes to the fridge, making its internal temperature rise.
The compressor will try to lower the temperature by running non-stop. As a result, it will begin to get too hot from all the work.
Therefore, ensure you keep dirt and dust off the coils by cleaning them every year.
Another cause of a hot or overheating compressor is a defective condenser fan. The blades may be restricted from spinning or the motor may be faulty. Clean the blades, oil the shaft, and check the motor for continuity. Replace it if there is no continuity.
Other causes of a hot compressor are:
- Bad door seal
- Closeness to a heat source or exposure to direct sunlight
- Wrong ambient temperature
- Storage of hot food
The compressor tends to overwork itself when any of the above is in place. And when it overworks, it runs hot or overheats.
Note: During normal operation, a compressor should be hot but not excessively so.
2. Compressor Clicking
The start relay is the main cause of this problem. When it fails, the compressor will try hard to start, making the clicking sound.
Test the start relay to check for continuity. Do this by placing the probes between the terminals of the relay. If you don’t find continuity, replace it.
An overload or a failed start capacitor can also cause the compressor to make clicking noises. In some refrigerators, you will find the relay and the overload or capacitor in one box. Replacing the relay also means replacing the overload.
3. Compressor Not Running
If the compressor of your Waeco fridge does not run, it is either the compressor has failed or some components are no longer working.
Start with the start relay; check for continuity. If it checks out, move on to the condenser coil, condenser fan, thermistor, power cord, and the compressor itself. Replace any component that is defective or damaged.
In a few cases, the origin of the fault is the main control board. Since it controls the general functionality of the fridge, any damage to it affects the unit. So, troubleshoot the board and replace it if needed.
4. Compressor Noisy
Different sounds from the compressor will determine what is causing them. If it is a low buzz or hum, it is the sound of the compressor operating normally.
If the noise becomes loud, it is time to report the issue and service the fridge.
Now, if you hear a clicking sound, replace the start relay or start capacitor and overload. The sound is the compressor trying unsuccessfully to start and run.
And if the noise is a vibration or sounds like a thump, make sure the fridge is properly leveled, and the compressor is balanced on its springs. With age, the springs become loose and cause the compressor to shake and vibrate when the fridge cycles off.
If this is the case, replacing the springs fixes the problem, as long as the compressor is still working. Additionally, make sure there is space around and on top of the fridge. This way, it won’t hit the walls around it and make noise during normal operation.
5. Compressor Running Constantly
A number of factors can cause the compressor of a Waeco fridge to run constantly:
- Opening the door too often
- Loose or worn door seal
- Wrong ambient temperature
- Poor airflow around the fridge
- Dirty condenser coils
- Defective condenser fan motor
These factors cause the internal temperature of the fridge to rise. And when this happens, the compressor automatically steps up and runs non-stop in order to help the fridge maintain a cool temperature.
Therefore, to avoid this and prolong the life of the compressor, don’t open the door too often. And when you do open it, don’t hold it open for too long.
Adjust a loose door seal with a small screwdriver. If it is weak, replace it.
Use a humidifier if the weather is too hot. Use a heater if the reverse is the case.
Create enough space around the fridge so that air can flow better. This way, heat does not build and compromise the internal temperature.
Dust and wipe the coils clean. Replace the fan assembly or just the motor if it is defective. This way, it can help reduce the heat on the compressor.
Quick Note
Disconnect the Waeco fridge from the wall outlet to which it is connected before fixing any part of it.
Contact Waeco to report any damage to the compressor if you are not sure you can fix it yourself.
As an alternative, we have qualified appliance technicians who are ready to assist you with the issues. You don’t need to book an appointment, wait or have a paid in-house call.
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