Why Won't My Fridge Start?

Has your fridge stopped working? Our appliance engineers offer fridge repairs at low prices and are here to help fix and service your appliances.

How to fix a refrigerator that won't start

Guess which appliance works the hardest in your home? That’s right; it’s your refrigerator. And it is an appliance without which living would become impossible. A refrigerator prevents your scrumptious dishes from getting spoiled and ensures they remain consumable for a long period of time. But what would happen if you come home from work one day and you discover that the refrigerator has stopped working.

Whatever you do, you cannot get it to start again, there are a few things you can do to diagnose the problem and attempt to fix them.

Inspect the Overload Relay

A refrigerator that won’t start essentially means that the compressor is not running. The overload relay is situated on the side of the compressor and is used to protect it from voltage surges. When electric power is switched on, the current passes through this relay first and then to the windings of the compressor motor.

The relay is also utilised to insert the start winding in the compressor circuit until the compressor achieves maximum speed. If the compressor won’t start or there’s a click sound, check the relay for continuity with a multimeter. Also, make sure the relay does not arc or overheat. If it does, it will need replacement.

Check the Starting Capacitor

A high voltage capacitor supplies sufficient voltage to the compressor motor’s windings in order to start it. It is located on the relay assembly. Ensure the capacitor is not overheating or arcing. Additionally, you can check it for continuity with a multimeter. If it seems defective, replace it.

Examine the Temperature Control Switch

The temperature control switch or cold control is a switch that opens or closes as you adjust the temperature through the adjustment knob. This knob is connected to the switch and the knob is usually situated in the food section of the refrigerator.

Turn off the refrigerator, extract the switch by opening the knob and disconnecting the leads. You can check the leads for continuity with a multimeter and see whether the switch closes as you adjust the knob to a colder setting. If it does not close, the control switch has become faulty and will need replacement.

Take a Look at the Electronic Control Board

Before you call in a qualified appliance engineer for your refrigerator repair, check the electronic control board. Many modern refrigerators are equipped with this circuit that controls the fans, defrosts system, and compressor by monitoring the temperature. But keep in mind that such circuits are expensive and very complex.

You can check the electronic control board for signs of burnt connections, damaged foiling, and arcing. All in all, it will need replacement if observe a fault. But before you do so, make sure that the compressor is really non-functional and the board is receiving electric power. You don’t want to dabble in sensitive circuitry without confirming first!

Fast reliable fridge repairs 

If your fridge still isn't starting our experts are on hand to help. Book your fridge repair with Go Assist today.