Introduction
The refrigerator is one of the most critical appliances in your home, keeping your food fresh and safe. However, when the compressor fails, replacing the entire refrigerator can be a costly proposition. The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and it’s responsible for circulating the refrigerant, which cools the food. If the compressor fails, the refrigerator will no longer be able to cool the food, and it will quickly spoil.
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Fortunately, in many cases, it is possible to fix a failed refrigerator compressor without replacing the entire refrigerator. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to fix a refrigerator compressor. We will also provide you with some troubleshooting tips to help you identify the problem and determine if it is something you can fix yourself.
Before You Start
Before you begin working on your refrigerator, it is crucial to take a few safety precautions.
- Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses.
- Be careful not to touch any electrical components.
Tools You Will Need
To fix a refrigerator compressor, you will need:
- A pair of pliers
- A pair of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- A multimeter
- Soldering iron
- Refrigerant (R-134a)
- A vacuum pump
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Refrigerator Compressor
Once you have gathered the necessary tools, you can begin fixing the refrigerator compressor.
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Step 1: Identify the Problem
The first step is to identify the problem with the refrigerator compressor. There are a few common symptoms of a failed compressor, such as:
- The refrigerator is not cooling.
- The refrigerator is making a loud noise.
- The refrigerator is leaking water.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is possible that the compressor has failed.
Step 2: Test the Compressor
Once you have identified the problem, you need to test the compressor. This can be done with a multimeter.
- Set the multimeter to the ohms setting.
- Touch the probes to the terminals of the compressor.
- The multimeter should read zero ohms if the compressor is working properly.
If the multimeter reads infinity, the compressor has failed and needs to be replaced.
Step 3: Remove the Compressor
Once you have confirmed that the compressor has failed, it is time to remove it.
- Disconnect the electrical wires from the compressor.
- Remove the bolts that hold the compressor in place.
- Carefully lift the compressor out of the refrigerator.
Step 4: Replace the Compressor
The next step is to replace the compressor. Locate the new compressor and connect it to the electrical wires that you disconnected in Step 3.
Next, lift the new compressor into the refrigerator cabinet and bolt it into place.
Step 5: Recharge the Refrigerant
Once the compressor is installed, it needs to be recharged with refrigerant. Refrigerant can be purchased at most hardware stores.
- Attach the vacuum pump to the charging port on the compressor.
- Pump the vacuum until the system reaches the specified vacuum level.
- Close the vacuum pump valve.
- Attach the refrigerant hose to the charging port.
- Open the valve on the refrigerant tank.
- Monitor the pressure on the gauge and fill the system with refrigerant until it reaches the desired level.
- Close the valve on the refrigerant tank.
- Disconnect the refrigerant hose from the charging port.
Step 6: Test the Refrigerator
Once the compressor has been recharged, it is time to test the refrigerator. Plug the refrigerator into the power outlet and turn it on.
The refrigerator should start cooling and the compressor should be running quietly.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having trouble fixing your refrigerator compressor, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure that the refrigerator is plugged into the power outlet.
- Check the electrical connections to the compressor.
- Inspect the capacitor for bulges or leaks.
- If the new compressor is not running, it may be defective.
- If the refrigerator is still not cooling after you have replaced the compressor, there may be a problem with the evaporator coils.
Call a Professional
If you are not comfortable fixing a refrigerator compressor yourself, you can call a professional appliance repair technician. An experienced technician should be able to quickly diagnose the problem and repair the compressor.
How To Fix Refrigerator Compressor
Conclusion
By following this guide, you should be able to fix your refrigerator compressor without replacing the entire refrigerator. This can save you a significant amount of money and keep your refrigerator running smoothly.
