Products remain fresh and chilled only on condition that all systems work smoothly and smoothly. The basis, the central unit of any refrigerator is a motor-compressor. And if this node stops working, the equipment fails, the products deteriorate, and the user has to think about repair.
Consider: the causes of engine failure, what to do if the refrigerator does not work and the compressor does not start, and also heats up or works without interruption.
Refrigerator compressor does not work: causes and symptoms of a malfunction
When the compressor of the Atlant, Indesit or any other brand refrigerator does not work, not every user will be able to quickly identify its breakdown - the part is hidden from the back of the refrigerator. Therefore, to find the problem, you need to carefully monitor the operation of the equipment.
The main causes of compressor failure:
- Start-up protective relay broken. If the motor tries to turn on, but something clicks and blocks its operation, the relay is often to blame. The problem is solved by replacing the defective part.
- Loss of motor performance. If the refrigerator freezes worse and worse, this may indicate not only a refrigerant leak, but also natural wear and tear on the engine. Due to the loose fit of the door or the constant loading of large batches of products into the chamber, as well as for other similar but constant reasons, the compressor wears out faster and its efficiency drops. The item is not repairable and requires replacement.
- Violation of the integrity of the internal winding. This is a problem in terms of electrics, which only the master can diagnose and eliminate. Usually a failure is expressed in the fact that the motor starts, but, not having time to gain power, it turns off after a few seconds.
- Valve sticking. These internal components of the refrigerator during breakdown can also lead to unstable operation of the compressor.
- Electronic circuit board failure. It concerns modern refrigerators equipped with an electronic control system. If the guesses are confirmed, and the master diagnoses the module breakdown, painstaking work is needed - firmware wiring or complete replacement of the unit.
Some work, such as replacing a valve or relay, does not require in-depth technical knowledge. You just need to figure out how this or that refrigerator system works, watch a couple of videos and arm yourself with the necessary tools and details. But the "dirty" work, such as replacing the motor, requires not only a special tool, but also practical experience, because you need to not only replace the motor, but also fill the system with freon.
The same applies to the electronic module: its firmware and replacement is a difficult job with a host of technical nuances and difficulties. Therefore, the best solution is to call the master. But if you ventured to replace the compressor yourself, use our recommendations from the corresponding article.
What to do if the refrigerator compressor is constantly running
It’s bad when the motor does not work, but worse when it works constantly, practically without turning off for “rest”.
If the compressor does not take breaks, the cause may be either an “imaginary” breakdown or a very real one. "Imaginary" reasons - failures that arise not because of a malfunction, but due to external factors or due to improper operation. To set up the refrigerator, check the following points:
- Door closure density. If something on the shelves interferes with the normal closing of the door, the compressor can work continuously, trying to compensate for the lack of cold. Until this causes a breakdown, ensure that the cabinet closes tightly by inspecting the gasket or adjusting the refrigerator door.
- Low temperature. If you do not have an electronic refrigerator in which the super-freezing or express-cooling mode turns off automatically after a few hours, then turn off the mode manually by pressing the corresponding button.
- Ambient temperature. If the place where the refrigerator is installed is too hot (or the equipment is installed next to the radiator), it is worthwhile to provide ventilation or move it to a cool place so that the compressor does not experience excessive load.
Important! Many users believe that the temperature outside and inside the refrigerator is somehow connected. This is not entirely true. If the summer turned out to be especially hot, you should not choose the lowest temperatures - so you only overload the motor. As a result, the compressor works, but does not chill.
If the refrigerator does not freeze, and the compressor is working, and none of the above reasons has been confirmed, it is worth starting the search for the malfunction that caused this behavior. Before starting an independent diagnosis, turn off the power by carefully removing the power cord from the outlet.
We have collected all the probable causes of a constantly running motor in one table.
Sign | Cause | How to eliminate |
The motor runs all the time, overloading and not resting. | The door seal may be damaged or worn. The constant work is explained by his attempts to normalize the temperature in the chambers by cooling the warm air. Due to the constant flow of heat into the chamber, the compressor works "for wear", sometimes it is too noisy. | Need to replace the gum. Work on the strength of almost any user. Read about replacing the seal in our article. |
Failure of the electronic module - the board does not receive signals from the temperature sensor, so it does not command the compressor to stop. | Light module failures are resolved by firmware. In a difficult case, a major overhaul is required - replacement of the control unit. | |
Light module failures are resolved by firmware. In a difficult case, a major overhaul is required - replacement of the control unit. | Detecting the exact location of the leak, replacing the damaged portion of the circuit, sealing the system. If necessary, refuel or refuel the circuit with freon. | |
Freon leak. Due to the decrease in volume, the system ceases to produce cold. | It is necessary to refuel or refuel the system with refrigerant. | |
Loss of performance. When the efficiency (decompression) is reduced, the motor cannot reach the required pressure in the tube, so the temperature set by the user is not reached, and the compressor does not turn off. | Need a motor replacement. | |
Damage to the thermistor or thermostat. When the temperature sensor or temperature controller (in electronic or electromechanical models, respectively) ceases to work, the signals about the set temperature set-up do not reach the module. From this, the compressor “hammer” non-stop. | The solution is to replace the sensor or thermostat. |
There are also cases associated with a motor breakdown:
- the compressor is working loudly;
- the refrigerator does not work, and the compressor is hot.
We will consider them in the next section.
What to do when the refrigerator compressor is warming
If the compressor is humming and very hot, or it is warming and not freezing, a complete check of all systems is needed. First of all, you need to make sure the motor overheats. In order to understand what the temperature of the unit is, turn the refrigerator backside to you to gain access to the desired part.
Important! Be careful not to touch the chassis with your bare hands. Wear coarse work gloves - if the motor heats up, you will feel it through the fabric.
The main reasons that the engine heats up, but does not start (or is very humming), are:
- the starting relay is burned out or “stuck”;
- “super-freeze” mode is on;
- depressurization of the camera, a loose door;
- refrigerant leak from the circuit;
- clogged capillary;
- board failure.
As you can see, the reasons are the same as in the case of a constantly switched on motor, only in addition there is heating. It is possible to consider overheating of the engine not as a breakdown, but as an additional "symptom" of malfunction of the unit.
If you are concerned about overheating of the part during normal (or worse - abnormal) operation, it is worth turning off the refrigerator for inspection and repair. And how to repair the refrigerator - on your own or with the help of a wizard, this is only your decision.