Refrigerator Maintenance: Refrigerator Compressor Repair

Do These Tests for Compressor Repair:

Refrigerator problem? It could be the compressor (expensive!) but before you call the repair service, try these simple repairs. The problem may just be a bad overload or compressor relay. Read on to learn how to test a refrigerator compressor.

Plus, these are the appliance repairs you don’t need to call a pro for.

Try a New Overload or Compressor:

A refrigerator that makes a buzzing or humming sound and doesn’t keep the food cold may have:

• A blown compressor (big bucks).
• Or just a bad overload or compressor relay (refrigerator compressor cost is about $20).

We had this exact problem with a refrigerator and called Costas Stavrou, our appliance consultant. Here’s a bunch of other refrigerator repair tips.

Avoid an Expensive Service Call with These Tips:

To avoid an expensive service call, Costas suggested we first try pulling the fridge away from the wall, unplugging it and removing the service panel for about 20 minutes to allow enough time for the compressor to cool and any onboard computers to reset.

When we plugged it back in, the problem returned. So he suggested we buy both an overload and a compressor relay (or a universal relay kit) from the appliance parts store and install it (see photo above). Then plug it back in to see if the problem is gone. If the problem went away, it would be a $30 refrigerator compressor cost fix.

Unfortunately, our compressor noise returned (meaning it was toast). We had to buy a new refrigerator, but at least we didn’t have to waste money on a service call. Instead, we applied that money toward a new fridge.

Up next, learn all of the simple fixes for common appliance problems.

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