Why the refrigerator does not turn off: a complete analysis of the reasons and solutions

Has your refrigerator suddenly turned into a “perpetual motion machine”? Is the compressor humming non-stop, and an icy “coat” is forming in the freezer? This is not just an annoying noise - a signal that the equipment is wearing out. Continuous operation of the motor reduces the life of the refrigerator by 2-3 times and leads to breakdowns, the cost of repairs of which may exceed the price of a new unit.

In this article we will look into all possible reasons —from banal incorrect mode to serious malfunctions thermostat, relay or freon leaks. You will learn how to diagnose a problem yourself (even without tools), when you can get by with the settings, and when you urgently need a technician. And also - why in 80% of cases it is not the fault refrigerator, and user errors.

1. Check the obvious: 5 “human” mistakes

Before disassembling the refrigerator or calling service, rule out simple reasons. The experience of the masters shows that the 6 out of 10 cases motor does not turn off due to improper operation. Go through this checklist:

• 🔄 Super Freeze or Quick Cooling mode. In models Samsung No Frost, LG Inverter and Bosch VitaFresh these functions can work for up to 72 hours in a row. Turn them off with the button Super Cool or Power Freeze.
• 🚪 The door is not tightly closed. Even a gap of 2 mm causes the compressor to wear out. Check the seal: if it is dirty or deformed, the motor will never turn off.
• 🌡️ High room temperature. If the kitchen is +30°C, and the refrigerator is located next to the stove, the compressor physically cannot reach the desired temperature. Standard for work: +16…+32°C.
• 🥩 Overload with products. Full shelves block air circulation. In models with No Frost this leads to icing of the evaporator and continuous operation of the fan.
• ❄️ Ice “coat” in the freezer. Ice thickness of more than 5 mm insulates the evaporator - the temperature sensor “thinks” that it is warm in the chamber and does not turn off the motor.

If, after eliminating these factors, the refrigerator still does not turn off, proceed to technical reasons.

2. Thermostat malfunctions: how to check without instruments

Thermostat (temperature regulator) - this is the “brain” of the refrigerator, which sends a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. If it breaks, the motor will work continuously or, conversely, not turn on at all. Signs of malfunction:

• 🔊 The compressor hums without pauses for more than 12 hours.
• 🥶 It is too cold in the refrigerator compartment (food freezes), and in the freezer - on the contrary, it is warm.
• 🔄 The temperature adjustment knob does not affect the operation (there is no click when turned).

How to check the thermostat at home:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the thermostat knob (usually it is attached to latch or screw).
3. Get to the thermostat contacts (in different models they may be under a plastic cover or behind the back panel).
4. Ring the contacts with a multimeter in resistance test mode. At room temperature, the resistance should be 0 Ohm (contacts closed). If the indicator 1 (open) - the thermostat is faulty.

Where is the thermostat located in popular models

In refrigerators Atlant i Biryusa The thermostat is located inside the refrigerator compartment, under a plastic cover next to the lamp. In models Samsung No Frost and LG — behind the back panel, next to the evaporator. In old ZIL i Minsk —on the outer panel at the back.

Attention! If the thermostat is mechanical (with handle), you can replace it yourself. Electronic sensors (in models with a display) require professional diagnostics.

3. Problems with the relay: why the compressor “wiggles”

Start protection relay - this is a small black “box” that is attached to the compressor. Its task is to start the engine and protect it from overheating. If the relay is broken, the compressor can:

• 🔄 Work without stopping (the relay is “stuck” in the “on” position).
• 🔇 Not turn on at all (clicks are heard, but the motor does not start).
• 🔥 Overheat (the compressor housing is hot, you can hear a burning smell).

How to check the relay:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove the relay from the compressor (disconnect the terminals).
2. Shake it - if you hear a knock or rattling is a sign of a malfunction.
3. Test the contacts with a multimeter. Between the terminals 3 and 4 (on the relay diagram) the resistance should be 20–40 Ohm.

The cost of a new relay is from 500 to 2000 rubles. Replacement takes 10 minutes, but requires care: do not mix up the wires when connecting!

4. Freon leak: how to recognize and what to do

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the refrigerator system and removes heat. If a microcrack appears somewhere (most often in evaporator or capacitor), the gas evaporates and the compressor begins to run “idle”, trying to catch up with cold.

Signs of a leak:

• 🕒 The motor is running more than 20 hours without stopping, but the chambers are not cold.
• 🧊 The condenser (grid at the back) remains at room temperature (normally it should heat up).
• 🛠️ Oil stains are visible on the tubes or the back wall (freon leaves along with the oil).

It is impossible to eliminate the leak on your own - you need a special tool for evacuating the system and refilling with freon. Repair cost:

Attention! If the technician offers to simply “top up” freon without looking for a leak, this is a scam. Without eliminating the cause, the gas will evaporate again in 1-2 weeks.

5. Clogged capillary tube: why the refrigerator “chokes” itself

Capillary tube - this is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. Over time, it can become clogged due to:

• 🔧 Oil oxidation refrigerators).
• 🧊 Moisture ingress into the system (due to depressurization).
• 🔥 Compressor overheating (oil cokes and forms a plug).

Signs of a blockage:

• 🕐 The compressor works longer than 30 minutes without stopping, but it freezes slightly.
• 🧊 The condenser (grid at the back) only heats up partially.
• 🔇 You can hear gurgling or “splashing” in the tubes (freon cannot pass through).

How to fix:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 12 hours.
2. If the problem remains after defrosting - need cleaning the system using a hydraulic press (in the service).
3. In advanced cases, replacement of capillary tube is required or filter drier.

6. Compressor malfunction: when the motor is “tired”

If the refrigerator is in service more than 10 years, the reason for continuous operation may lie in the wear of the compressor. Over time:

• 🔧 The piston group wears out and the motor loses power.
• 🧊 Oil loses its properties, and the compressor overheats.
• 🔥 Windings can short circuit, which leads to constant operation.

How to check the compressor:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and touch the compressor housing. If it scalding hot is a sign of overheating.
2. Listen to the sound: a healthy compressor hums smoothly, a broken one - knocks, creaks or “wheezes”.
3. Test the windings with a multimeter (the resistance between the terminals should be 20–40 Ohm).

If the compressor is faulty, repair it replacement (it cannot be repaired). The cost of a new motor is from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles, plus the work of a specialist. For refrigerators older than 15 years, replacing the compressor often is not practical is cheaper to buy new equipment.

7. Problems with the electronic board: when the “brains” fail

In modern refrigerators with No Frost and electronic control (Samsung, LG, Bosch), continuous operation of the motor may be associated with a failure control boardsReasons:

• 🔌 Power surge (even if the refrigerator is through a surge protector).
• 💧 Moisture ingress on the contacts (due to condensation).
• 🕹️ Firmware error (in models with Wi-Fi and touch controls).

Signs of board malfunction:

• 📛 An error flashes on the display (for example, E1, F2 or OF OF in refrigerators Samsung).
• 🔄 The compressor does not respond to temperature changes.
• 🔇 The fan No Frost works constantly, even with the door open.

What to do:

1. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes (sometimes “rebooting” helps).
2. Check the error code in the instructions (for example, E1 v Atlant - a problem with the temperature sensor).
3. If the reset did not help, you need to diagnose the board in the service (repair cost - from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles).

8. When to call a technician: a checklist for making a decision

Not all breakdowns can be fixed on your own. These are the cases in which you definitely need the help of a specialist:

• 🛠️ Suspicion of leakage freon (oil stains, warm condenser).
• ⚡ Error code on the display that does not reset (F5, E3 etc.).
• 🔥 Compressor overheats (the housing burns your hand).
• 🧊 Refrigerator does not freeze, the motor runs without stopping.
• 🔧 Required replacement of the compressor or control board.

The average cost of a technician’s visit is 1,500–2,500 rubles (depending on the region, diagnostics are usually free if you agree to repairs.

Attention! If the refrigerator is under warranty, do not disassemble it. independently this will void the warranty. Contact an authorized service center of the brand.

For models Atlant, Biryusa and Indesit the warranty is 1-2 years, for Samsung and LG —up to 10 years on the compressor (but only if used correctly!).

How to find a good craftsman

1. Check reviews on Yandex.Maps or Profi.ru.

2. Ask if the craftsman has certificates from the manufacturer (for example, for refrigerators Liebherr).

3. Check whether the repair is guaranteed (minimum 3 months).

4. Avoid technicians who insist on 100% prepayment.

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

❓ The refrigerator works without stops, but it freezes normally. Is this normal?

No, this is not normal. In a working refrigerator, the compressor should turn off for 10-20 minutes every hour. If the motor runs for more than 2-3 hours in a row, this is a sign of a malfunction (even if the temperature in the chambers is maintained). data-i="274">thermostat thermostat or relay.

❓ Can the refrigerator not turn off due to a dirty condenser?

Yes, but only if the dust layer is very thick (more than 5 mm). The condenser (grid at the back) removes heat from the compressor. If it is clogged. dust, the motor overheats and runs longer than usual. Solution: turn off the refrigerator and vacuum the grille or wash it with soapy water.

❓ How long can the refrigerator operate without stopping?

Normally, the compressor operates in cycles: 10–30 minutes on, 10–20 minutes off. work:

• For new models (Samsung, LG) - up to 2 hours (when loading products for the first time).
• For old refrigerators (Atlant, ZIL) - up to 1 hour.
• In the "Super Freeze" mode - up to 72 hours (but then it should turn off automatically).

If the motor runs more than 3-4 hours without pauses, this is a cause for concern.

❓ Why the refrigerator does not turns off after defrosting?

This is a typical problem after incorrect defrosting. Possible reasons:

• Water remains in the chamber, which is frozen and blocks the temperature sensor.
• After defrosting, the function was not turned on Fast Cool (in models with No Frost).
• Damaged evaporator (for example, when cleaning the ice with a knife).

Solution: defrost the refrigerator again for 12 hours, then turn it on and check the operation after a day.

❓ Is it possible to use the refrigerator if it does not turn off?

For a short time (1-2 days) - it is possible, but this is fraught:

• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor (risk of fire).
• 💰 Increased power consumption (up to 2-3 kW per day).
• ⚡ Failure of the control board due to overload.

If the refrigerator does not turn off for more than a day - disconnect it from the network and call a technician.