Diagnosing refrigerator malfunctions, how to fix it yourself
In everyday household life, many face refrigerator malfunctions. The failure of the equipment leads to the deterioration of the products and creates many inconveniences during use. Having found a fault in the operation of the refrigerator, it is necessary to find out and eliminate its cause.
Device
According to the principle of operation, refrigeration equipment is divided into several categories. Each type is characterized by individual malfunctions. When repairing or replacing individual elements, you need to know the features of the refrigerator.
Compression
The compression refrigerator is a chamber with an integrated evaporator. Inside the metal container, the refrigerant changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state. The principle of operation of the refrigerator is based on the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator, where it takes heat and gradually evaporates. The compressor then draws in the refrigerant and brings it back to the liquid state by condensation. Due to the cyclical nature of the process, the air inside the chamber where the products are stored is cooled.
Absorption
The main difference between an absorption refrigerator and other types of equipment is the lack of a built-in compressor. For this reason, equipment without moving devices does not generate noise during operation and is less likely to break down. The absorption type assumes the movement of refrigerant through the internal system, which occurs by dissolving ammonia in a liquid medium.
Semiconductor type
Solid-state refrigerators are equipped with a thermopile formed by several elements having the shape of rectangular bars. This type has a number of advantages when used to cool small objects. Most often, solid-state refrigeration equipment is not used in the home, but for medical and industrial purposes.
Diagnosis and remedies for major breakdowns
Having noted the malfunction of the refrigerator, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics in order to understand the nuances of the breakdown and the reasons for its occurrence.In practice, when using cold rooms, there are a number of common mistakes.
Does not light
If the refrigerator does not turn on, the problem may be an internal malfunction or improper use. Timely diagnostics will help establish the cause and restore the equipment to working order.
Power cord
If a problem occurs, the first step is to check the condition of the refrigerator's power cord. It may not be plugged into the mains or it may not be firmly plugged into the outlet. Also, the problem may arise due to damage to the cord, plug, or the outlet itself.
Thermostat
A thermostat built into the refrigeration equipment is designed to determine the temperature inside the chamber. If the element fails, the control mechanism does not receive information about overcooling or overheating, which leads to engine shutdown. In most cases, the refrigerator thermostat cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
Defrost button
To diagnose the equipment, you can test the defrost button, if it is provided for in the refrigerator model. During normal operation of the defrost function, diagnostics of the remaining elements of the refrigerator, which are powered by the mains, will be required.
Call of the start and protection relay
If the starter relay, which is responsible for turning the engine on and off, begins to click, then the equipment may not turn on due to compressor failure. In this case, it will have to be replaced.
electric motor
The motor of the refrigerator is one of the main elements necessary for its proper functioning. To diagnose the electric motor of refrigeration equipment, you need to use a multimeter.Having gained access to the motor, it is necessary to connect the probes of the device to the body and alternately to each contact.
If the infinity sign appears on the display of the multimeter, it means that the cause of the malfunction is different, and if the display shows different numbers, the engine needs to be repaired.
Starts, but shuts down immediately
In some cases, the refrigerator works for a few seconds after being plugged into an outlet, after which it turns off spontaneously. The presence of this problem leads to the fact that the temperature inside the chamber rises and the food begins to spoil.
Typical Compressor Wiring Diagram
The standard refrigeration system is closed loop. The compressor of the equipment absorbs the refrigerant from the evaporator and directs it to the condenser. As a result of cooling, the gas becomes liquid. The liquid formed begins to flow through the tubes to the evaporator. In this way, closed-loop operation takes place continuously.
Starter relay device
The start relay circuit has 2 inputs from the power supply and 3 outputs to the built-in compressor. The first input is connected directly, and the second goes inside the device and is divided into 2 others:
- switch to working winding;
- passing through the break contacts to the start winding.
Relay test
When performing diagnostics of the operation of refrigeration equipment, when an instantaneous stop occurs after start-up, the state of the relay should be checked. For reliability, the protection relay and the starter relay are checked alternately.
Protective
To check the protection relay, remove the induction coil and diagnose the contacts using a multimeter.Next, inspect the core and check the integrity of adjacent elements. When diagnosing, contacting surfaces are treated with an alcoholic solution.
Launcher
Disassemble the equipment to test the starter relay. The latches of the plastic cover are opened with a flat screwdriver, after which they get to the coil. By ringing the coil with the tester through the contacts coming out of it, it is possible to determine the resistance indicator. If the resistance goes to infinity, then the starter coil and relay are not working properly and need to be replaced for whatever reason.
It is also recommended during the check to inspect the contacts connected to the starter coil and next to the bimetallic strip. During a visual inspection, you may notice burns or mechanical damage to the contacts.
Electric motor start winding breakage
As a result of the break in the starting winding of the refrigeration equipment, a strong overheating of the motor occurs, after which the start-up protection relay is activated to prevent compressor overload. A break in the winding causes the electric motor of the refrigerator to stop. As a rule, a faulty engine of the equipment cannot be restored, therefore it becomes necessary to replace it.
Works but does not freeze
In some cases, the refrigerator works, but there is no cooling inside the room. There may be several reasons why the equipment does not freeze, therefore, to identify the source of the problem, it is worth carrying out a diagnosis. Before proceeding with the diagnosis, it is important to make sure that the refrigerator is plugged in, securely locked in place and tightly closed.
freon leak
You can check the probability of a freon leak in the refrigerator using a condenser, which is located at the back and looks like a black grid on the outside. If the condenser is cold or unevenly hot, there is a material leak. If there are no leaks, the grid is heated over the entire surface. A leak can occur as a result of prolonged use of the equipment or mechanical damage to the evaporator.
Setting the thermostat
Incorrect setting of the thermostat leads to the fact that the mechanism cannot accurately determine what temperature is maintained inside the chamber. For the thermostat to work properly, it must be adjusted. You can check the status of the thermostat using a multimeter.
Decreased performance of the motor-compressor
Deterioration in performance or failure of the motor-compressor of refrigeration equipment occurs for one of the following reasons:
- natural wear resulting from prolonged operation of the equipment;
- excessive load on the equipment engine.
If the equipment's compressor becomes inoperable, it will need to be replaced. If there is a slight drop in performance, the thermostat settings should be checked to reduce the load.
Clogged capillary
The capillary tube of the refrigeration unit is an integral part of the freon circulation system and is present in all types of equipment. The clogging of the tube is caused by the rupture of the filter, which begins to pass mechanical impurities. Also, the reason for the blockage may be the installation of a new motor-compressor without the concomitant cleaning of the cooling mechanisms.
Drying cartridge filter
The purpose of the desiccant cartridge filter is to prevent clogging of the capillary tube. The cartridge is filled with an adsorbent and Freon passes through it.Due to the rupture of the filter, the impurities pass inside, and the liquid inside the capillary tube freezes, and the refrigerator does not freeze.
it's freezing slightly
Insufficient cooling of equipment leads to spoilage of stored food. If the refrigerator works, but freezes slightly, it is necessary to quickly find out and eliminate the reason so that all the products do not deteriorate. In most cases, the problem stems from a breakdown or malfunction of the internal elements of the refrigeration equipment.
Setting the thermostat
The refrigeration unit often freezes slightly due to negligence during use. When faced with a problem, you must first check the performance of the equipment thermostat. The optimum position of the thermostat, in which the electric motor is not overloaded and the products do not deteriorate, is between marks 3 and 4, which corresponds to a temperature between 3 and 6 degrees.
Accidentally turning the thermostat to the minimum setting will increase the internal temperature of the refrigerator.
sealant
The refrigerator door is equipped with a seal that keeps the air out and maintains a stable temperature. Damage to the integrity or peeling of the sealing tape leads to reduced cooling. To solve the problem, simply replace the refrigerator door seal.
Led the door
The slanted door breaks the seal of the chamber and even when closed, warm air circulates inside. To maintain a constant low temperature in the refrigerator, you will need to restore the position of the door and fix it securely. In most cases, it is enough to tighten the side fixings.
Decreased performance of the motor-compressor
The integrated motor-compressor is directly connected to the cooling process of the equipment.A malfunction of one element leads to a malfunction of the entire system. To eliminate minor damage, the electric motor can be repaired, and in other cases replacement will be required.
Direct sunlight
If the refrigerator is installed in an area exposed to direct ultraviolet rays, then during the summer period there is a high probability of exceeding the permissible temperature for the operation of the unit. Due to this, the compressor of the equipment works at its maximum capacity, overloads and fails.
Freezes severely
If the refrigerator begins to freeze more than necessary, the excessive exposure to cold causes the food to freeze and render it unusable. The optimum temperature index in the chamber for the preservation of products is 5 degrees and allows an insignificant deviation from the norm.
Quick freeze button
Some types of modern refrigeration equipment are equipped with buttons designed for accelerated freezing. Accidental or inattentive pressing of this button causes the temperature to drop. To solve the problem, press the button again and wait for the mode to be restored.
The thermostat setting is broken
One of the most common errors is the incorrect setting of the refrigerator thermostat. When the temperature inside the chamber drops to a low level, it is necessary to change the thermostat from the minimum mark to a higher mark according to the food preservation requirements.
The water from the refrigerator
The appearance of water inside the refrigerator can be caused by a breakdown of mechanisms or a violation of the rules of use.Having noticed the accumulation of fluid, you need to understand the reasons for it and restore the correct operation of the equipment.
Wrong mode of operation
Compressor overload and occasional stoppages, as well as placing the equipment on an uneven surface and a loose door lead to defrosting. As a result, water begins to accumulate in a special container, and then spills onto the shelves of the refrigerator.
Depressurization
Depressurization of refrigeration equipment occurs due to damage or drying out of the sealing gum. Violation of the integrity of the seal allows air to pass, so the compressor works at its maximum capacity and practically does not turn off. The load on the compressor of the equipment leads to its breakdown and subsequent defrosting.
Works, but no light in fridge or freezer
Inside each refrigerator model there is a light that comes on when the door is opened and goes off when the door is closed.
If the refrigeration unit is fully functional, but the bulb does not work, this creates inconvenience in daily use.
Ampule
The built-in bulbs have a long life, but in some cases they burn out. The only solution to this problem is to replace the bulb with a new one. The procedure is not difficult and can be done independently.
door switch
A switch is installed on the refrigerator door, which presses the latch and turns off the light when closed. If the door switch fails, the latch remains stuck and the light does not come on. Repair of the refrigerator switch allows you to eliminate the malfunction that has arisen.
Frost layer
Modern refrigerators are equipped with a system that allows you to avoid defrosting for a long time.A slight defrosting of the refrigerator occurs automatically at a specified frequency, as a result of which an inconspicuous layer of frost forms on the evaporator. If the layer is too dense, it is probably a hardware problem.
Freedom of access and air evacuation in the freezer
Obstructions in the elements that allow air to flow to the top of the unit interfere with airflow. Due to this, the set temperature regime is lost and a layer of frost forms. To solve the problem, it is necessary to clean the air system.
No effective airflow
Normal air circulation is impeded by clogging of the capillary tube due to the ingress of foreign elements and substances. Often, oil from the compressor engine enters the circulation mechanism. The cause of the blockage may be improper use of the equipment or manufacturing defects.
The door is not closed tightly
The loose fitting of the door allows hot air to enter the chamber, which disrupts the temperature regime and forms a layer of frost. In most cases, the door does not close completely due to mechanical damage, peeling or drying of the sealing gum, located around the entire perimeter.
Unusual noises
All types of equipment emit noise during operation, but if the rules of use are broken, the noise may become too loud or unnatural. To get rid of the problem that has arisen, you need to find the exact cause.
Adjust the feet
The refrigerator should be located on a flat surface. If tilting to one side, just adjust the feet. It is also necessary to make sure that the transport bolts that hold the springs on which the compressor is fixed are unscrewed.If they are not removed, the springs will not be able to dampen and a loud buzzing sound will be emitted.
Distance between wall and back wall
The optimum distance between the back of the box and the adjacent wall is about 5 cm. In the summer period, when an increased load is placed on the motor-compressor, it is recommended to move the unit to a distance of 10 cm, otherwise the unit will make a lot of noise during operation.
Compressor
If the back of the refrigerator is pushed too close to the wall, an obstruction is created to the passage of air to the condenser. As a result, the mechanism is not sufficiently cooled and an additional load is created. Due to this, there is a strong vibration of the motor and the tapping of the valves of the refrigerator.
Foreign objects under and behind the refrigerator
The presence of foreign objects compromises the stability of the equipment and creates an obstacle to the normal operation of the compressor. To solve the problem, it is enough to remove unnecessary items from the refrigerator and wait a bit, after which the loud noise should stop. 'Stop.
Bad smell
The appearance of an unpleasant odor inside the refrigerator is a common problem that causes discomfort in the daily use of equipment. The reasons for the pronounced smell are violations of food storage or an internal breakdown.
The tightness of the packaging of the products is broken
Storing food in unsealed packaging causes many different flavors to mix together. To avoid creating an unpleasant odor, products with strong odors should be packed tightly. In particular, it is recommended to use containers with tight-fitting lids or plastic bags.
wasted food
Spoilage of products due to violation of storage rules or after the expiration date is an equally common cause of an unpleasant odor. To avoid this, you need to control the shelf life of products and eat or throw them away quickly.
Drainage system
Drainage in refrigerators is used to evacuate moisture. Organic elements and impurities that enter the drain hole spread along the surface of the tube along its entire length. In the moistened nutrient medium, bacteria and fungi grow, rot and unpleasant odors form in the refrigerator.
Usage tips
When using the equipment, you must adhere to the basic recommendations and tips. Observance of simple rules will help to avoid malfunctions and make everyday use extremely comfortable.
If was off
When the refrigerator has been turned off for whatever reason, you should wait 5-10 minutes before turning it back on. This is necessary so that all internal components have time to shut down properly and then return to working mode.
If thawed
After defrosting the appliance, you must turn it on and wait for the end of a cycle without loading food inside. After the refrigerator stops making noise and turns off, you can use it in standard mode. This measure is necessary for product safety. Using a technique with an automatic defrosting function eliminates the need for such actions.
How to adjust the thermostat
Depending on the setting of the thermostat, the temperature inside the refrigeration chamber changes. Starting at the minimum mark results in insufficient cooling of food, and operation at maximum power places an excessive load on the motor.The recommended thermostat value is between 3 and 6 degrees.
crying vaporizer
In some types of equipment, a so-called weeping evaporator is located inside the rear wall. It gets its name from the water droplets formed on the surface, which flow into the meltwater drainage system. Do not press food against the weeping evaporator, and you should also periodically clean the water drain.
Thawing rules
Failure to follow the defrosting rules can lead to faults. It is important to consider the following rules:
- before defrosting, turn off the unit and unplug the power cord from the outlet;
- when defrosting the refrigerator, do not remove the ice with solid objects, as this may damage the mechanisms;
- to speed up the procedure, you can open the doors and place containers filled with warm water on the shelves.
Cannot store sunflower oil
Vegetable oil does not deteriorate and retains its characteristics when stored at standard room temperature. The presence of sunflower oil inside the refrigerator leads to loss of elasticity of the sealing tape on the door.
Cannot be placed near heating devices
It is better to place the refrigerator away from heating appliances, as they will heat the back, where the cold air evaporates. Due to the effect of heat, the electricity consumption will increase, the load will increase and the unit will fail. In addition, the coating of the case cracks due to overheating, and the appearance of the equipment deteriorates significantly.
DIY repair for beginners
Faced with malfunctions in the operation of refrigeration equipment, you should not immediately seek help from the service center. In most cases, faults can be corrected by yourself.
freon leak
To repair the refrigerant leak, it is necessary to find the damaged area on the pipe and weld it. A leak detector can be used for detection. You can spot a leak by the following signs:
- an increase in temperature in the refrigerator chamber, the appearance of condensation on the walls;
- malfunction of the electric motor built into the equipment;
- automatic activation of the refrigerator diagnostic system (if available);
- frost or ice on the evaporator;
- continuous operation of the equipment without temporary engine shutdown.
Refrigeration system
The refrigeration system refers to the cooling circuit, including the coils. This equipment is the least suitable for home repairs, and attempted repairs often lead to additional breakdowns. For a complete repair, it is best to contact a workshop.
Thermoregulation system
It is possible to independently repair the thermostat of refrigeration equipment, since in most cases it is enough to replace faulty components to restore functionality. The only problem is that the right parts are not always easy to find.
Mechanical system
The mechanical component of refrigeration equipment includes sealing rubber strips, shelf fasteners, doors, compressor and other similar parts. Depending on the type of breakdown, repair work consists of adjusting the position of the door, installing a new gasket, tightening the clamps of the shelf. Such work is not difficult and can be done independently without special knowledge and practical experience.
Electrical system
The electrical system ensures the normal operation of the unit and consists of wiring, motor, starter relay and related components.The elements are subject to self-repair, since it is possible to determine the malfunction and fix it with a minimum of knowledge in the field of electricity. To perform the repair, you will need to use a multimeter and a soldering iron.
Features of the repair of built-in refrigerators
Built-in equipment is more difficult to repair than a stand-alone refrigerator. When repairing built-in devices, it is not always possible to get to the necessary components. Therefore, in most situations, you must completely remove the unit from the headset. The rest of the repair process is carried out according to a similar scheme with the elimination of defects in standard equipment models.