Situation, when Daewoo refrigerator works continuously, without going on vacation, is familiar to many owners of this equipment. The compressor hums for days, the inside of the chambers may be too cold or, conversely, not frosty enough, and electricity bills grow exponentially. This is not just an economic problem, but also a signal that the refrigeration unit work is wearing out, which can lead to expensive major repairs or a complete replacement of the motor.
Understanding that why the refrigerator does not turn off, requires analysis of several systems. This could be a simple error in operation, a violation of the tightness of the circuit, or failure of electronic components. Unlike older models, modern Daewoo units equipped with complex electronics that try to compensate for malfunctions, sometimes forcing the compressor to work in increased mode. It is important not to ignore the first symptoms and start diagnosing.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons why compressor does not receive a signal to stop. We will look at mechanical, electrical and operational factors. You will learn how to distinguish a software failure from a physical breakdown and in which cases you can handle it yourself, and when it is better to call a specialist.
Improper operation and external factors
Before looking for a breakdown inside of a Daewoo refrigeratorit is necessary to exclude user errors. Often the reason lies in a banal violation of operating rules. If you have recently defrosted the chamber or loaded a large amount of warm food, the compressor will run non-stop, trying to reach the set temperature. This is a normal reaction of the system.
However, if the operating mode does not change during the day, it is worth checking the condition of the sealing rubber on the doors. Leaks is a common reason for continuous operation. Warm air enters the chamber through the cracks, sensors record the temperature increase and give the command to the motor not to stop. Check whether the door fits tightly around the entire perimeter.
Also pay attention to the location of the equipment. If Daewoo refrigerator is located close to the wall or next to the stove, the radiator on the back wall cannot effectively transfer heat. The system overheats and cannot reach the shutdown point. Leave a gap of at least 10-15 cm for air circulation.
⚠️ Attention: Installing the refrigerator in a niche without provided ventilation or near heat sources can lead to thermal shock of the compressor. Make sure there is free space around the back wall.
Another important aspect is the temperature in the room. If refrigerator is installed in an unheated room where the temperature drops below +10°C or rises above +35°C, its operation may become incorrect. The lubricant in the compressor thickens or thins, and the sensors may transmit incorrect data.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator does not turn offis failure thermostat. In mechanical Daewoo models, this element is a simple switch that opens the circuit when a certain temperature is reached. If its contacts are “stuck” or the capillary tube has lost sensitivity, the circuit will not break and the motor will hum constantly.
In models with a system No Frost and electronic control, the role of a thermostat is performed by temperature sensors (thermistors). They transmit data to the main control board. If the sensor “lies” and shows that the chamber is warm, the board will keep the compressor on. Often the problem lies in oxidation of the contacts or broken wires.
Diagnostics of the thermostat at home is possible, but requires caution. You need to get to the element, usually it is located inside the refrigerator compartment or behind the control panel. When turning the control knob, a characteristic click should be heard. If it is not there, the element is faulty.
Replacing sensors in electronic models requires resetting errors in the board memory. After installing a new element Daewoo refrigerator may require a reboot or entering service mode for calibration.
Problems with the refrigerant and circulation system
Freon leakage is an insidious problem that is often disguised as continuous operation of the compressor. When the circuit becomes low refrigerant, the pressure drops and the compressor cannot reach the required temperature in the evaporator. As a result, it works at the limit of its capabilities, but does not turn off.
It is difficult to determine a leak visually, since the gas is colorless and odorless. However, indirect signs are:
- 🔹 Poor cooling in the freezer when the motor is running.
- 🔹 Heating of the condenser (grid at the back) is only half or uneven.
- 🔹 The appearance of oily spots near the compressor or tubes.
If you suspect a leak, under no circumstances try to simply add freon without looking for the damage. Refrigerant it will leak again, and the compressor will burn out due to working in a vacuum or overheating. Professional diagnostics with a leak detector are required.
Another problem is a clogged capillary tube. An ice or oil plug may form in the circulation system. The pressure in front of the plug increases, the compressor hums, but there is no cold. In such cases Daewoo refrigerator may periodically shut down due to overload, but more often it works continuously, trying to push through the plug.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor is hot, no cold | Freon leak | Call a technician to find a leak |
| Intermittent humming, clicking | Clogged system | Purge and replace the filter-drier |
| The refrigerator freezes too much | The thermostat is faulty | Replacing the thermostat |
| Frost only at the entrance to the evaporator | Lack of freon | Refilling and soldering the circuit |
Failure of the electronic control module
Modern Daewoo refrigerators are controlled by complex electronic boards. If the control module is “buggy”, it may not send a signal to turn off the compressor, even if all sensors are working and the temperature is normally reached. This can happen due to a power surge or a factory defect.
Often the problem is solved by a complete reboot of the system. It is necessary to disconnect refrigerator from the network for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the capacitors to discharge and the board memory to clear temporary errors. If after switching on the situation repeats, a flashing or replacement of the module is probably required.
How to check the control board visually?
Carefully inspect the board for blackening, swollen capacitors or traces of burning. Often, visually noticeable defects indicate a burnt-out element that blocks the operation of the entire system.
In some models, a failure may be caused by a malfunction of the defrost sensor. If the system "thinks" the evaporator has not defrosted, it may block the normal cooling cycle or, alternatively, keep the compressor running to compensate for the heat. Diagnostics requires testing the sensors with a multimeter.
Wear of the compressor and start relay
The most expensive reason is wear of the compressor itself compressor. Over time, the piston group wears out, the valves lose their tightness, and the engine ceases to create sufficient pressure. It runs continuously but cannot reach the target temperature. This can be determined by a quiet, monotonous hum without the characteristic operating sounds of pumping.
It is also worth checking the starting relay. If its contacts are burnt, it may not open the starting winding, which is why the compressor will work in the wrong mode or constantly hum while trying to start. In modern Daewoo inverter models, the role of a relay is played by the inverter unit, which can also fail.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor operates continuously for more than 24 hours, its housing can heat up to critical temperatures. This is a fire hazard. Immediately disconnect the device from the network.
Replacing a compressor is a complex technical process that requires evacuation of the system and refilling the exact amount. Freon. It is almost impossible to independently perform this operation efficiently without special equipment.
Self-diagnosis algorithm
If your Daewoo refrigerator stops turning off, do not panic. Walk through the simple diagnostic steps to understand the scope of the problem. This will help you either eliminate the fault or accurately describe the symptoms to the technician.
☑️ Diagnosis of the fault
Start with a visual inspection and checking temperatures. Place the thermometer in a glass of water in the refrigerator and leave for a couple of hours. Normal temperature should be around +4°C. If it is significantly lower or higher, the system does not work correctly.
Check whether the evaporator in the freezer is covered with a “coat” of ice. If so, the problem may be with the defrost system and not the compressor. Defrost refrigerator completely (at least 24 hours) and turn it on again. If the problem disappeared, the problem was in the ice.
When it is necessary to call a specialist
There are a number of situations when independent repair refrigerator is not only useless, but also dangerous. First of all, this is any work related to the violation of the tightness of the circuit. Soldering tubes, replacing the filter-drier and refilling with freon require a license and equipment.
You should also call a technician if:
- 🔹 You hear gurgling or hissing inside the chambers (a sign of a leak).
- 🔹 The compressor vibrates strongly or makes a knock.
- 🔹 The electronics do not respond to the control buttons.
- 🔹 The smell of burning or scorched wiring.
A professional technician will carry out diagnostics using a pressure gauge collector, check the current consumption of the compressor and accurately determine the unit that requires replacement. This will save you money on buying extra spare parts.
Is it possible to leave the refrigerator on if it does not turn off?
It is absolutely not possible. Continuous operation leads to overheating of the compressor windings, oil burnout and eventual jamming of the motor. This will turn a simple repair into a replacement of the entire unit.
Why does the Daewoo refrigerator freeze too much and does not turn off?
Most likely, the thermostat or one of the temperature sensors has failed. It sends an incorrect signal about high temperature, forcing the compressor to work at maximum.
How long should a refrigerator compressor normally work?
In normal mode, the operating ratio is about 30-40%. This means that for 10 minutes of work there are 20-25 minutes of rest. If it works for 50 minutes and rests for 10, this is an alarming signal.
Does the amount of food affect the operating time?
Yes, a full refrigerator keeps the cold longer, but it also takes longer to gain temperature after loading warm products. However, it should still go into rest mode. An empty refrigerator may work more often due to loss of cold when opening.