The light in the refrigerator is on, but the motor does not start - what to do?

You open the refrigerator door, the light inside comes on as usual, but instead of the usual hum of the motor, there is silence. Products begin to deteriorate, and condensation appears on the walls. Is the situation familiar? This is one of the most common malfunctions that owners of refrigerators Atlant, Samsung, Indesit and other brands encounter. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved without calling a specialist - it is enough to understand its cause.

In this article we will analyze why the refrigerator does not freeze, although the light is onwhich nodes are to blame in 99% of cases, and what you can do yourself. You'll learn how to test the thermostat, start relay, compressor and electronics without special tools. And also - when exactly is the time to call a specialist so as not to aggravate the breakdown.

Spoiler: in half the cases it is to blame thermostat (especially in older models), but sometimes the problem lies in the little things - for example, in oxidized contacts or overloaded socket. Let's look at it in order.

1. Why the light is on but the motor does not work - the main reasons

When the light in the refrigerator lights up when the door is opened, it means that power is supplied to the device. The problem lies not in the power cord or outlet, but in the compressor control circuit. Here are the 7 most likely reasons:

• 🔌 Malfunction of the thermostat (in mechanical models) - does not send a signal to start the motor.
• ⚡ The starting protection relay has burned out - the compressor does not receive the start command.
• ❄️ Freezing of the electronic unit (in models with No Frost) - condensation gets on the board.
• 🔧 Compressor jamming - the motor tries to start, but cannot turn over.
• 📉 Voltage drop in the network —the compressor does not start at a voltage below 190 V.
• 🔄 Firmware failure (in modern refrigerators)—the electronic unit “does not see” the compressor.
• 🛠️ Breakage of the motor winding - the compressor is physically faulty.

In mechanical refrigerators (for example, Biryusa or Minsk) most often the thermostat or relay is to blame. B electronic (for example, LG or Beko) - control board or sensors. Next, we will look at how to diagnose each of these reasons.

2. How to check the thermostat - step-by-step instructions

The thermostat (or thermostat) is the “brain” of a mechanical refrigerator. It measures the temperature in the chamber and sends a signal to start the compressor. If the thermostat is broken, the motor simply “doesn’t know” that it’s time to turn on.

To check its functionality:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and take out all the food.
2. Remove the thermostat knob (usually it is attached to a latch or screw).
3. Under the handle you will see a plastic box with a tube - this is the thermostat. Carefully remove it.
4. There are 2-4 contacts on the thermostat. Find the two extreme ones (usually they are labeled 3 i 4).
5. Test them with a multimeter in resistance test mode (Ω). At room temperature, the resistance should be 0 Ohm (short circuit).
6. Place the thermostat into a container with ice water for 2-3 minutes, then check the resistance again. If it has not changed, the thermostat is faulty.

If the thermostat does not respond to temperature changes, it needs to be replaced. The cost of a new part is from 800 to 2500 rubles. depending on. model. Replacement does not require a soldering iron: just disconnect the old thermostat and connect the new one to the same wires.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with electronic control (for example, Samsung RL-33there is no thermostat in the usual form. temperature sensor, which transmits data to the control board. You can only check it with a multimeter, comparing the resistance with the passport values.

3. Diagnostics of the start-up relay - when it is at fault

The starting protection relay is a small box that is attached directly to the compressor. Its task is to start the motor and protect it from overheating. If the relay burns out, the compressor will not receive a start command, although power is supplied to the refrigerator.

Signs of a faulty relay:

• 🔊 The compressor is trying to start. (a slight hum is heard), but after 1-2 seconds it turns off.
• 🔥 The relay is hot to the touch (normally it should be warm, but not burning).
• 💥 When starting, a click is heard, but the motor does not start working.

How to check relay:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the relay from the compressor (usually it is attached to a latch or one screw).
3. Shake the relay - if something rattles inside, this is a sign of mechanical damage.
4. Ring the contacts with a multimeter:
   • Between 1 and 2 contacts the resistance should be 0 Ohm (short circuit).
   • Between 1 and 3 — 20-50 Ohm (coil winding).

If the resistance is different from the norm or the relay rattles when shaken, it needs to be replaced. The cost of a new relay is. from 500 to 1500 rubles.. When replacing, pay attention to the brand of the relay: for compressors Danfoss and Secop different models are used.

4. Checking the compressor - is it jammed or burned out?

If the thermostat and relay are working, but the motor still does not start, the problem may be in the compressor itself:

1. Stuck — the compressor cannot turn over due to a mechanical blockage.
2. Winding break —the internal electrical circuit of the motor has burned out.

How to check the compressor:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the start-up relay (it interferes with access to the compressor contacts).
3. There are three terminals on the compressor:
   • C (common)
   • S (start winding). data-i="160">Open or turn-to-turn short circuit in the starting winding
   • R (working winding)

Ring the resistance between the contacts:

Contact	Normal resistance	What does deviation mean?
C-S	20-30 Ohm	Open circuit or interturn short circuit in the starting winding
C-R	15-20 Ohm	Open or short circuit in the working winding
S-R	30-50 Ohm	Short circuit between the windings

If there is resistance between any contacts 0 Ohm (short circuit) or ∞ (open) - the compressor is faulty.

If the compressor is jammed, you can try to “rock” it manually:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the relay and carefully turn the compressor shaft with a screwdriver (through the technological hole).
3. If the shaft is not turns - the compressor needs to be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: If the compressor burns out (winding breakage), its repair is not economically feasible. The cost of a new compressor with installation will be 5000-12000 rubles., which is comparable to the price of a used refrigerator. In this case, it is more logical to consider purchasing a new unit, especially if your refrigerator is more than 10 years old.

5. Problems with the electronic control unit

In modern refrigerators (for example, LG DoorCooling+ or Samsung Twin Cooling Plus) the electronic unit is responsible for starting the compressor. If moisture gets on the board, there is a power surge or a firmware failure, the motor may not turn on, although the light is on.

Signs of a faulty electronic unit:

• 📱 Errors appear on the display (for example, E1, F2 or H1).
• 🔄 The refrigerator reboots spontaneously.
• 💡 The light inside blinks or lights dimly.
• 🔌 After disconnecting from the network, the refrigerator does not turn back on.

What you can do yourself:

1. Reset settings: unplug the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, then turn it on again. Sometimes this helps with temporary failures.
2. Check contacts: remove the back cover of the control unit and inspect the board for oxidation or burnt tracks.
3. Dry the unit: if there is condensation on the board, dry it with a hairdryer (cold air!) for 10-15 minutes.

If after these manipulations the refrigerator does not work, the board will need to be diagnosed using special equipment. In most cases, the unit can be repaired (resoldering the elements), but sometimes. it has to be replaced entirely. The cost of repairing the board is from 2000 to 6000 rubles., for a new unit - from 8000 rubles.

What to do if the refrigerator turned on after a reset, but stopped again a day later work?

This is a sign of unstable operation of the electronic unit. Most likely, there are microcracks or “cold” solders on the board, which appear when heated. In this case, professional repair is needed with a complete diagnosis of all elements of the board.

6. External reasons - when the problem is not in the refrigerator

Sometimes the motor. does not start due to a breakdown, but due to external factors. Before disassembling the refrigerator, check:

• 🔌 The socket and power cord:
  • Connect another device (for example, a hair dryer) to this outlet. If it does not work, the problem is in the socket.
  • Inspect the refrigerator cord for kinks. or melting.
• ⚡ Network voltage:
  • The compressor may not start if the voltage is lower 190 V or higher 240 V.
  • Use a voltage stabilizer if your network has frequent surges.
• 🛡️ Protective devices:
  • If the refrigerator is connected via an RCD or a circuit breaker, check if the protection has tripped.
  • Sometimes the RCD turns off the power due to current leakage in the compressor.
• 🔄 Network overload:
  • If several powerful appliances are connected to one socket (for example, a refrigerator + microwave), the protection may trip.

Also check whether the button "Vacation" or "Eco" (in some models it turns off the compressor, leaving only the light to work). It is usually located on the control panel or inside the chamber.

⚠️ Attention: If you suspect that the problem is in the electrical wiring, do not try to repair it yourself. Incorrect connections can lead to a fire. network.

7. When to call a technician - 5 signs of a serious breakdown

Some breakdowns can be repaired yourself, but in some cases you cannot do without professional help if:

1. Compressor. hums, but does not start, and it smells like burning - this is a sign of an interturn short circuit.
2. The display shows an error that cannot be reset (for example, E5 in refrigerators Indesit).
3. After replacing the thermostat or relay, the motor is still does not turn on.
4. The refrigerator turns on, but after 5-10 seconds it turns off with a loud click.
5. You have found oil leaks under the compressor - this means depressurization of the system.

The cost of a technician’s visit and diagnostics on average is 1000-1500 rubles.. Repair costs depending on the breakdown:

When choosing a technician, pay attention to reviews and availability of a warranty on the work. Do not trust “handicraft” services that offer repairs “for pennies” - this may result in a repeat breakdown in a week.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about a non-working refrigerator motor

Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator if the motor does not work, but the light is on?

Yes, it is possible, but it is pointless. The light works from a separate circuit, and the compressor works from another. If the motor does not start, the refrigerator will not cool, and it is better to immediately start diagnosing it.

The refrigerator stopped freezing after being turned off. light. What should I do?

Most likely, the compressor protection has tripped due to a power surge. Try unplugging the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again. If that doesn’t help, check the start-up protection relay.

How can you tell if the compressor has burned out and not the relay?

If the relay has burned out. clicks, but the motor does not start, the problem may be in both nodes. To accurately determine the culprit:

1. Remove the relay and check it with a multimeter (the resistance between 1 and 3 contacts should be 20-50 Ohm).
2. If the relay is working, ring the compressor windings. A break or short will indicate a motor malfunction.

How long can food be stored if the refrigerator does not freeze?

At room temperature (+20°C):

• Dairy products - up to 2 hours.
• Meat and fish - up to 1 hour.
• Vegetables and fruits - up to 4-6 hours.
• Frozen foods (if the door is closed) - up to 24 hours.

If the refrigerator does not work for more than 2 hours, the products are better throw it away or cook it right away.

Is it possible to fill the refrigerator with freon yourself?

No, it is dangerous! Freon is under high pressure, and if you fill it incorrectly, you can damage the system or get burned. In addition, refilling requires a special tool and knowledge of technology.