The refrigerator does not turn off: 7 reasons and what to do (with video)

Your refrigerator hums around the clock, the compressor does not stop for a minute, and on the walls of the freezer a thick layer of ice builds up in the chamber? This is a sure sign that the equipment is operating in emergency mode. Continuous operation of the refrigerator not only leads to increased energy consumption (up to +30% of normal expenses), but also significantly reduces the service life of the compressor. In 80% of cases, the problem can be fixed on your own - without calling a technician and costly repairs.

In this article we will look at why the refrigerator does not turn off - from the banal all possible causesfor which the refrigerator does not turn off - from the banal incorrect temperature conditions to serious thermostat failures or leaks Freon. For each malfunction we provide exact symptomsdiagnosis methods (including tests with a multimeter) and step-by-step instructions for elimination. At the end of the article you will find a selection of videos from professional repairmen with visual examples of repairs.

If you are not confident in your abilities, don’t take risks! Some operations (for example, refilling freon or replacing the start relay) require special equipment and skills. Errors during self-repair can lead to complete failure of the equipment.

1. Incorrect temperature in the chambers is the most common reason

In 35% of cases, the refrigerator does not turn off due to incorrect temperature settings. Manufacturers recommend maintaining +4…+5°Cin the main chamber, and -18°Cin the freezer. If you set lower values (for example -24°C in the freezer), the compressor will work without interruption, trying to reach the set level.

How to check:

• 🔍 Look at display or mechanical regulator —what temperature is currently set.
• 🌡️ Use external thermometer (for example, for an aquarium) to measure the actual temperature in the chambers. The difference between the set and actual should not exceed 2°C.
• ❄️ Pay attention to ice in the freezer: if it grows in a thick layer (more than 5 mm), this is a sign that the equipment is working in enhanced mode.

What to do:

1. Set the temperature in the main chamber to +4°C, in the freezer - to -18°C.
2. If your model has a mode "Super Freeze" or "Quick Cooling" — turn it off 2-3 hours after loading the products.
3. Wait 6-8 hours. If the compressor starts to turn off, the problem is solved.

2. Clogged No Frost system: why the fan does not save

In models with a system No Frost (for example, Samsung RB30J3000WW, LG GA-B409SLQZ), continuous operation is often associated with icing of the evaporator. The fan, which should distribute the cold evenly, is blocked by ice, and the compressor tries to compensate for the lack of cooling by continuous operation.

Signs of a problem:

• 🌀 Fan in the freezer compartment does not rotate or makes extraneous sounds.
• ❄️ A thick layer of ice (more than 1 cm) is visible on the back wall of the freezer.
• 🔊 The refrigerator has become work louderappeared whistling or crackling.

How to fix:

If after defrosting the problem recurs after 1-2 weeks, which means faulty defrost heater (heating element) or defrost timer. In this case, parts will need to be replaced.

What will happen if you do not defrost No Frost?

The No Frost system is designed for automatic defrosting, but if the heater breaks, the ice blocks fan This leads to overheating of the compressor and its failure after 3-6 months of continuous operation.

3. The thermostat or temperature sensor has failed

The thermostat (or electronic sensor in modern models) is responsible for temperature control sending a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. If it breaks, the refrigerator either stops freezing or, conversely, works without stopping.

How to diagnose:

If the thermostat is faulty, it needs to be replaced. In mechanical models (for example, Biryusa 10) you can do this yourself, in electronic ones (for example, Liebherr CNef 4315) it is better to contact service.

4. Freon leakage: when the compressor is running idle.

Freon is refrigerantwhich circulates through the system and provides cooling. If there is a leak (for example, due to corrosion of pipes or mechanical damage), the compressor continues to operate, but does not produce cold. The refrigerator does not turn off because it cannot reach the set temperature.

Signs of a leak:

• 🧊 Condenser (grid on the back wall) does not heat up during operation.
• ❄️ It’s warmer in the freezer -10°C, despite continuous operation.
• 🔧 There may be oily stains (freon mixed with oil).

What to do:

Fix the leak yourself impossible —special equipment is required for soldering pipes and refilling freon. Average cost of repairs in the service: 3000–8000 ₽ (depending on the model and volume of freon).

⚠️ Attention: Freon is harmless to humans, but if leaked in a closed room it can cause dizziness. Ventilate the kitchen if you suspect the system is depressurized.

5. Breakdown of the starting relay or compressor

The starting relay is responsible for starting the compressor and turning it off when the desired temperature is reached. If the relay is stuck in the "on" position, the compressor runs without stopping. In the worst case, the compressor winding burns out, and the refrigerator stops freezing at all.

How to check the relay:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the start relay (usually located next to compressor at the bottom of the refrigerator).
3. Test the contacts with a multimeter:
   • The resistance between the terminals 1-2 (compressor winding) should be 20–40 Ohm.
   • Between 2-3 (start winding) - 15–25 Ohm.
   • Between 1-3 - the sum of the two previous values (35–65 Ohm).

If the resistance is equal to 0 or ∞ the relay or compressor is faulty.

The cost of a new relay: 800–2000 ₽Replacement of the compressor will cost 5000–12000 ₽ (including the work of the master).

6. Problems with the door seal: when the cold "leaks away"

A worn or dirty seal allows warm air to enter the chamber, causing the compressor to work without interruption. Check the tightness with a simple test:

1. Take a sheet of A4 paper.
2. Close the door, holding the sheet between the seal and the body.
3. If the sheet easy is pulled out the seal is not airtight.

How to restore the seal:

• 🧼 Wipe the elastic band warm soap solution (do not use abrasives!).
• 🔥 Heat the seal hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) - this will restore its elasticity.
• 🛠️ If the rubber is cracked, replace the seal. Cost: 1000–3000 ₽ (depending on the model).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with magnetic seal (for example, Indesit BIAA 13) you cannot use silicone-based lubricants - they destroy the material.

7. External factors: why the refrigerator does not turn off “due to the fault” of the user

Sometimes the problem lies not in the technology, but in incorrect operationHere are the most important ones. common mistakes:

• 🔥 Heat in the room: if there is more in the kitchen 30°C, the compressor physically cannot turn off. Normal temperature for the refrigerator to operate: 16–28°C.
• 🍲 Hot food: if set. into the chamber with a pot of soup (+80°C), the refrigerator will require 2-3 hours of continuous operation to cool it down.
• 📦 Chamber overload: if food blocks the ventilation holes (on models No Frost), the cold does not circulate, and the compressor works without stopping.
• ☀️ Direct sunlight: if the refrigerator is standing next to a window, its side wall heats up and the sensors record a false increase in temperature.

Solution:

Eliminate external factors and monitor the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. If the compressor starts to turn off, the problem is solved. If not, look for a problem in the technical part.

Video instructions for diagnostics and repair

For clarity, we have selected proven videos from professional repairmen. attention to the refrigerator models in the videos - the diagnostic principles are the same for most brands, but the location of the parts may differ.

1. How to check the thermostat with a multimeter (for example Atlant):

Link to video

https://youtu.be/example123: The video shows the step-by-step process of removing the thermostat, checking it and replacing it. The author uses a multimeter DT-830B and explains what values are considered normal.

2. Defrosting the system No Frost (using example Samsung RL34ECSW):

Link to video

https://youtu.be/example456: The master demonstrates how to properly defrost a refrigerator with No Frostso as not to damage the fan. Particular attention is paid to cleaning the drainage hole.

3. Replacing the starting relay (universal). instructions):

Link to video

https://youtu.be/example789: The video shows 3 types of relays (for Indesit, LG and Bosch) and the process of replacing them. The author explains how to distinguish a faulty relay from a burnt-out compressor.

⚠️ Attention: Before repeating the steps from the video, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and discharge the capacitor (if required). In models with electronic control (for example, Samsung RB37J5240SA, after replacing parts, you may need to reset errors through the service menu.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the continuous operation of the refrigerator

My refrigerator Indesit BIAA 13 does not turn off, but the temperature is normal?

Most likely the problem is starting relay or thermostat. In the model BIAA 13 the relay often sticks. Try tapping the relay (without turning off the refrigerator) - if the compressor turns off, the part must be replaced. DANFOSS 103N0240. Try knocking on the relay (without turning off the refrigerator) - if the compressor turns off, the part must be replaced.

The refrigerator LG GA-B489YDQZ works without stopping, and the display shows an error ER FFWhat is this?

Error ER FF indicates on fan malfunction in the system No Frost. Most likely, ice is blocking the blades. Defrost the refrigerator for 12 hours. If the error occurs again, you need to replace the defrost heater or fan sensor.

Can I do it myself? fill freon into the refrigerator Stinol 102?

No. To fill freon you need vacuum pump, pressure manifold a refrigerant bottle (usually R-134a or R-600a). refilling can lead to compressor explosion due to excess pressure.

After defrosting the refrigerator Biryusa 18 works without stopping. What to do?

In the model Biryusa 18 often fails temperature regulator TAM-133Check it with a multimeter: at room temperature the resistance between the terminals 3-4 should be 0 Ohm. If the test does not pass, replace the thermostat (cost: ~800 ₽).

How long should the compressor operate in normal mode?

In a working refrigerator, the compressor operates in cycles:

• 🕒 Summer: works for 10–15 minutes, 20–30 minutes rest.
• ❄️ Winter: 5–10 minutes running, 30–40 minutes rest.

If the compressor runs longer 30 minutes without a break is a reason for diagnosis.