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Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Troubleshooting Chart—Domestic Refrigerator-Freezers
Trouble Common Cause Remedy
Unit will not run. 1. Blown fuse.
2. Low voltage.
3. Broken motor or temperature control.
4. Broken relay.
5. Broken overload protector.
6. Broken compressor.
7. Defective power cord.
8. Broken lead to the compressor, timer,
or thermostat.
9. Broken timer.
1. Replace the fuse.
2a. Check the outlet with a voltmeter. It should
measure 115 V plus or minus 10%.
2b. If the circuit is overloaded, either reduce the
load, or have an electrician install a separate
circuit.
2c. If you are unable to remedy the problem any
other way, install an auto-transformer.
3. Install a jumper across the terminals of the
control. If the unit runs and all connections are
tight, replace the control.
4. Check the relay and replace as needed.
5. Check the overload protector and replace
as needed.
6. Check the compressor and replace as needed.
7. Check the cord using a test light at the unit.
Replace the cord if there is current at the outlet
but not at the unit.
8. Repair or replace the broken leads.
9. Check the timer with a test light and replace
as needed.
Refrigerator section
too warm.
1. Repeated door openings.
2. Overloading of shelves, blocking the
normal airflow in the cabinet.
3. Warm or hot foods placed in cabinet.
4. Poor door seal.
5. Interior light stays on.
6. Refrigerator section airflow controls
improperly set or malfunctioning.
7. Cold control knob set at too warm a
position, not allowing the unit to operate
often enough.
8. Freezer section grille not properly
positioned.
9. Freezer fan not running properly.
10. Defective compressor intake valve.
11. Air duct seal not properly sealed or
positioned.
1. Instruct user.
2. Instruct user.
3. Instruct user to allow foods to cool to room
temperature before placing in the cabinet.
4. Level the cabinet and adjust the door seal.
Replace the gasket if necessary.
5. Check the light switch and replace as needed.
6a. Turn the control knob to a colder position.
Check the airflow heater.
6b. Check the damper for proper operation by
removing the grill. With the cabinet door open,
the damper should open. If the control is
inoperative, replace the control.
7. Turn the control knob to a colder position.
8. Reposition the grille.
9. Replace the fan, fan switch, or defective wiring.
10. Replace the compressor.
11. Check and reseal or put the seal in the correct
position.
Refrigerator section
too cold.
1. Refrigerator section airflow control knob
turned to coldest position.
2. Airflow control remains open.
3. Broken airflow control.
4. Broken airflow heater.
1. Turn the control to a warmer position.
2. Remove any obstruction.
3. Replace the control.
4. Replace the heater.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 19-5. Common domestic refrigerator-freezer troubles, their causes, and suggested remedies (continued).