Why the refrigerator cannot start for a long time: possible reasons, useful tips and recommendations for elimination

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Refrigerator won't turn on

A refrigeration unit is an irreplaceable piece of equipment, without which normal life in a house or apartment is impossible. Failure of this equipment leads to spoilage of large products and disruption of all plans. Therefore, if the unit breaks down, you need to quickly respond to the problem. First of all, you need to find out why the refrigerator does not turn on. After this, it will be possible to eliminate the cause of the breakdown and restore normal operation of the equipment.

The compressor does not start and there is no hum

Sometimes the compressor motor does not start and does not even hum.

The problem may be related to:

Thermostat. A modern refrigeration unit is equipped with a temperature control system based on a sensor or thermostat. In both cases, you need to check the operation of the thermostat. This device is built into the refrigerator using a terminal, near which you will find two wires. These wires must be disconnected and short-circuited. If after your actions the compressor motor starts working, then the problem was in the thermostat. In this case, the faulty device should be replaced.
Air sensor. The compressor motor may also not work due to a broken air sensor. Many modern refrigerator models have an air sensor. This device is necessary to determine the temperature inside the chambers. When the temperature rises, the sensor signals this, after which the compressor motor starts. If the sensor is broken, the compressor will not start, even if all other parts and components are fully operational.
Start-up relay. The compressor may not work due to the failure of the start-up relay. This device receives a signal about an increase in temperature from the thermostat and starts the engine. If the start protection relay is faulty, it will not be able to start the compressor motor. To restore the operation of the equipment, you will have to replace the broken part (it is inexpensive, so repairs will not require a lot of money).

Simpler breakdowns include electrical problems. Such problems are often ignored by non-specialists when searching for the cause of a malfunction. Therefore, first of all, you should look into the refrigerator and make sure that the light is on. If there is no backlight, then the refrigeration unit is not connected to the power supply. Most often this occurs due to damage to the wire.

To identify damage, carefully inspect the cord. If there are defects on it (kinks, tears, crushed areas), you will definitely see them. The damaged wire must be replaced. Do not under any circumstances try to twist it and insulate it with electrical tape. A poorly insulated live cord is dangerous for you and your loved ones. Additionally, your refrigerator will break down faster due to power outages. The compressor motor may burn out due to this reason, leaving you with expensive repair costs.

If the wire is not damaged, then the compressor does not start due to problems with the socket. Check the serviceability of the socket using an indicator screwdriver. In the absence of indication, one can draw conclusions about a breakdown. In this case, you need to call an electrician. Unless you are an electrician by training, do not attempt to repair the outlet yourself. This is life-threatening.

The refrigerator does not turn on - where to start?

Quite often, the failure of a refrigerator is not a consequence of some internal failure, but of a third-party factor. When finding out the causes of a malfunction, specialists always first pay attention to the operation of the internal lighting - whether the light bulb in the refrigerator compartment is on. This is where we start too.

If the light bulb does not work, it can be assumed that the refrigerator is de-energized. We need to check the connection of the household appliance to the electrical network, we do this in the following order:

check the socket;
check the cord;
checking the plug.

If there is a connection problem, consider yourself lucky. There are no problems with the refrigerator itself, and repairs will not take much time. If a superficial diagnosis does not produce results, and the lighting still does not work, then the problem is more serious. The same can be understood if the refrigerator does not turn on, but the light is on .

Why does the refrigerator not turn on or the unit malfunctions?

In addition to the problems listed above, the refrigerator may not work for other reasons.

The main ones:

Control module failure. The Atlant refrigerator, as well as equipment from other manufacturers, reacts sharply to voltage surges. Due to sudden changes, equipment may turn off immediately after being turned on or operate intermittently due to erratic input of signals. If repairs are not made, the compressor motor will burn out and require replacement. It is very easy to distinguish a breakdown of the control module from damage to the electrical network. To do this you need to look inside the camera. If the light in the chamber is on, but the compressor does not start, then the control module needs to be replaced.
Refrigerant leak. The refrigeration unit is equipped with a cooling system in which freon circulates. This substance is necessary to maintain low temperatures. If the system is damaged, freon leaks out and the compressor begins to run idle. Leakage can occur due to corrosion of pipes or punctured pipes. The first sign of this malfunction is puddles on the floor. To fix the breakdown, you need to turn off and dry the refrigerator, and also bleed its cooling system. After drying, the tightness of the pipeline should be restored and filled with freon using special equipment.
Cooling system clogged. The circulation of freon can be disrupted even without depressurization of the pipeline. Most often this happens with prolonged use of technology. If the Oka refrigerator (or any other) operates without interruption for many years, the pipeline in its cooling system will gradually become clogged. This will cause the temperature inside the chamber to rise. The problem can also arise due to improper transportation or poor-quality assembly. To eliminate the problem, you need to find the blockage and clean the pipeline.

Determining the specific cause of the breakdown

A malfunction of the compressor motor is one of the most difficult breakdowns in a refrigerator. This is evidenced by the clicking of the thermostat.

If the owner of the refrigerator knows how to work with electric motors, then it is possible to ring the compressor winding - its three contacts should respond without shorting to the housing.

Compressor diagnostics

When traces are found between the contacts and the housing, or a resistance of less than 20 ohms is found between them, the compressor cannot be repaired. The replacement must be carried out by a technician in a repair shop.

A serious breakdown that prevents the refrigerator from starting is a malfunction of the thermostat. If there is no characteristic click when the thermostat is turned on, the contact may break and this prevents the thermostat from turning on.

If you have experience working with electrical equipment, you should find two wires that connect to the thermostat. Then the wires are removed from the terminals. We connect the wires tightly. If the device starts, it must be replaced.

Installing a new thermostat

If the problem is not resolved, then you need to check the elements of the device that are powered from the network. These are the start relay and the protection relay. Quite often they are located in a common building. The test is carried out with an ohmmeter. If a break is detected, the faulty part is replaced with a new one. If no faults are found according to this diagram, then the cause of the breakdown is the electronic circuit - only a professional can replace it.

Network faults can be one of the reasons why the refrigerator starts but immediately turns off, or does not start at all.

Normal startup of the refrigerator is carried out at a minimum network voltage of 200 to 240. If there are deviations, the device will not start. A sign of too low voltage in the network may be a very weak glow of the light bulb and a hum. If the compressor is humming - does not turn on, does not freeze, then a voltmeter can be used to determine the possible voltage.

You should also inspect the plug and power cord of the refrigerator. If there are no problems, you need to inspect the outlet to which the refrigerator is connected. To check it, you need to try connecting any household appliance to the outlet.

Atlant refrigerator compressor does not turn on

In order to avoid possible problems caused by too high or too low voltage when working with the Atlant refrigerator, a stabilizer is needed.

The reasons causing such malfunctions will be:

damage to the socket or power cord;
breakdown in the start relay;
engine-compressor breakdown;
Temperature controller failure.

Replacing the temperature controller

The order of the malfunction is as follows:

The glow of the lighting lamp when the refrigerator door is open confirms the presence of power;
Lack of lighting - check the socket and plug of the power cord;
If the parts are in good condition, the contacts of the wires and contacts of the relay and thermostat are checked, the contacts and sockets of the relay are checked. The action is carried out by removing and installing the relay on the motor-compressor, rechecking the contacts of the wires connected to the relay;
To check the temperature regulator, you need to disconnect the refrigerator from the network and remove the regulator handle and remove one contact - if during testing you get a resistance close to zero, then it is working, and you should look for another cause of the malfunction. If a part is faulty, it should be replaced with one exactly the same as the faulty one; a part of a different type is not allowed;
Check the starting relay - it is based on a starting coil, core and spiral. To check its condition, it is disassembled, the coil and contacts are checked. If it breaks, it must be completely replaced;
When checking, you should inspect the compressor terminals - no melting, charring or cracking is allowed. Using a tester, check the normal voltage at the compressor contacts;
If the compressor fails, then during an interturn short circuit it becomes hot and does not start.

If you cannot fix the problem yourself or if the compressor fails, you should call a technician. There are no problems with providing parts for repairing the Atlant refrigerator. A specialist should be called if the refrigerator is under warranty service.

The compressor in the Ariston refrigerator does not start

Ariston brand refrigerators have fairly powerful and reliable motor-compressors; they rarely break down. When the compressor of an Ariston refrigerator is damaged, the refrigerator will make unusual sounds - constantly humming, clicking, or making a cracking noise. These are the first signs of a motor-compressor failure.

Absolutely silent operation of the compressor will also be a sign of failure. To repair the motor-compressor in the Ariston refrigerator, you should call a specialist.

Indesit refrigerator compressors do not work

The Indesit motor-compressor is a fairly powerful and reliable device. If a refrigerator of this brand does not start, the reasons may be the following:

malfunction of the socket into which the refrigerator is connected or in the power cord;
start relay malfunction;
motor-compressor malfunction;
temperature relay malfunction.

If a malfunction is detected in the motor-compressor of the Indesit device, you should call a specialist.

The main symptoms of refrigerator failure

Symptoms of malfunction vary greatly among equipment from different manufacturers. But there are symptoms that are characteristic of products of any brand and model.

You will need repairs if the refrigeration unit:

Does not cool the air inside the chambers. This could be caused by a broken start relay, compressor, or thermostat. Sometimes the lack of cooling indicates a malfunction in the electronic system.
Forms a “fur coat” of snow and ice. The cause of freezing is a faulty motor or thermostat, but it won’t hurt you to check your refrigeration unit for microcracks.
Leaking. If you notice leaks (puddles inside the chambers or on the floor), then you need to check the refrigerator for blockages in the drain tube. After cleaning the tube, leaks should not recur. If the problem is not solved, it means that the joints of the drainage system are broken or the container for water outflow is displaced.
It makes noise and buzzes. The refrigeration unit makes strange sounds due to a breakdown of the fan, motor or rubber compensators.
The display does not display information correctly. The appearance of strange symbols on the screen indicates a malfunction of the network transformer or control board.
Shows signs of evaporator failure. The evaporator will certainly be damaged if you remove ice from the refrigerator using a knife or other sharp objects. If frost forms on the evaporator, it means that the seal of the chamber is broken (the door is skewed or the rubber seal is worn out).
Emits beeps randomly. The symptom indicates problems with the electrical or temperature sensor.
Emits an unpleasant odor. In most cases, this phenomenon does not indicate a breakdown. Most often it indicates contamination of the inner surface of the cameras. The refrigeration unit easily absorbs any odors, so you only need to store food in it in packaging (in bags or sealed containers). If you find an unpleasant odor inside your refrigerator, do not rush to get upset. You can fix the problem yourself. You will only need to unplug and defrost the equipment. After defrosting, wash all internal surfaces with warm water and detergent. To do this, it is recommended to use a soft sponge and a special product. You can turn on washed equipment only after thoroughly drying it from water.

We examined the main causes and signs of malfunction of refrigeration equipment, but this is not a complete list of breakdowns. If your refrigerator does not turn on, do not rush to repair it yourself. Only an experienced master can cope with this task.

Reasons why the refrigerator does not work and the light is on

There are several reasons why this situation may arise. Some of them can be eliminated with your own hands, without calling a specialist. In addition, having figured out the causes of the problems, when you call the service company, you will be able to describe the problems that have arisen as accurately as possible, and the technician will be able to fix them faster:

Insufficient voltage in the socket to which the refrigeration unit is connected.
The light does not light up, and there is no cold inside the storage rooms. The cause of the problem may be a broken plug. Sometimes the situation occurs due to a cable break. In this case, the engine noise is not heard, and the relay does not click. A more in-depth diagnosis may be required.
Thermostat malfunction. This is a sensor that is located inside the refrigeration unit. As a rule, it is built in next to the light bulb. Its main task is to maintain a given temperature in all chambers - cooling and freezing. There may be several thermostats in a device. When the desired temperature is reached, they send commands to turn off or, conversely, turn on the compressor. To check if the thermostat is working, you need to short-circuit the wires coming from it. In this way, his normal work is simulated. If during such manipulations the refrigerator starts working, then the cause of the failure is a broken regulator. It will have to be replaced with a new one.
The defrost button sticks. If it is clamped, this creates obstacles to starting the electric motor. If the button is fixed in the wrong position and does not return to the desired state on its own, it will need to be replaced. Checking operation is similar to diagnosing a thermostat. You need to short-circuit its wires, bypassing the button itself.
Malfunction of the starting and protective relay. To carry out diagnostics, you need to arm yourself with a multimeter. The part that causes suspicion should be disconnected from the electrical board. After this, the resistance is checked. If deviations appear on the device, then the relay has failed. If you do not have electrical knowledge, it is best to call a specialist. In addition, any repair work related to the refrigerator’s electrical system is recommended to be carried out when the refrigerator is completely disconnected from the electrical network in order to avoid situations hazardous to life and health.
Problems with the electronic control board. In essence, it represents the “brain” of the refrigeration unit. Its structure is very complex. As a rule, it is not possible to repair the board. Therefore, if you suspect that the electronic board has failed, it is better to immediately invite a specialist.
Compressor malfunction. It can occur for several reasons: a short circuit between the turns of the winding, a wire break, and an insulation breakdown followed by a short circuit to the device body. Jamming of moving parts can also lead to compressor malfunction. Very often, repairing the compressor and its motor is impractical. It will be easier and cheaper to replace it with a new one.

You need to choose a compressor based on the brand and model of the refrigerator. It is recommended to entrust the replacement to a specialist.
Incorrect installation of the refrigerator. Here we are talking about the location on an uneven floor, and the fact that the necessary ventilation holes are not always provided in the kitchen set. The temperature in storage rooms may rise due to the fact that the coil on the back wall is not well ventilated with air. Also, you should not install the refrigerator next to the stove or heating appliances. All this provokes rapid breakdown of the unit.
The presence of gaps between the doors and the body. They can seriously affect the operation of the refrigerator. A gap may form due to wear of the rubber seal. If it has defects or breaks, then it needs to be replaced. Also, if there are gaps in electronically controlled refrigerators, the board blocks the start of the electric motor. The corresponding error appears on the display. To understand what it means, you should look at the operating instructions.

When diagnosing, it is important not to overestimate your own strengths. A situation may arise that inept actions will cause much greater harm than what was initially caused. Therefore, the best option is to contact a service center with specialists who have the appropriate knowledge and equipment for diagnostics and repairs.