The situation when you approach the kitchen, and the refrigerator is silentcan cause panic in any home cook. Silence instead of the usual hum of the motor, lack of light inside the chamber and, worst of all, melting ice on the food - these are sure signs of a serious malfunction or temporary failure in the operation of the equipment.
Before calling a technician or looking for the service center number, it is necessary to carry out an initial diagnosis. Often the reason lies in trivial things that you can fix yourself in a matter of minutes without using a complex tool.
In this article we will analyze in detail all possible scenarios, from problems with the electrical network to complex breakdowns of the unit, so that you can accurately determine the source of the problem.
Primary check of the power supply and socket
The most An obvious but often ignored reason is the lack of voltage in the network. If compressor it does not make any sounds and the light inside does not light up when the door is opened, the problem may be external. Check whether the cord is plugged into the outlet tightly, as vibration during operation of the equipment could loosen the contact.
Try to plug another device into the same outlet, for example, an electric kettle or hair dryer. If it doesn’t work, then there is a problem in the apartment’s wiring or the circuit breaker in the panel has been knocked out.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice a burning smell, a melted socket or sparking, immediately stop trying to turn it on and call an electrician. Operating damaged wiring is dangerous.
Sometimes the power cable or plug itself fails. Carefully inspect them for kinks, cracks or signs of melting. Damage to the insulation can lead to a short circuit, due to which protection relay de-energizes the device.
Voltage surges and operation of the protection relay
Modern equipment is sensitive to voltage surges in the network. If your home's lights are flickering or jumping frequently, a built-in safety mechanism may be triggered. After a sudden power outage The refrigerator the refrigerator may not start immediately.
This is due to the fact that the refrigerant in the system needs time (usually from 10 to 30 minutes) for the pressure to equalize. If you try to start the motor earlier, the winding may burn out or the starting relay may fail.
Disconnect the device from the network completely and leave it alone for half an hour. This time is necessary to stabilize the freon pressure in the circuit and cool the thermal protection elements.
If the equipment starts working after a rest, it is recommended to think about installing a voltage stabilizer. This device will extend the life of expensive equipment.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
If the light inside is on, but the engine does not start, there is a high probability of a thermostat failure. This element is responsible for controlling the temperature in the chamber and sends a signal to start the compressor when it becomes too warm.
In older mechanically controlled models, the thermostat capillary tube itself often breaks or the contacts stick. In modern models with a system No Frost and electronic control, sensors (thermistors) are responsible for this.
You can check a mechanical thermostat by closing its contacts directly (after disconnecting the device from the network!). If after this procedure the motor hums, then the regulator needs to be replaced.
| Type of malfunction | Symptom | Probability of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Open thermostat circuit | The refrigerator does not turn on completely | High |
| Stuck contacts | Continuous operation without shutdown | Medium |
| Faulty defrost sensor | Error on the display, no cold | High |
| Electronic module failure | Chaotic behavior of equipment | Depends on the board |
Electronic sensors are checked for resistance with a multimeter. If the values differ from the nominal values specified in the technical documentation, the part must be replaced.
Problems with the starting relay and compressor
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator hums, but does not startis a malfunction of the starting relay. This small element starts the compressor motor. If the relay is burned out, the motor can only hum quietly or click, but not gain speed.
A sign of a breakdown is often a characteristic click every few minutes. The compressor tries to start, the relay clicks, but the start does not occur, and the thermal protection turns off the motor to avoid overheating.
☑️ Diagnostics of the starting relay
Worse if the problem is in the compressor itself. If the motor windings are inter-turn shorted or burned out, the unit will no longer be able to start. In this case, a complex procedure for replacing the motor with evacuation of the system and filling with freon is required.
⚠️ Attention: Replacing the compressor yourself requires special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station) and skills in soldering copper tubes. Without experience, it is better not to take risks.
Clogged capillary tube and freon leak
If the motor runs constantly, but there is no cold, or it turns on for a short time and turns off, there may be a blockage in the refrigerant circulation system. Most often it gets clogged capillary tubewhere the diameter of the channel is minimal.
The cause of the blockage can be moisture that has entered the system, or oil oxidation products. In this case, the pressure in the system increases, and the compressor cannot push freon, going into protection.
Another common reason is a refrigerant leak. If there is no freon in the system or there is critically little of it, the compressor will idle or not turn on at all due to the triggering of the sensors.
To eliminate these problems, you need to call a technician who will clean the system, replace the filter drier and fill the circuit with new refrigerant.
Faults of the electronic control module
In modern models of brands Liebherr, Bosch, LG and others, the “brain” is the electronic control module. It is he who receives signals from sensors and controls the operation of the compressor, fans and heating elements.
If the module fails (burnt tracks, broken capacitors, firmware failure), startup commands are simply not received. This can happen due to a power surge or moisture ingress.
Diagnostics of the module requires special knowledge and equipment. In some cases, flashing or simple repair of the board helps, in others, a complete replacement of the control unit is required.
The influence of external temperature and incorrect installation
Sometimes the reason for the “breakdown” of the device is not in technology, but in operating conditions. If the refrigerator is located close to the wall or in a niche without gaps for ventilation, the compressor may overheat and go into protection.
It is also important to take into account the climate class of the equipment. If a refrigerator designed for a temperate climate (SN, N) is placed in an unheated room at a temperature below +10°C, it may not start. The oil in the compressor becomes too thick, and the thermostat “thinks” that the chamber is already cold.
Incorrect installation can lead to the door not fitting tightly, or warm air constantly flowing inside, causing the equipment to wear out.
Check whether the refrigerator is level. Misalignment can interfere with the normal closing of the door and the correct operation of the mechanisms.
Frequently asked questions about starting the refrigerator
Why does the refrigerator click but does not turn on?
The click is the sound of the start relay or thermal release. If the clicks are repeated cyclically and the motor does not start, most likely the start relay has burned out, the compressor has jammed, or an interturn short circuit has occurred in the windings.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it does not freeze, but the light is on?
You cannot operate such a device. Products will quickly deteriorate, and a compressor running empty may burn out completely. It is necessary to identify the reason for the lack of cold.
How long should the refrigerator rest before turning it on again?
The optimal downtime after transportation or a power surge is from 2 to 4 hours. This is necessary to drain the oil into the compressor crankcase and equalize the pressure in the system.
What to do if the refrigerator does not start after defrosting?
Perhaps moisture has gotten into the electrical contacts or thermostat. Allow the equipment to dry completely for 24 hours in a warm room with the doors open. If the problem does not go away, diagnostics are required.