When the refrigerator starts to make noise, vibrate or stops freezing, the first suspicion falls on compressor the heart “motor” of the unit. But where exactly to look for it? Unlike washing machines, where the engine is often visible from the back, in refrigerators the compressor is hidden under the housing, and its location depends on the model, type of cooling system and even year of manufacture. If you have never looked under the bottom of the equipment or disassembled the back panel, it may not be obvious to find the motor.
In this article we will look at where the compressor is located in refrigerators of different brands (Indesit, Atlant, Samsung, LG etc.), show photos and diagrams typical places installation and explain how to safely access it for diagnosis or repair. We will pay special attention models with the No Frost system and inverter compressors - their design often confuses even experienced craftsmen.
What is a refrigerator “motor” and what does it look like
In everyday life, a refrigerator motor is called compressor an electric motor that compresses the refrigerant (freon) and drives it through a system of tubes, providing cooling. Externally, it is a sealed metal cylinder (usually black) with tubes for freon inlet/outlet and electrical contacts. Connected to it:
- 🔌 Start relay - a small box with wires that starts the compressor.
- 🔄 Condenser (in some models) - helps smooth out starting currents.
- ❄️ Refrigerant tubes - copper or aluminum, going to the evaporator (freezer).
Compressor sizes vary from 10x15 cm (in compact refrigerators) to 20x25 cm (in large Side-by-Side). Modern models are often equipped inverter compressorswhich are quieter and more economical than classic ones, but their location may differ.
⚠️ Attention: The compressor operates under high pressure and voltage (220V). Never touch it when the power is on —even if the refrigerator “does not freeze,” a dangerous potential may remain on the contacts. Unplug the plug from the outlet and wait 10-15 minutes before inspecting.
Where the compressor is located in the refrigerator: 3 main options
Manufacturers place the motor depending on the design of the refrigerator. We have identified the three most common places, which cover 95% of the models on the market.
1. Rear in the lower part (classic location)
Most refrigerators (Atlant, Biryusa, Stinol, old Samsung and LG) have a compressor at the back, closer to the floor. It is hidden under a metal or plastic cover, which is secured with latches or screws. To see it:
- Move the refrigerator away from the wall (at least 30–40 cm).
- Remove the lower rear panel (sometimes it is combined with the drain pan).
- The compressor will be located to the left or right of the center, next to the black grille capacitor.
📌 Symptoms: if the refrigerator vibrates or hums loudly, and the sound comes from below, the motor is definitely there. In models with No Frost the compressor is often shifted closer to the freezer compartment.
2. Down below the freezer compartment (modern models)
Refrigerators with a system No Frost (Samsung RB30J3**, LG GA-B489, Bosch KAN92VI30) often have a compressor in the front, under the freezer compartment. It is accessed through:
- 🔧 A removable panel at the bottom of the facade (you will have to unscrew 2-4 screws).
- 🚪 A niche under the drawers for vegetables (in some Side-by-Side).
⚠️ Attention: In such refrigerators, the compressor can be covered with additional thermal insulation. Do not remove it completely —this will disrupt thermal regulation. It is enough to bend the edge to get to the contacts or relays.
3. On the side in the technical compartment (rare, but occurs)
Some industrial or built-in models (Lieberr, Smeg) place the compressor in the side compartment, which opens through the service hatch. Usually this is:
- 🔄 Right or left wall (behind the decorative panel).
- 📦 A separate unit at the back, attached to the body. bolts.
🔍 How to check? Shine a flashlight along the side walls - if you see a metal cylinder with tubes, this is it. In such cases, repairs often require dismantling the door or internal shelves.
Why is the compressor not always visible?
In some models (for example, Haier or Hisense with the "Quiet Mode" function), the motor is covered with a soundproof casing. It can be removed, but be careful - there may be fragile fasteners inside.
How to find a compressor in refrigerators of popular brands
The location of the motor may differ even from one manufacturer depending on the series. We have collected data for the most common brands (relevant for models released after 2010).
| Brand | Model range | Location compressor | Access features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant | MHM, XM, HP | Back at the bottom, left | Cover with 2 screws, under it is a capacitor and motor |
| Indesit | BIAA, TIA, C | Back at the bottom, in the center | The relay is mounted separately on a bracket |
| Samsung | RB, RL, RS (No Frost) | Under the freezer (front) | Panel with snaps, motor in a foam box |
| LG | GA, GB (Inverter Linear) | Back bottom, right | Inverter compressor without start relay |
| Bosch | KAN, KGN (VitaFresh) | At the bottom, closer to the freezer | Additional thermal insulation around the motor |
💡 Advice: If your model is not in the table, look for it passport or service manual on request “[brand model] service manual". The documents always contain diagrams of the location of components. For example, for Samsung RL38** the compressor is indicated as “Compressor Assembly” on page 12.
Disconnect the refrigerator from network
Wait 15 minutes (discharge of capacitors)
Prepare a flashlight and a screwdriver
Take a photo of the location of the wires before disconnecting-->
How to safely get to the compressor: step by step instructions
Even if you have found where the motor is, do not rush to touch it. Incorrect actions can lead to freon leak, tube damage or electric shockfreon leakage. data-i="140">damage to tubes
Step 1: Preparing tools
You will need:
- ⚡ Indicator screwdriver —to check the absence of voltage.
- 🔧 Phillips/flathead screwdriver —for removing the panel.
- 📸 Smartphone —to photograph the location of the wires.
- 🧤 Rubber gloves — for protection from sharp edges and condensation.
Step 2: Disconnection and discharge
1. Pull out the plug from the socket.
2. wait 10–15 minutes —during this time the capacitors in the power circuit will discharge.
3. Touch the metal parts of the compressor with an indicator screwdriver - the light should not light up.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with inverter compressors (LG, Samsung), even after switching off, a voltage of up to 300V may remain on the control board. Do not touch bare electronic modules by hand.
Step 3: Removing the protective panel
The algorithm depends on the location of the motor:
- 🔄 Rear panel: Unscrew the screws (usually 4 pieces) and remove the cover. Be careful - there may be sharp ribs of the capacitor underneath.
- 🚪 Front panel (No Frost): Pry the plastic cover from below with a screwdriver and pull it towards you. Sometimes it is held on by clips.
📌 Important: If the panel cannot be removed, do not use force - it may be attached to hidden latches. Watch the video disassembly of your model on YouTube (for example, the request “disassembly Indesit BIAA 13»).
Step 4: Compressor diagnostics
When the motor is in front of you, check:
- 🔌 Integrity of wires for any melting or breaks.
- 🔊 Noise when turned on —a hum without relay clicks indicates a malfunction.
- ☠️ Oil stains —if there are oily smudges on the compressor housing, a leak is possible refrigerant.
Frequent problems with the compressor and their symptoms
The refrigerator motor does not break down immediately - it is usually preceded by “symptoms” that can be noticed in advance. We have collected typical signs of malfunctions and their possible causes.
| Symptom | Possible reason | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator does not turn on, there is no sound | The starting relay is burned out or the motor winding is broken | Ring the windings with a multimeter, replace relay |
| Loud hum, but does not freeze | Compressor jammed or freon leak | Checking the pressure in the system (a master is required) |
| The compressor turns on and off immediately | Malfunction of the thermostat or overheating protection | Diagnostics of the thermostat and fan (for No Frost) |
| Strong vibration and knocking | Loose fastenings or wear of shock absorbers | Tighten the bolts, replace the rubber dampers |
🔧 Independent repair is possible only in two cases:
- Replacement start relay (the part costs 300–1000 ₽, is attached to latches).
- Tightening compressor mounts (if it is loose).
In all other cases (freon leakage, interturn short circuit, jamming of the piston) is required specialist with equipment. Repair attempts without experience lead to complete failure of the compressor building (and its replacement costs 50–70% of the cost of a new refrigerator).
Can the compressor be moved to another location?
Sometimes users want to move the motor to reduce noise or free up space. Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended for several reasons:
- 🔧 Balancing imbalance - the compressor is designed for a certain position. If it is turned over or tilted, oil from the crankcase may enter the system, which will lead to jamming.
- 📉 Loss of efficiency —the length of the freon tubes is optimized for the factory location. Lengthening the pipes will worsen heat transfer.
- ⚡ Risk of freon leakage —during dismantling it is easy to damage the solder joints.
💡 Alternatives:
- 🔇 Install the refrigerator on vibration-isolating legs (sold in hardware stores).
- 🔌 Connect via voltage stabilizer —this will reduce the noise from starting currents.
- 🚪 Move the refrigerator to another room (for example, to a balcony, if it is insulated).
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with inverter compressors (LG, Samsung, Bosch) transfer motor is strictly prohibited. These models have electronic control, which is adjusted to the specific position of the sensors.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the refrigerator compressor
How to understand that the compressor has burned out and not the thermostat?
If the compressor does not turn on at all (no humming, no relay clicks), the problem may be in the thermostat or control board. To check:
- Remove the terminals from the thermostat and short them together (with a jumper).
- If the motor is working, the thermostat is to blame; if not, the problem is in the compressor or relay.
⚠️ Attention: Short the wires only when the power is off!
Why is a new refrigerator humming a lot - is this normal?
In the first 2-3 days after switching on, the compressor may work louder than usual. This is due to:
- 🔄 Straightening of the tubes after transportation.
- ❄️ Temperature set in the chambers.
- 🛠 By grinding in parts (in new models).
If the noise has not decreased after a week, check:
- Installation level (the refrigerator should be level).
- Distance to the wall (at least 5 cm for ventilation).
- Presence of foreign objects, concerning the case.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator without the back cover?
For a short time (for 10-15 minutes for diagnostics) - yes, but constantly operate the refrigerator with the panel removed impossible. This will lead to:
- 🔥 Overheating of the compressor (the cover provides directed air flow).
- 🚫 Hit dust to the condenser, which worsens heat transfer.
- ⚡ Risk of electric shock if accidentally touched.
If the cover is damaged, replace it with a similar one (can be ordered by model number).
How to check the compressor with a multimeter?
To diagnose the windings:
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
- Remove the starting relay (usually secured with latches).
- Connect the multimeter probes to the compressor contacts (there is a marking on the case:
C- common,S- starting winding,R- working). - Measure the resistance:
C-S+C-R≈S-R(usually 20-50 Ohms).- If the resistance is equal 0 or ∞ - open or short.
📌 Normal values: for most compressors, the winding resistance should be in the range of 15–40 Ohms. Look for exact data in the model passport.
How much does it cost to replace a compressor?
The cost depends on the type of motor and model of the refrigerator:
| Type of compressor | Cost of the part (₽) | Cost of the work (₽) |
|---|---|---|
| Classic (regular) | 4 000–8 000 | 3 000–5 000 |
| Inverter (LG, Samsung) | 8 000–15 000 | 5 000–8 000 |
| For Side-by-Side | 10 000–20 000 | 6 000–10 000 |
💰 Advice: If the refrigerator is more than 10 years old, replacing the compressor may not be practical. Compare the cost of repairs with the price of a new unit.