When it comes time for refrigerator repair, you need refrigerator troubleshooting skills.
Whether you own a Samsung with a bad compressor, or an LG that wont cycle off,you can diagnose and fix the appliance yourself in many cases.
Keep in mind that if the job involves working with freon, a licensed technician will likely be required to do that part of the job. Whenever one of your kitchen appliances has mechanical or performance issues, the first step is to discover the root cause of the problem instead of simply running out to purchase a new one.
This process is generally rather straightforward. All youll need is a few basic tools, some mechanical and HVAC skills, and a handy checklist.
Read on; this article will provide the checklist to use for troubleshooting refrigerators; print it out for reference if that helps.
This guide is rather generic since all major brand names work "more or less" the same way, even though high-end models have several more bells and whistles, like ice makers, filtered water dispensers, and even cameras. As a matter of fact, they have a lot in common with your central air conditioner.
Tip: Any DIYer not comfortable working with electricity should call an electrician. But you knew that.
Refrigerator Malfunction Symptoms and Solutions
Compressor Does not Run and the Light Wont Come On
Is there no power to the fridge? Make sure that its plugged in and check the circuit
breaker.
Is the electric cord damaged or loose? Test the cord.
The Light Comes on but the Unit Doesnt Run
Is your temperature control knob turned off or too far down? Adjust it.
Is your compressor overheating? Clean your condenser coils.
Compressor defective? Call service company. The new one will need a refrigerant charge and it takes a licenced individual for that.
Is your condenser fan defective? Replace it or call a service company.
Is your temperature controller defective? Test the control.
How about the defrost timer? Test it and replace if needed.
Do you have a defective overload protector? Replace it yourself or call a service company.
Compressor Starts and Stops Uncharacteristically Quickly
Is the overload protector tripping too quickly? Check the voltage at the outlet.
Is your condenser fan defective? Replace it or call a service company.
Compressor defective? Call service company.
Condenser coils dirty? Clean the coils.
Find Replacement Refrigerator Parts
Appliance Doesnt Cool Properly
Check the temperature control knob and adjust if needed.
Do you suspect a refrigerator refrigerant leak and/or contamination? Call a service company.
Is the door closing completely? Refrigerators doors are engineered to close automatically
from the half-open point. Raise the front leveler adjusters until it closes properly.
Do you have dirty condenser coils? Clean the coils.
Is your temperature controller defective? Test the control.
Test your evaporator fan. If its faulty, replace it yourself or call a service
company.
Evaporator jammed up with ice? Defrost the fridge, test the defrost timer, test the
defrost limiting switch, and finally test the defrost heater.
Has your door seal seen better days? Test around the door by closing the door on a sheet
of paper. Do you feel plenty of tension when you pull it out? If you dont,
replace it with a new properly sized gasket.
The Unit Gets Too Cold
Is your temperature control knob set too cold? Adjust it.
Is your temperature controller defective? Test the control and replace if needed.
The Compressor Will not Cycle Off; It Keeps Running
This might be the door seal. Test around the door by closing the door on a sheet
of paper. Do you feel plenty of tension when you pull it out? If you dont,
replace it with a new properly sized gasket.
Are the condenser coils dirty? Clean the coils.
Do you see a frost build-up? Defrost the refrigerator.
If your fridge has an exposed evaporator plate or coils and theyre dirty, clean them up
with warm soapy water.
These general guidelines should help you to troubleshoot and repair a refrigerator; if nothing else and you have to call a service person, at least you will have an idea of what they are trying to sell you. Not saying they might try to oversell you with tech-babble, but...
Kelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at I Can Fix Up My Home Blog where he muses on many different topics.