The refrigerator compressor does not start: 10 reasons and what to do

Have you opened the refrigerator and it’s warm? Or does the motor not make the usual hum at all? The compressor does not start is one of the most common malfunctions that can lead to food damage and expensive repairs. But don’t rush to call a technician: in 60% of cases, the problem can be fixed on your own in 10-30 minutes.

In this article we will look all possible reasonswhy the refrigerator compressor does not turn on - from a banal lack of power to serious motor breakdowns. You will learn how to check the thermostat, relay, capacitor and other components without special tools, as well as when self-repair is dangerous and requires calling a specialist. For convenience, we have collected step-by-step instructions with photos, fault tables and answers to frequently asked questions.

1. Checking the power supply: why the refrigerator may be de-energized

The first thing to do is to make sure that the refrigerator is receiving electricity at all. This may seem obvious, but 30% of calls to service centers they are associated precisely with a banal lack of power.

Start by inspecting the power cord and socket:

• 🔌 Check the plug and cable for melting, cracks or kinks. If the insulation is damaged, there is a direct threat of a short circuit.
• 💡 Plug another device into the same outlet (for example, a table lamp). If it does not work, the problem is in the outlet or home wiring.
• ⚡ Make sure that the machine on the panel is not knocked out. Sometimes refrigerators are connected to a separate line - check all the levers.

Pay special attention surge protectors and extension cords. Many modern refrigerators (Samsung RL60, LG GA-B489, Atlant MXM-1807) are sensitive to power surges. If you are using an extension cord, connect the refrigerator directly to the outlet and check if the compressor works.

⚠️ Attention: If you hear a crackling sound or see smoke when you plug in the refrigerator - immediately disconnect it from the network! These are signs of a short circuit that can lead to a fire. In this case, replacement of the power cable or internal wiring is required.

2. Thermostat (thermostat): how to check and replace

Thermostat is the “brain” of the refrigerator, which sends a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. If it breaks, the motor simply will not receive the command to start. Signs of a thermostat malfunction:

• 🧊 The refrigerator does not cool, but the light inside is on
• 🔄 The compressor does not turn on at all or works without stopping
• ❄️ There is ice in the freezer, but mostly heat compartment (or vice versa)

How to check the thermostat yourself:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and remove all the food.
2. Remove the plastic cover inside the chamber (usually secured with latches or screws).
3. Find the thermostat - this is a small box with a tube, going to the evaporator.
4. Carefully remove the terminals and short them together (simulating a signal to turn on).

If after this the compressor starts working, the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement.

Cost of a new thermostat for popular models:

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with electronic control (Samsung No Frost, LG Inverter) a temperature sensor is used instead of a mechanical thermostat. Checking it requires a multimeter and knowledge of the circuit - it is better to entrust the diagnosis to a specialist.

3. Start-up relay: why it clicks, but the compressor does not start

If you hear characteristic clicks when you try to turn on the refrigerator, but the motor does not start, it’s your fault start-protection relay. This small unit is responsible for starting the compressor and protecting it from overloads. Reasons for relay failure:

• 🔥 Overheating due to prolonged operation of the compressor
• 💥 Power surges online
• 🕰️ Natural wear (service life 5-7 years)

How to check the relay:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove the relay (usually attached to the compressor).
2. Shake it - if you hear a knock or a spring rattles, the relay is faulty.
3. Check the contacts for melting or black deposits.

In 80% of cases, the relay cannot be repaired - it needs to be replaced with a similar one (the article number is usually indicated on the body).

How to temporarily start a refrigerator without a relay?

If the relay is burned out and you don’t have a new one at hand, you can temporarily close contacts L and M on the compressor with a wire. This is dangerous —the motor will work without overheating protection! Use only for emergency preservation of food for 1-2 hours.

Cost of a new relay:

• 🔧 Universal relay (for example, Danfoss 103N0012) - 500-800 rubles.
• 🔧 Original for Atlant/Indesit — 900-1500 rub.
• 🔧 Relay for inverter compressors (Samsung Digital Inverter) — 2000-3500 rub.

4. The capacitor: how to check it with a multimeter

Starting capacitor accumulates energy to start the compressor. If it fails, the motor can:

• 🔄 Humms, but does not start
• 💨 Turns on for 1-2 seconds and turns off
• 🔥 Overheats during operation

To check the capacitor you will need a multimeter:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and discharge the capacitor (short its terminals with a screwdriver with an insulated handle).
2. Put the multimeter in resistance measurement mode (2000k).
3. Touch the terminals with the probes and observe the readings: a working capacitor will first show low resistance, then it will increase to infinity.

If the resistance does not change or is zero, the capacitor is faulty.

Cost and characteristics of capacitors:

5. Compressor malfunctions: when replacement is required

If all the previous elements are working, but the refrigerator compressor does not start, the problem may be in the motor itself. Signs compressor malfunction:

• 🔇 Complete silence when turned on (there are not even relay clicks)
• 🔥 The compressor housing gets very hot
• 💨 The motor hums, but does not create pressure (the refrigerator does not cool)
• 🛢️ Oil smudges are visible on the body

How to check the compressor:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and wait until the capacitor is discharged.
2. Remove the start-up relay and check the resistance of the windings with a multimeter:
   • Between terminals C-S (working winding) - 15-40 Ohm
   • Between terminals C-M (start winding) - 20-50 Ohm
   • Between S-M is the sum of the two previous values

If the resistance is 0 or infinity, the windings are burned out or torn.

Cost of compressors for popular brands:

• 🔧 Atlant/Stinol (EKT 110/120) - 4500-6000 rubles.
• 🔧 Indesit/Ariston (Embraco EGX 90) - 6000-8000 rub.
• 🔧 Samsung Digital Inverter - 12000-18000 rub.
• 🔧 LG Linear Compressor - 15000-22000 rub.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing the compressor, be sure to change filter drier and refill with a new portion of freon. Otherwise, the system will become clogged and the refrigerator will fail again in 1-2 months.

6. Electronic control board: diagnostics and repair

In modern refrigerators (Samsung RB, LG GC-B, Bosch KAN92**) it is responsible for starting the compressor electronic control board. If it fails, the motor may not receive a signal to turn on. Signs of a problem with the board:

• 📛 Errors appear on the display (E1, E3, OF)
• 🔄 The refrigerator turns on and immediately turns off
• 💻 The buttons on the panel do not respond
• 🔥 Smells of burning from the back wall

Independent diagnostics of the board:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove the back cover.
2. Inspect the board for melted elementsswept capacitors or black spots.
3. Check all connectors - they must be tightly connected.
4. If you have experience with a soldering iron, check the main elements (resistors, diodes, transistors) with a multimeter.

Repair cost boards:

• 🔧 Diagnostics - 500-1000 rubles.
• 🔧 Replacement of capacitors/resistors - 1500-3000 rubles.
• 🔧 Complete replacement of the board - 4000-10000 rubles (depending on from the model)

What to do if the refrigerator is under warranty?

If your refrigerator is under warranty (usually 1-3 years), do not open the case and do not try to repair it yourself! This will void the warranty. Contact an authorized service center of the brand with a receipt and warranty card.

7. Additional reasons: from freon leakage to clogged capillary tube

If all electrical elements are working, but the compressor does not start or is not working efficiently, the problem may lie in the refrigerant circuit:

Freon leak:

• 🧊 The refrigerator cools poorly or does not freeze at all
• 🔧 Oil stains are visible on the back wall (freon leaves along with the oil)
• 💨 The compressor works without stopping, but the temperature does not goes down

It can only be fixed at a service center - you need to find the leak, seal it and fill in new freon.

Clogged capillary tube:

• 🧊 The freezer works, but the refrigerator compartment does not (or vice versa)
• 🔧 The compressor gets very hot and turns off due to overheating
• 💨 The condenser (grid at the back) is cold to the touch, although the motor is running

The system needs to be cleaned or the capillary tube needs to be replaced.

Fan malfunction No Frost (for models with system No Frost):

• 🌀 It’s warm in the refrigerator compartment, but normal in the freezer
• 🔇 You can’t hear the fan working
• 🧊 There is a thick layer on the back wall of the freezer ice

Often the problem is solved by replacing the fan (cost 1500-3000 rubles).

8. When to call a technician: 5 signs of a serious breakdown

Some malfunctions require professional intervention. Call a technician, if:

1. Compressor buzzes, but does not create pressure (possible turn-to-turn breakdown windings).
2. On the compressor housing or control board, melted areas are visible melted areas.
3. Refrigerator electric shock when touching the housing.
4. After replacing the relay/capacitor, the compressor works for 1-2 seconds and turns off.
5. The display shows an error that cannot be reset (E5, FF, dH).

Average prices for repairs in service centers centers (Moscow and regions):

⚠️ Attention: Prices may vary depending on the refrigerator model, region and service center policy. The exact cost will be announced only after diagnosis.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

❓ The refrigerator does not freeze, but the light inside is on. What is the problem?

If there is light, but the compressor does not start, check:

1. Thermostat (close the terminals for test).
2. Start-protective relay (for clicks without starting).
3. Capacitor (if the motor hums but does not start).

In 90% of cases, the problem is in one of these elements.

❓ Is it possible to start the refrigerator without relay?

Technically yes, but highly not recommended. Without a relay, the compressor will operate without protection from overheating and overload, which will lead to its rapid failure. Use this method only for a short-term test (no more than 5 minutes)! To temporarily start the motor, close the contacts L and M on the compressor with wire.

❓ How much does it cost to replace a compressor in a refrigerator?

The cost depends on the model:

• Budget refrigerators (Atlant, Indesit) - 5000-8000 rubles. work.
• Middle class (Samsung, LG without inverter) - 8000-12000 rubles.
• Premium models (LG Inverter, Bosch VitaFresh) - 12000-20000 rubles.

For refrigerators older than 8-10 years, replacing the compressor is often not economically feasible - it is cheaper to buy a new one.

❓ Why does the compressor turn on for 2 seconds and turn off?

Short-term activation of the compressor with immediate shutdown indicates:

• Faulty start-protective relay (the most common cause).
• Interturn short circuit in windings compressor.
• Inflated pressure in the system (clogged capillary tube).

For diagnostics, turn off the relay and check the resistance of the compressor windings with a multimeter.

❓ How to check if the compressor is working?

You can check the operation of the compressor without disassembling:

1. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
2. Plug it back in and listen:
   • 🔇 Complete silence —a problem in the power supply or broken windings.
   • 💨 A hum for 1-2 seconds and a click —a relay or capacitor is faulty.
   • 🌀 Smooth humming —the compressor is working, but a leak is possible freon.