A particularly common defect is the situation when there are violations in its operating modes. After turning on, the refrigerator turns off almost immediately or very quickly after a short period of time. What to do because he doesn’t have time to get cold, food spoils and quickly becomes unusable?
Thermostat
Reasons for the refrigerator to turn off quickly
To find out why the refrigerator quickly turns off a few seconds after turning it on, you need to perform diagnostics. First, it’s worth understanding how this technique generally works, because in the normal state it also turns on and off after a certain time.
A refrigerator is a rather complex device that uses the law of thermodynamics. Essentially, it is a converter of heat into cold and vice versa. The design includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The coolant flows through the jacket inside, cooling the space, when it penetrates the external radiator, it is compressed there, which is accompanied by the release of heat. This technique simultaneously cools the food inside in the chambers and heats the radiator outside, which, of course, is achieved through compression, expansion, dehumidification and filtration, for which the system has special components.
As for the possible reasons for the refrigerator to turn off after a few seconds, many things can be the culprit for this behavior. In any case, a diagnosis should be made, and in many situations you can cope with this task yourself. It consists of an initial external inspection and measuring the time when the refrigerator starts working after being turned off.
There is such a thing as the working time ratio. It defines the limits of normal operation of equipment in relation to faulty conditions. A value in the range from 0.2 to 0.9 is considered normal. How to define it? Finding this value is quite easy; you need to measure the pause and work time, but having fulfilled certain conditions:
- Make sure both doors are tightly closed.
- It is advisable to leave in the chambers a minimum amount of products that are already refrigerated.
- The network is not drained, the voltage is normal.
So, having fulfilled all the above conditions, you can begin measuring time intervals in both states. The coefficient is determined in a special form through the ratio of work and total times, work and pause. For example, when you first turn on a refrigerator, it only works for 3 minutes. Then it stays off for 10 minutes and turns on again. The number is determined by the formula: 3/(3 + 13) = 0.1875.
NECESSARILY!!
This indicator indicates the presence of a malfunction that must be found. To figure out what’s wrong, it’s worth remembering the refrigerator diagram and finding possible elements that can lead to a quick shutdown. There are only 2 such components in the refrigerator: a compressor (it has a temperature sensor, which is fixed outside) and a thermostat (controls the temperature in the chambers and turns off when it reaches it).
Let's consider the most common situations when, after turning on, the refrigerator turns off almost immediately or after a very short period of time. Some defects may not be related to technology.
Why does the refrigerator turn off quickly?
The problem - the refrigerator turns on and then turns off after a few seconds - can be caused by several reasons, including:
- Voltage drop or stable low voltage in the network.
- A malfunction that has occurred in the start-up relay (it may have broken or burned out).
- Problems, breakdown in the electronic board (only in modern units).
- The compressor, the part that is responsible for the movement of refrigerant through the cooling system, has broken down.
To determine the cause of the breakdown, you can listen to the sound when the refrigerator turns on and immediately turns off. For example, if the device works for only a couple of seconds, and then turns off with a loud click, then most likely the problem is a malfunction of the compressor or the start-up relay that starts the motor.
If the duration of the refrigerator operation intervals is violated, it is worth checking the electronic unit of the refrigerator. It may give incorrect signals about turning on and off.
To correct the breakdown, it is necessary to find out the reason for this behavior of the unit.
Failures and power surges
One of the reasons why the refrigerator turns on and turns off immediately is failures and power surges in the network. In fact, the situation is very serious, because due to regular power instability, not only the compressor motor of your refrigerator and its control unit will fail, but also almost any other household appliance that is deprived of an individual stabilizer.
This is due to the fact that there are overcurrents in the windings, which lead to overloads. If switching power supplies are able to withstand fluctuations from 170 to 280 V, then asynchronous motors will not be able to withstand such a test. Most likely, they will overheat and the thermal protection will work, which is still good in relation to the situation when there is no such protection and the engine simply burns out. Old IPs can also fail.
IMPORTANT!!!
To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to acquire a transformer-type network stabilizer. It will automatically adjust the output voltage depending on changes in the input voltage, but when choosing power, it is important to consider that when the compressor starts, it consumes a lot of energy.
Especially often, problems with the power supply network arise in the private sector or holiday village. Here, for each house, a power of up to 3 kW is calculated, which is very little, considering that many have purchased electric water heaters. The optimal stabilizer power for a private or country house is 10 kW.
Network surges and dips affect home appliance components in different ways. Exceeding more than 280 V leads to operation of the varistor protection. Dips lead to additional drawdown and a simple lack of power for the compressor to operate after start-up.
To test the network sag theory, you need to use a voltmeter or an indicator in the form of a regular incandescent light bulb. If there are dips below 200 V, then this is noticeable to the naked eye by a decrease in the brightness of the lamp. Instead of a spiral one, you can also use cheap LEDs without a current source. If there is a stabilizer, then each of them, as a rule, has an indicator, which can also be used to determine the state of the network.
External reasons
Such reasons include interruptions in the supply of electricity, which negatively affect the operation of the engine.
Voltage drops
If the device turns on and off, you need to check the stability of the voltage supply. Despite the fact that modern refrigeration units are equipped with a protection system, frequent failures can lead to motor failure. To connect expensive models, voltage stabilizers should be used. If connected directly to a power source, electronic parts may be damaged.
Voltage is below or above normal
Linear compressors cannot function properly if the power supply is below 170V or above 280V. This causes the refrigerator to turn on and off almost immediately. You can check the voltage using a voltmeter, which is connected to the outlet contacts. If the value deviates from the norm, you need to contact a specialist.
Problems with the power supply
Also, the compressor turns on almost immediately after being turned off due to a malfunction in the power supply. Over time, radio components such as capacitors dry out and lose their capacity. Because of this, any interference in the network, which is considered normal, becomes emergency and can cause automatic shutdown. It is also possible that any of the integral elements on the board will break. In this case, you will not be able to repair the refrigerator yourself, because qualified assistance is required.
power unit
The power supply in this household appliance is pulsed, and it is only needed to power the logic board, which, in turn, controls the operation of the compressor and controls the temperature in the chambers. The breakdown may be associated with the same drawdowns and surges in the network or defectiveness of some of the components.
Compressor failure
Have you noticed that the refrigerator quickly turns off almost immediately when you turn it on? One of the reasons for this defect may be a breakdown of the compressor. It is a unit that is essentially an asynchronous motor with a piston group. The device converts electrical energy into refrigerant flow pressure using a linear translational movement of the piston. Given the complexity of the compressor design, several breakdowns may occur:
- Overheating of the windings due to a mechanical malfunction of the piston group. The slightest misalignment of the connecting rod will become a wedge, the engine will begin to heat up intensely and burn out, but the temperature sensor saves it from this.
- Thermal sensor malfunction. It is an external device that is located in the same module as the compressor power contacts. It is presented in the form of a flat plate, which, through thermal paste, fits tightly against the flat part of the motor housing. When the temperature rises above 60 degrees, the resistance of the sensor changes, which leads to a power cut.
- Overheating due to blockage in the system. If the filter becomes clogged or a blockage occurs in the capillary tubes, the resistance to the compressor will increase sharply, which will also lead to its overheating.
Compressor failure
To determine if the compressor is faulty, follow these steps:
- First check the integrity of the windings. There are two of them in this unit. One is working - of lower power, and the second is starting. The resistance between two of the 3 contacts should be 2 times greater than between the third and one of the first two. This indicates the integrity of both windings.
- If the multimeter shows zero resistance or a break, which is equal to infinity, then this indicates its complete malfunction. As a rule, they are no longer repaired, only replaced. If you have equipment for soldering and refilling, it is quite possible to do this yourself.
- Forcefully try to turn on the engine. It has 3 terminals from two windings connected together at one end. To start the engine, it is necessary to supply power to the working winding and briefly to the starting winding.
- If the engine hums, but does not start, and instantaneous heating of its body is felt, then the problem is in the wedge of the piston group. Repair is not practical. It's easier to buy a new motor.
- If it starts, but the refrigerator turns off after 1-2 minutes, then turns on again after about the same time, then this indicates a blockage in the system. The motor is working normally, the system needs to be flushed and refilled.
Start-up relay
Possible reasons
A refrigerator is a household appliance that consists of a large number of components and parts. And the more expensive the equipment, the more complex its design. The malfunction of any of the parts has a significant impact on the performance of the refrigeration unit. The occurrence of malfunctions is due to certain reasons that are associated with a malfunction of a particular part or unit of equipment.
Failures and power surges
Before you come to the conclusion that the reason for the malfunction of the refrigerator lies in the equipment itself, you should make sure that the voltage of the household electrical network is stable. To do this, just pay attention to the light of the switched on lamps - if they are blinking, then there are obvious problems with the network.
Important! To avoid troubles, it would be useful to purchase a voltage stabilizer or surge protector.
Usually this unpleasant phenomenon is temporary, but there may be frequent cases of voltage drop. Manufacturers equip every modern refrigerator with all kinds of protective devices to ensure safety from problematic electrical networks. But the sharp and frequent nature of voltage drops negatively affects the performance of expensive equipment.
For normal operation of the refrigerator, the voltage should not fall below 170 V and rise above 280 volts.
Problems with the control unit
This is another reason why the refrigerator immediately turns off after it turns on. This is an important element that is present in many electronic devices. But it also makes the technology vulnerable.
The control unit is an electronic module that sets the cyclic mode of operation of household appliances. That is, this is the so-called “brain” of household appliances, to which voltage surges, as well as contact with water, cause serious damage. If the programmed program is violated, the electronic module begins to send signals at different intervals, which leads to chaotic operation of the compressor.
Important! Reprogramming the board allows you to fix the problem, but the operation must be carried out by a specialist.
A possible reason for the breakdown of the control unit lies in the instability of the household electrical network.
Compressor broke
If the electronic module is the “brain” of the entire system, then this unit is its “heart”. Similar to its human counterpart, it drives freon in a closed circuit, and therefore its importance should not be underestimated.
Typically, a problem with a compressor manifests itself with a number of symptoms:
- strong heating of the unit body;
- buzzing;
- characteristic clicks;
- mechanism jamming;
- After turning on, the motor turns off after 2 seconds.
Compressor repair is associated with certain difficulties and the average consumer is not able to perform it.
Often the cause of the malfunction is a shorted winding. This renders the unit unusable, therefore the refrigerator no longer freezes.
Start protection relay malfunction
Another important detail that affects the performance of household appliances. It can also fail due to overheating or natural wear and tear. In almost every refrigerator, a biometric plate is placed inside the relay, which reacts to the incoming current. As a result, it heats up and, bending, thereby opens the electrical contact. Thus, the motor is turned off and the cyclic operation of the refrigeration unit is based on this.
Due to a breakdown of the relay after turning on the motor, it stops working after a few seconds. The reason here may lie in the following:
- overheating of the biometric plate;
- jamming of the moving contacts closing the core;
- wear of the working plate itself.
Important! A characteristic sign indicating a relay malfunction is frequent clicks. This is the sound that the bending plate makes.
Sometimes, even with a working relay, the refrigerator can function properly for some time. However, in any case, it is necessary to eliminate the relay malfunction as soon as possible, since it negatively affects the operation of the “heart” of household appliances.
Start protection relay malfunction
The compressor is not the only complex part. It is controlled by the start relay. It is a small block that stands next to the motor. As a rule, it is made in a plastic case. It receives a signal from the temperature sensor on the compressor, in the chambers and the control board. If they are present in a certain combination or sequence, it turns the motor on and off. If the relay is faulty and the contacts are not blocked, the effect of attempting to start the motor may occur. In this case, it is necessary to check the condition of all sensors and monitor the signals for turning on the relay. If they are present, the relay itself probably needs to be replaced.
Thermal relay
How to diagnose a breakdown?
To find out the specific reason why the refrigerator turns off quickly, it is necessary to conduct a number of studies. To do this, you will need a minimum set of equipment and accessories, including screwdrivers, a voltmeter and a device for measuring resistance. Diagnostics is performed in several stages:
- First you need to check whether the compressor itself is working. How to do this was described earlier in the article.
- If the engine starts, but overheats greatly and turns off, it is necessary to check the pressure in the system and check for leaks.
- If everything is fine with the circuits, but the engine still gets hot, then it most likely needs to be replaced.
If your refrigerator does not have an electronic control unit, then fast shutdown problems may be related to the thermostat. To do this, move the temperature regulator in the chamber to the extreme maximum and then minimum position.
To diagnose a breakdown, you must have experience and some skills in using standard tools. However, if you have the desire to do this, it is quite possible.
Diagnosis of failure
Possible breakdowns
If interruptions in the operation of the refrigeration unit occur frequently, it is recommended to check the main parts of the system - the compressor, start or thermal relay, capillary tubes.
Problems with the control unit
The electronic module is a sensitive part that fails due to voltage fluctuations or moisture penetration. If the program becomes inoperable, signals are sent to the compressor at various intervals. The engine starts and stops randomly. In this case, the board will be reprogrammed or replaced. When the refrigerator turns on and turns off after a few seconds, you need to contact a specialist. You cannot replace the control unit yourself. Sometimes it may be necessary to purchase a new refrigeration unit.
Faulty protective relay
If the refrigerator starts to work, but immediately turns off, the reason should be sought in a faulty protective relay. The device is used to prevent motor overload. The start and stop of the compressor is controlled by a thin plate. When heated by incoming electricity, the part bends, disconnecting the contact. The motor may shut down due to this. Relay failure negatively affects the functioning of the plate. The refrigeration unit often turns on and off for the following reasons:
- overheating of the heating element;
- jamming of moving parts;
- violation of core mobility;
- damage to the metal plate.
Relay repair cannot be delayed, even if the engine has been running for at least 10 minutes. The compressor breaks down over time.
Start relay failure
If the unit turns on and turns off after a few seconds, the reason may lie in a breakdown of the start relay. The part becomes faulty due to prolonged use and overheating. Fixing such a problem is easier than repairing or replacing the compressor. If, after turning on, Atlant or any other refrigerator quickly turns off, you need to test the relay. If the regulator breaks down, the device starts and stops with a click.
When the plate installed in the middle of the part becomes immobile, it is repaired. Sometimes the core is replaced with thick wire or a steel rod. Modern relays have a washer-shaped insert, which is difficult to repair.
Compressor broke
The compressor is designed to maintain low temperatures in the chambers of the device. When this element fails, the refrigerator turns on and turns off immediately. Associated symptoms of malfunction include:
- extraneous sounds that appear when starting the engine (you need to pay attention to vibration, knocking and clicking);
- overheating of the compressor and rear grille (normally, the temperature of these parts should not exceed +60 °C);
- leakage of oily liquid from the lower part of the housing;
- motor hum and no signs of freon circulation (low condenser temperature).
If the compressor starts to turn on and immediately stops, it is worth checking the condition of the wiring and the correctness of its connection. If the motor casing is damaged, the starting relay clicks and the device does not start. When the motor vibrates and the compressor does not function, you need to evaluate the mobility of the piston. If this part jams, the engine quickly turns off. You cannot replace the compressor yourself. Repairs must be made while avoiding damage to tubes and wires. Difficulties may also arise at the stage of refrigerant charging.
Troubleshooting methods
If the refrigerator does not want to start after the last shutdown, then this is a sign of a breakdown. To fix it, you need to carry out diagnostics, find the faulty element or damaged area, and then replace it. In the practice of repairing refrigerators, there are several ways to solve such problems, which depend on the specific situation:
- Method for changing thermostat settings.
- Cleaning contacts on the compressor connector, start-up relay and other devices.
- Replacement of faulty components.
