Why a compressor The refrigerator does not turn off: diagnostics and repair

Have you noticed that the refrigerator began to work without interruptions, and the compressor is humming around the clock? This is not just an annoying noise - continuous operation of the motor signals serious problems. Normally, the compressor should turn off for 10-20 minutes every hour, maintaining the set temperature. If this does not happen, the risk of overheating, equipment breakdowns and food spoilage increases significantly.

In this article we will look 7 main reasonswhy the refrigerator compressor does not turn off - from trivial (incorrect settings) to critical (refrigerant leak). You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, when you can get by with adjusting the thermostat, and in which cases urgent repairs are required. We will pay special attention to models Indesit, Samsung, Atlant i LG —their “weak points” often become the source of malfunction.

We warn you right away: the problem cannot be ignored. A constantly running compressor reduces the life of the refrigerator by 30-50%, and in some cases (for example, if there is a freon leak) it can lead to breakdown. If after reading the article the reason remains unclear, contact a specialist, but first check all possible options yourself. complete equipment failure in 1-2 weeks. If after reading the article the reason remains unclear, contact a specialist, but first check all the possible options yourself.

1. Incorrect temperature settings

The simplest and most common reason for continuous operation of the compressor is excessive cooling requirements. Many users set the temperature to a minimum (-24°C and below), not realizing that the refrigerator will try to reach this value in any conditions. This is especially true in the summer or if the equipment is located next to the stove.

How to check:

• 🔍 Look at what temperature is set in the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Optimal values: +4…+5°C for the refrigerator compartment and -18°C for the freezer.
• ❄️ If the Super Freeze or Fast Coolmode is enabled, turn it off - these functions are intended for quick freezing and should not work constantly.
• 🌡️ In models with electronic control (for example, Samsung RB37J5240SA), check if the settings have been lost after a power surge.

In refrigerators No Frost the problem may be aggravated if the fan is frozen and blocks air circulation. In this case, the compressor will work non-stop, trying to compensate for the lack of cooling. Check for ice on the back wall of the freezer.

2. Faulty thermostat or temperature sensor

The thermostat (or thermostat) is the “brain” of the refrigerator, which sends a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. If it breaks, the motor will work continuouslyas it does not receive a command to stop. In modern models (for example LG GA-B489YDQL), instead of a mechanical thermostat, electronic sensors are used, which can also fail.

Signs of a thermostat malfunction:

• 🔄 The compressor does not turn off even when the chamber is empty and the minimum load.
• 🧊 Too much ice forms in the freezer (if the model is not No Frost).
• 🔧 When you turn the thermostat knob to position “0” (off), the compressor continues to work.

How to check the thermostat yourself:

1. Turn off the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the protective cover (in most models it is located inside the chamber, behind the plastic panel).
3. Find the thermostat - usually this is a small box with a tube filled with freon.
4. Ring the contacts with a tester: at room temperature they should be closed, when cooled (for example, if you put the thermostat in ice) - open.

Where is the thermostat in Atlant refrigerators?

In models Atlant the thermostat is usually located in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment, on the right under the plastic cover, to get to it, you need to unscrew 2-3 screws and remove the panel. (for example, Atlant MHM 1843-100) the thermostat can be hidden behind the back wall.

If the thermostat is faulty, it must be replaced. For models Indesit and Ariston universal ones are suitable. thermostats K59 or Danfoss 077B6, but it is better to check compatibility according to the refrigerator model. The cost of a new thermostat is from 800 to 2500 rubles.

3. Freon leak: why the compressor works but does not cool.

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and provides cooling. If it leaks (for example, due to corrosion of pipes or mechanical damage), the compressor will work idletrying to push non-existent gas through the circuit. This is one of the most dangerous malfunctions, as it can lead to overheating and failure of the compressor in 1-2 weeks.

Signs of a freon leak:

• ❄️ The refrigerator does not cool well or does not freeze at all, the compressor is humming.
• 🔥 The refrigerator body heats up more than usual (especially at the bottom, where the compressor is located).
• 💧 Oily spots appear on the floor under the refrigerator (freon is mixed with oil from the compressor).

What to do:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it on 10-12 hours.
2. Check for visible damage to the condenser tubes (they are located at the back of the refrigerator).
3. If you suspect a leak, do not. turn on the refrigerator you need to call a technician to refill freon.

Repair cost for a freon leak:

V models No Frost a freon leak is often accompanied by freezing of the evaporator —the fan starts to hum, but the cold does not enter the chamber. If you notice ice on the back wall of the freezer (even if the model is with No Frost), this is a sure sign of a problem with the refrigerant.

4. Clogged capillary tube or filter drier

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. If it becomes clogged (for example, due to moisture or oil particles), the refrigerant cannot circulate normally. In this case, the compressor works for wear, trying to push freon through the blockage, but cooling occurs weakly or completely absent.

Causes of blockages:

• 🛢️ Moisture getting into the system (for example, when freon is charged incorrectly).
• 🔧 Wear of the compressor — particles of metal or oil enter the system.
• 🧴 Use of low-quality freon or oil during previous repairs.

How to diagnose:

• The compressor works non-stop, but the refrigerator does not freeze well.
• The condenser (grid at the back of the refrigerator) remains cold even after prolonged operation.
• When you tap the capillary tube (it is thin, it goes from the filter-drier to the evaporator), you can hear a characteristic “gurgling” sound.

The blockage can only be cleared with the help of a specialist. The technician purges the system with nitrogen under pressure or replaces the filter drier. In advanced cases, it may be necessary to replace the capillary tube. The cost of repairs is from 3,500 to 7,000 rubles.

5. Compressor malfunction: when the motor is running but does not pump freon

The most expensive and complex breakdown is compressor failure. It can “twist” (hum), but not create the necessary pressure for freon circulation. This happens due to:

• 🔥 Overheating (for example, if the refrigerator was in a hot room without ventilation).
• 💥 Power surges (especially true for older models without protection).
• 🛠️ Wear of the piston group (natural wear after 10-15 years of operation).

Signs of a faulty compressor:

• 🔊 The hum of the motor has become quieter or, on the contrary, a strong knock has appeared.
• 🌡️ The refrigerator does not cool at all, although the compressor works.
• 💡 The compressor housing heats up (normally it should be warm, but not hot).

How to check:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and touch the compressor (it is located at the bottom back). If it is scalding hot, this is a sign of a malfunction.
2. Listen to the sound of operation: a normal compressor hums smoothly, without clicks or grinding.
3. If you have a multimeter, check the resistance of the windings (the values should be in the range of 15-40 Ohms, depending on the model).

Repair compressor is rarely advisable - usually it is replaced with a new one. The cost of a new compressor for models Samsung or LG is from 6,000 to 15,000 rubles, plus the work of a master (3,000–5,000 rubles). For refrigerators older than 10 years, it is often cheaper to buy new equipment.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network|

Check the warranty (if the equipment is younger than 5 years)|

Compare the cost of repair and a new refrigerator|

Contact a technician to diagnose other components (replacement of freon or filter may be required)-->

6. Problems with the electronic control unit

In modern refrigerators (for example, Bosch KGE39XW2AR or Liebherr CPes 4066) an electronic module is responsible for the operation of the compressor. If it fails, the compressor can:

• 🔄 Work non-stop.
• 🛑 Turn on and off immediately (relay clicks).
• 🔥 Overheat due to incorrect commands.

Reasons breakdown of the control unit:

• ⚡ Power surge in the network.
• 💧 Moisture ingress (for example, during defrosting).
• 🛠️ Defective parts (relevant for budget models).

How diagnose:

• The refrigerator behaves inappropriately: it spontaneously changes modes, does not respond to settings.
• Errors appear on the display (for example, E1, F2 —see the instructions for the model for decoding).
• The compressor does not turn off even after complete defrosting and resetting settings.

Repair of the electronic unit costs 3000–8000 rubles. In some cases, it is enough to reflash the module (cost: 1500–2500 rubles). If the refrigerator is under warranty, do not try to repair it yourself - this will void the manufacturer's obligations.

7. External factors: why the refrigerator does not turn off due to the environment

Sometimes the compressor works non-stop not because of a breakdown, but because incorrect operating conditions. Check:

• 🌡️ Room temperature. If the room is hotter +30°C, the refrigerator will work at its maximum capacity. Normal range - +16…+32°C.
• 🔥 Proximity to heat sources. The refrigerator should not be placed next to a stove, radiator or in direct sunlight.
• 🚪 Frequent opening of the door. If you keep the door open for a long time or it does not close tightly, warm air gets inside and the compressor is forced to work longer.
• 🧊 Overload with food. If the refrigerator is packed to capacity, air circulation is disrupted and the temperature rises.

How to fix:

• Move the refrigerator to a cooler place (if possible).
• Check the door seal - if it is worn, replace it (cost - 500–1500 rubles).
• Do not put hot foods in the refrigerator - this sharply increases the temperature inside.
• Defreeze the refrigerator and clean the drainage hole (if it is clogged, moisture accumulates and interferes with cooling).

If external factors have been eliminated, but the compressor still does not turn off, the problem is definitely a technical malfunction - contact a specialist.

What to do if the compressor does not turn off: step-by-step instructions

Before calling a technician, follow these steps:

1. Check the temperature settings — install +4°C for the refrigerator compartment and -18°C for the freezer. Turn off modes Super Cool or Super Freeze.
2. Defrost the refrigerator for 10–12 hours. If after turning on the compressor worked normally, the problem was freezing.
3. Check the door seal - if it is torn or has lost elasticity, replace it.
4. Inspect the back wall for oil leaks or damage tubes.
5. Listen to the compressor —if you hear extraneous sounds (knocking, grinding), it is faulty.
6. Reset settings (in electronic models - unplug for 15 minutes).

If after these steps the compressor still does not turn off, call a technician. Do not ignore the problem - this can lead to:

• 🔥 Overheating and fire of the compressor.
• 💰 Increase in energy consumption by 2-3 times.
• 🧊 Food spoilage due to unstable temperature.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about continuous operation of the compressor

Can the compressor operate non-stop due to a power surge?

Yes, but not directly. A power surge often damages the electronic control unit or compressor relay. If, after a voltage drop, the refrigerator begins to operate continuously, check:

• If errors are displayed on the display (for example, E1, F5).
• Is the compressor heating up more than usual.
• Are the temperature settings lost?

In most cases, diagnostics of the electronic module.

How long can a compressor work without stopping before breaking down?

It depends on the model and conditions:

• Budget refrigerators (Indesit, Biryusa) - 1-3 months.
• Middle class (Samsung, LG) - 3-6 months.
• Premium models (Liebherr, Bosch) - up to 1 year, but with the risk of overheating.

However, after 1-2 weeks of continuous operation, wear and tear The compressor increases by 20–30%.

Why does the new refrigerator not turn off for the first 2-3 days?

This is normal! After the first turn on, the refrigerator operates in intensive mode to cool the chambers to the set temperature. The time of continuous operation depends on:

• The room temperature.
• Chamber volumes.
• Number of loaded products.

If after 3 days the compressor still does not turn off, check the settings or contact the service center.

Can I refill freon myself?

No, unless you have special equipment and experience. Refilling freon requires:

• A vacuum pump for pumping air out of the system.
• A manometer for pressure control.
• Knowledge of the exact type of freon (for example, R134a, R600a).

Incorrect refueling can lead to rupture of pipes or compressor breakdown.

What to do if the compressor does not turn off after defrosting?

Possible reasons:

• Faulty thermostat or temperature sensor.
• Clogged capillary tube.
• Leakage freon.
• Problems with electronic unit.

Try:

1. Turn off the refrigerator for 1 hour, then turn it on again.
2. Check if the mode is turned on Super Freeze.
3. If that doesn’t help, call a technician.