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Refrigerator Starts And Stops Frequently-Causes and trouble shooting

If your refrigerator is starting and stopping frequently, it may be an indication of a problem. Here are some possible causes:

  1. Dirty condenser coils: The condenser coils at the back or bottom of your refrigerator need to be kept clean to function properly. If they are dirty, they can cause the refrigerator to overheat and shut off frequently. You can clean them using a vacuum cleaner or a special coil cleaning brush.
  2. Faulty thermostat: The thermostat controls the temperature inside the refrigerator. If it is faulty, it can cause the refrigerator to turn on and off too frequently. A technician can test the thermostat and replace it if necessary.
  3. Defective start relay: The start relay helps to start the compressor that cools the refrigerator. If it is defective, it can cause the compressor to start and stop too frequently. A technician can test the start relay and replace it if necessary.
  4. Low refrigerant level: The refrigerant is the liquid that cools the refrigerator. If the level is too low, the compressor will work harder than necessary, causing it to start and stop frequently. A technician can test the refrigerant level and add more if necessary.
  5. Overloaded refrigerator: If the refrigerator is overloaded with food or the shelves and drawers are packed too tightly, the air cannot circulate properly, causing the compressor to work harder than necessary. Try to organize the items in your refrigerator to allow for proper air flow.

Troubleshooting the problem yourself

Check the Power Supply

If your refrigerator is not working at all, the first thing to check is the power supply. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Check the outlet: Make sure that the outlet where the refrigerator is plugged in is working properly. You can test the outlet by plugging in another appliance or device and seeing if it works.
  2. Check the cord: Inspect the power cord for any damage, such as cuts or frayed wires. If you find any damage, unplug the refrigerator and replace the cord or have a qualified technician do it for you.
  3. Check the circuit breaker: If the outlet is not working, check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If it has, reset the breaker and try plugging the refrigerator back in.
  4. Check the fuses: If your refrigerator is plugged into an older home that uses fuses instead of circuit breakers, check the fuse box for a blown fuse. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a new one.
  5. Check the GFCI: If your refrigerator is plugged into a GFCI outlet, check to see if the outlet has tripped. If it has, reset the GFCI and try plugging the refrigerator back in.
Clean the Condenser Coils

Cleaning the condenser coils is an important maintenance task that can help keep your refrigerator running efficiently. Here’s how to clean the condenser coils:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator: Before you start cleaning the coils, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged to avoid any electrical shock.
  2. Locate the condenser coils: The condenser coils are usually located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator. Some models have a kick plate that you can remove to access the coils.
  3. Vacuum the coils: Use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any dust or debris from the coils. Be careful not to damage the coils or any other parts of the refrigerator.
  4. Clean the coils with a coil cleaning brush: You can also use a special coil cleaning brush to clean the coils. These brushes are designed to reach into tight spaces and remove dirt and debris.
  5. Replace the kick plate: If your refrigerator has a kick plate, replace it after you finish cleaning the coils.
  6. Plug in the refrigerator: After you have finished cleaning the coils, plug in the refrigerator and turn it back on.
Test the Compressor Relay

If your refrigerator is not cooling properly, it may be due to a problem with the compressor relay. The compressor relay is responsible for starting and running the compressor, which is the part of the refrigerator that cools the air. Here’s how to test the compressor relay:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator: Before you start working on the compressor relay, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged to avoid any electrical shock.
  2. Locate the compressor relay: The compressor relay is usually located on the compressor, which is located at the back of the refrigerator.
  3. Remove the relay: Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the relay from the compressor. Make a note of the wires and terminals so that you can reattach them correctly later.
  4. Test the relay with a multimeter: Set your multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the relay’s terminals. You should see a reading of between 3 and 12 ohms. If you see a reading of infinity, the relay is faulty and needs to be replaced.
  5. Replace the relay: If the relay is faulty, replace it with a new one. Make sure to reattach the wires and terminals correctly.
  6. Plug in the refrigerator: After you have replaced the relay, plug in the refrigerator and turn it back on.
Check the Thermostat Setting

If your refrigerator is not cooling properly, one of the first things to check is the thermostat setting. Here’s how to check the thermostat setting on your refrigerator:

  1. Locate the thermostat: The thermostat is usually located inside the refrigerator, near the top or on the back wall.
  2. Check the temperature setting: Look for a dial or digital display that indicates the temperature setting. Make sure the setting is at the appropriate level, which is usually between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 3 degrees Celsius) for the refrigerator compartment.
  3. Adjust the setting: If the temperature setting is too high or too low, adjust it as needed. Wait a few hours for the temperature to stabilize and check the temperature again.
  4. Check the vents: Make sure the vents inside the refrigerator are not blocked by food or other items. This can restrict the flow of cold air and affect the temperature.
  5. Check the door seal: Make sure the door seal is tight and free of cracks or damage. A loose or damaged seal can allow warm air to enter the refrigerator and affect the temperature.
Problem with the Outlet Voltage

If your refrigerator is frequently starting and stopping or not cooling properly, it could be due to an issue with the outlet voltage. Here’s how to check the outlet voltage:

  1. Turn off and unplug the refrigerator: Before you start, make sure the refrigerator is turned off and unplugged to avoid any electrical shock.
  2. Locate the outlet: Find the outlet where the refrigerator is plugged in.
  3. Test the outlet voltage with a multimeter: Set your multimeter to the voltage setting and touch the probes to the outlet’s terminals. The voltage reading should be between 110 and 120 volts. If the voltage reading is lower than this range, there may be a problem with the outlet.
  4. Test other outlets: Test other outlets in the room to see if they have the same voltage issue. If the other outlets have a similar problem, there may be an issue with the circuit or wiring in your home.
  5. Call a qualified electrician: If you suspect there is an issue with the outlet voltage, it’s best to call a qualified electrician to diagnose and repair the issue.
Check the Compressor Motor

If your refrigerator is starting and stopping frequently, it may be due to a problem with the compressor motor. Here’s how to check the compressor motor:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator: Before you start working on the compressor motor, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged to avoid any electrical shock.
  2. Locate the compressor motor: The compressor motor is usually located at the back of the refrigerator, near the bottom.
  3. Check for signs of damage: Inspect the compressor motor for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks or burnt wires. If there is any physical damage, the compressor motor may need to be replaced.
  4. Test the motor with a multimeter: Set your multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the motor’s terminals. You should see a reading of between 3 and 12 ohms. If you see a reading of infinity, the motor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
  5. Check the motor’s start capacitor: The compressor motor may have a start capacitor, which helps it start up. Test the capacitor with a multimeter to see if it is working properly. If the capacitor is faulty, it can cause the motor to start and stop frequently or not start at all.
  6. Call a qualified technician: If you have checked the compressor motor and suspect there is an issue, it’s best to call a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the issue. Compressor motor repair can be complex and should be handled by a professional.
Check the Condenser Fan

If your refrigerator is starting and stopping frequently, or not cooling properly, it could be due to a problem with the condenser fan. Here’s how to check the condenser fan:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator: Before you start working on the condenser fan, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged to avoid any electrical shock.
  2. Locate the condenser fan: The condenser fan is usually located at the back of the refrigerator, near the bottom.
  3. Inspect the fan for any signs of damage: Inspect the fan for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks or bent blades. If there is any physical damage, the fan may need to be replaced.
  4. Check the fan for proper operation: Turn the refrigerator back on and listen for the sound of the fan running. If the fan is not running, it could be due to a faulty motor or a problem with the wiring.
  5. Clean the fan: If the fan is running but the refrigerator is not cooling properly, the fan may be clogged with dust or debris. Use a vacuum or a soft-bristled brush to clean the fan blades and remove any debris that may be obstructing its movement.

Check the Defrost Timer

  1. Unplug the refrigerator: Before you start working on the defrost timer, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged to avoid any electrical shock.
  2. Locate the defrost timer: The defrost timer is usually located at the back of the refrigerator, near the bottom. It’s a small rectangular box with a motor and a timer.
  3. Remove the defrost timer: Depending on the make and model of your refrigerator, you may need to remove the cover or panel to access the defrost timer. Once you have access to the defrost timer, unplug it from the wiring harness and remove it from the refrigerator.
  4. Test the defrost timer: Set your multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals on the defrost timer. You should see a reading of between 200 and 500 ohms. If you don’t see any reading, the defrost timer is faulty and needs to be replaced.
  5. Replace the defrost timer: If the defrost timer is faulty, replace it with a new one. Make sure to match the part number of the old timer with the new one to ensure compatibility.
  6. Reinstall the defrost timer: Once you have replaced the defrost timer, reinstall it in the refrigerator and plug it back into the wiring harness.
  7. Turn on the refrigerator: Turn on the refrigerator and monitor its performance. If the refrigerator is still starting and stopping frequently, there may be another issue that needs to be addressed.
Check the Overload Protector
  1. Unplug the refrigerator: Before you start working on the overload protector, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged to avoid any electrical shock.
  2. Locate the overload protector: The overload protector is usually located on the compressor of the refrigerator.
  3. Remove the overload protector: Depending on the make and model of your refrigerator, you may need to remove the cover or panel to access the overload protector. Once you have access to the overload protector, unplug it from the wiring harness and remove it from the compressor.
  4. Reset the overload protector: Check if the overload protector is in tripped condition. To reset it you need to press a button which is usually rd in color and press it.
  5. Test the overload protector: Set your multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals on the overload protector. You should see a reading of between 1 and 3 ohms. If you don’t see any reading, the overload protector is faulty and needs to be replaced.
  6. Replace the overload protector: If the overload protector is faulty, replace it with a new one. Make sure to match the part number of the old overload protector with the new one to ensure compatibility.
  7. Reinstall the overload protector: Once you have replaced the overload protector, reinstall it on the compressor and plug it back into the wiring harness.
  8. Turn on the refrigerator: Turn on the refrigerator and monitor its performance. If the refrigerator is still starting and stopping frequently, there may be another issue that needs to be addressed.
Check theADC Board

The ADC (Adaptive Defrost Control) board is an electronic component that is responsible for controlling the defrost cycle of a refrigerator. If the ADC board is broken or malfunctioning, it can cause the refrigerator to start and stop frequently.

Here are some steps you can follow to check if the ADC board is broken:

  1. Locate the ADC board: The ADC board is usually located behind the temperature control panel or on the back of the refrigerator. Refer to your refrigerator’s manual to locate it.
  2. Check the wiring: Make sure that the wiring connections to the ADC board are secure and not damaged.
  3. Check for power: Use a multimeter to check if the ADC board is receiving power. If there is no power, check the wiring and power source.
  4. Check for continuity: Use a multimeter to check for continuity between the ADC board and the defrost heater, thermostat, and other components.
  5. Test the defrost cycle: If the ADC board is receiving power and there is continuity between the components, test the defrost cycle. Refer to your refrigerator’s manual for instructions on how to test the defrost cycle.

FAQs

1. How many hours does a fridge run per day?

The number of hours a refrigerator runs per day can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the refrigerator, its age, the ambient temperature, and how often the refrigerator is opened and closed. On average, a refrigerator runs for about 4 to 8 hours per day, but it can vary widely.

Newer models of refrigerators are typically designed to be more energy-efficient, which can result in a lower amount of run time per day. Additionally, larger refrigerators may run for longer periods, while smaller refrigerators may run for shorter periods. Overall, the amount of time a refrigerator runs per day is influenced by many variables, and it can be difficult to provide a precise estimate.

2 What are the warning signs of a faulty refrigerator compressor?

The compressor is a critical component of a refrigerator’s cooling system, and a faulty compressor can cause several warning signs. Here are some warning signs of a faulty refrigerator compressor:

  1. Warm refrigerator: If the refrigerator is not cooling properly and the contents of the refrigerator are warm, it could be a sign of a faulty compressor.
  2. Loud noise: A compressor that is failing may make loud or unusual noises, such as clicking or buzzing.
  3. Frequent cycling: A compressor that is cycling on and off frequently can be a sign of a faulty compressor.
  4. Leaking refrigerant: If you notice a refrigerant leak, it can be a sign that the compressor is failing.
  5. High energy bills: A compressor that is failing may cause the refrigerator to work harder, which can result in higher energy bills.
Why does the fridge frequently turn on and off ?

A refrigerator that frequently turns on and off, also known as short cycling, can be caused by several factors. Here are some common reasons why a refrigerator may short cycle:

  1. Dirty condenser coils: If the condenser coils are dirty, they can cause the refrigerator to overheat and short cycle. Regular cleaning of the coils can help prevent this issue.
  2. Faulty thermostat: A faulty thermostat can cause the refrigerator to short cycle, as it may not be accurately sensing the temperature inside the refrigerator.
  3. Defective start relay: A start relay that is defective can cause the compressor to short cycle, as it may not be able to start the compressor properly.
  4. Faulty compressor: A compressor that is failing or faulty can cause the refrigerator to short cycle, as it may not be able to maintain the proper temperature.
  5. Overloading: Overloading the refrigerator with too much food can cause it to short cycle, as it may struggle to maintain the proper temperature.

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