Where is the motor in the refrigerator: a detailed diagram with photos and nuances for 10+ brands

When the refrigerator suddenly begins to make noise, vibrate or refuses to freeze at all, the first suspicion falls on engine —more precisely, on the motor-compressor. But where exactly to look for it? If you have never looked under the body of a vehicle, the answer may surprise you: in 90% of modern models, the engine is not hidden where it seems at first glance. This article will examine refrigerators of different brands (from budget exact location of the compressor in refrigerators of different brands (from budget Biryusa to premium Liebherr), explain how to distinguish it from other “boxes” at the back of the unit, and warn against dangerous mistakes in diagnostics.

We will not burden you with technical details about R134a or inverter compressors —we will focus on practice. You will find out why in some models the motor can “migrate” to the top of the housing (yes, this happens!), how to find it even in refrigerators with the system No Frost, and what to do if you see not one, but two “black cans” on the back wall. Spoiler: the second is not a spare motor, but a capacitor.

Important: if your goal is not just curiosity, but repair or replacement of the compressorafter reading the article, check the current instructions for your model. Refrigerator designs are being updated, and even for one brand (for example, Samsung), the location of components may differ in the 2020 and 2026 lines.

1. Refrigerator engine: what is it really?

When they say “refrigerator engine,” 99% of cases mean motor-compressor the heart of the cooling system. This is not the motor that turns the fan (in models with No Frost), and not the electric motor of the ice maker. The compressor performs one task: it compresses the refrigerant (freon) and drives it through the tubes, due to which cooling occurs.

Externally, the motor-compressor looks like a sealed black “barrel” (less often a cube) with protruding tubes and electrical contacts. Sizes vary from compact refrigerators to large refrigerators. Key features by which it can be identified: 10×15 cm in compact refrigerators up to 20×25 cm in large Side-by-Side. Key signs by which it can be identified:

• 🔌 Has electric connector for connection to the network (usually 3-4 wires).
• 🔄 Connected to two copper tubes: one thick (suction), the other thin (discharge).
• 🔊 When working, it emits uniform hum (not crackling or clicking!).
• ⚖️ Weighs 5–15 kg - heavier than other parts on the back wall.

A common mistake: confusing the compressor with start-up relay (small box attached to the motor) or capacitor (grid made of tubes). If you see a palm-sized part, it’s definitely not an engine. Another myth: “the motor is inside the chamber.” No! In 99.9% of cases, it is taken outside (with the exception of some industrial freezers).

2. Standard location: where to look for the motor in 90% of models

In most household refrigerators (brands Atlant, Indesit, Bosch, Whirlpool etc.), the motor-compressor is located in the lower part of the back wall. More precisely, in the lower right or left corner, if you look at the refrigerator from behind. Why exactly there?

• 🔽 Center gravity: the lower location makes the refrigerator more stable.
• 🌡️ Heat transfer: the compressor heats up during operation, and the lower zone is better ventilated.
• 🔧 Ease of repair: a technician can get to the motor without disassembling the entire system.

To find the motor:

1. Unplug the refrigerator (pull out the plug!).
2. Move the refrigerator away from the wall (~50 cm of space is needed).
3. Remove the bottom protective panel (if any) - it is attached to latches or screws.
4. Inspect the lower part: look for a black “tank” with tubes and wires.

In refrigerators with a system No Frost the compressor is located in the same way, but there may be a fan next to it (do not confuse it!). In models Side-by-Side (for example, Samsung RS62R5001M9), the motor is often shifted closer to the center of the rear wall due to the dimensions of the equipment.

3. Exceptions: where is the engine NOT at the bottom?

There are models where the compressor is located non-standard. Here are the key cases:

If your refrigerator falls into one of these categories, do not try to look for the motor at the bottom - it is not there! In models Liebherr and Haier the compressor is often disguised under plastic panels, so you will have to remove them (carefully so as not to damage the fastenings).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with two. compressors (for example, Samsung RB37J5240SA or LG GB-B509SLQZ) the motors can be located at different levels: one at the bottom (for the refrigerator compartment), the other in the middle (for the freezer) Do not confuse them with fans!

4. How to distinguish a compressor from other parts?

On the back wall of the refrigerator you will see several elements that can be confused with the engine. Here's how to distinguish them:

• 🔋 Condenser: a grid of tubes (usually black or silver) through which it circulates. refrigerant. Does not make noise, has no electrical contacts.
• ⚡ Start-protective relay: a small box (the size of a pack of cigarettes) attached to the compressor. Responsible for starting the motor, but is not the engine itself.
• 🌀 Fan (in models No Frost): plastic impeller behind the grille. Spins only when the door is open or active defrosting.
• 🔌 Thermostat: cylindrical sensor with a capillary tube. Usually located closer to the top of the back wall.

If in doubt, turn on the refrigerator (without touching with your hands!) and listen: the compressor makes a low-frequency hum, the fan whistles or rustles, and the relay may click when starting. Another test: carefully touch the parts (after turning off!), the compressor will be warm or hot, the condenser will be at room temperature, and the fan will be cold.

What happens if you confuse the compressor with the condenser?

If you try to “repair” the condenser (for example, clean it like a compressor), you can damage the freon tubes. This will lead to refrigerant leakage and damage to the refrigerator. Restoration will cost 50–70% of the cost of new equipment.

5. Why can the engine “move” upward?

In some modern models (especially premium ones), the compressor is located in the upper part of the housing. This is not a whim of designers, but a technical solution with several advantages:

1. Noise reduction: motor vibrations are less transmitted to the floor.
2. The best ventilation: hot air from the compressor rises up, rather than accumulating below.
3. Ease of service: the technician can reach the motor without moving the heavy refrigerator.

Examples of models with an overhead compressor:

• 🏆 Liebherr CN 4815 (series ComfortNoFrost)
• 🌟 Miele K 12020 S (line MasterCool)
• 💎 Smeg FAB32 (retro design)

If your refrigerator belongs to one of these series, do not be surprised to find a motor under the top cover. However, be careful: in such models the compressor is often covered with additional panels, and to get to it you will have to unscrew 4-6 screws.

6. How to safely inspect the compressor?

If you decide to check the engine yourself, follow these precautions:

⚠️ Attention: The compressor can be hot (up to 60–90°C) even 30 minutes after switching off. Do not touch it with bare hands - use gloves or let the refrigerator cool for 1–2 hours.

Step-by-step instructions for inspection:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and wait 10-15 minutes (to discharge the capacitors).
2. Move the refrigerator away from the wall, providing access to the back wall.
3. Remove the protective panel (if any) - it is attached to latches or screws T20 or T25.
4. Inspect the compressor for:
   • 🔥 Darkening or melting on the housing (a sign overheating).
   • 💧 Oil stains (oil leakage from the crankcase).
   • 🔌 Burnt or oxidized contacts.

Check the integrity of the tubes - they should not be dented or rusted.

If you notice at least one of these signs, do not turn on the refrigerator before consulting with a technician. Trying to start the motor with an oil leak or damaged contacts can lead to a short circuit.

7. What to do if the engine is not found?

If you we examined the refrigerator from all sides, but the compressor seemed to “disappear”, there are three possible reasons:

1. A refrigerator with absorption. system (for example, Electrolux ERN14003OW). Such models do not have a traditional compressor - cooling occurs due to chemical reactions. Usually these are compact or camping refrigerators.
2. The engine is hidden under the inner panel (found in some Smeg or Gorenje). You will have to remove the inner rear wall of the freezer.
3. You are confusing the compressor with another unit (see section 4). hum during operation, copper tubes, electrical connector.

If your refrigerator belongs to the first category (absorption), repairing the motor at home is impossible - specialized equipment is required. In the second case, it is better to contact a specialist: disassembling the internal panels without experience can damage the insulation.

Useful life hack: if you are not sure whether the compressor is working, place your hand on the back wall of the refrigerator (the area where the motor should be) while it is running. Vibrations and heat will indicate the location of the motor.

Frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to replace the compressor yourself?

Theoretically, yes, but in practice it is risky. To replace you need vacuum pump (to pump out the old freon), gas burner (for soldering the pipes) and pressure manifold (to charge the refrigerant Without experience, you can break the tightness of the system, which will lead to problems). freon leakage. The cost of tools often exceeds the price of the master’s work.

❓ Why is a hot compressor normal?

Yes, this is normal. During operation, the motor heats up to 60–90°C. If the temperature exceeds 100°C, this is a sign of overheating (possible reasons: a clogged condenser, a faulty relay, a freon leak. Usually the compressor cools down within 30-60 minutes after switching off.

❓ How to understand that the compressor is broken?
Signs of a motor malfunction:
• The refrigerator does not cool, but the light inside is on.
• The compressor turns on for 1-2 seconds and turns off (clicks relay).
• The engine hums, but does not start.
• Traces of oil or melting are visible on the motor housing.

If at least one of these symptoms is present, diagnostics is needed.

❓ Does the location of the compressor affect the noise refrigerator?

Yes, but not as much as the marketing materials of some brands claim. The lower location of the motor can increase vibrations transmitted to the floor, and the upper one is better to dampen them. However, the main source of noise is not the position of the compressor itself, but its fastening i condition of shock absorbersIf the refrigerator begins to make more noise, check the rubber ones. gaskets under the engine - they could have hardened or cracked.

❓ Is it possible to move the compressor to another location?

No. The compressor is connected to sealed freon circulation system, and any movement of it will require resoldering of the tubes, evacuation and recharging of the refrigerant. It's more difficult than buying a new refrigerator. The exception is industrial installations, where such manipulations are carried out by licensed specialists.