646 Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Troubleshooting Chart—Domestic Refrigerator-Freezers Trouble Common Cause Remedy Unit cycles on overload. 1. Broken relay. 2. Weak overload protector. 3. Low voltage. 4. Faulty compressor. 1. Replace the relay. 2. Replace the overload protector. 3. Check the outlet with a voltmeter. The voltage under load should be 115 V plus or minus 10%. If voltage is low, check for multiple appliances being used on the same circuit or the use of an extremely long or undersized extension cord being used. 4. Check for proper operation with test power cord that is known to be good. Check for proper grounding. If the power to the unit is adequate and the unit is properly grounded, replace the compressor. Stuck compressor. 1. Broken valve. 2. Insufficient oil. 3. Overheated compressor. 1. Replace the compressor. 2. Add oil. If the unit still will not operate, replace the compressor. 3. If the compressor is faulty for any reason, replace the compressor. Frost or ice on a finned evaporator. 1. Broken defrost timer. 2. Defective defrost heater. 3. Defective thermostat. 1. Check the timer with a test light and replace if necessary. 2. Replace the heater. 3. Replace the thermostat. Ice in the drip catcher. 1. Defective drip catcher heater. 1. Replace the heater. Freezer runs all the time—temperature normal. 1. Ice buildup on the evaporator. 2. Thermostat sensing bulb not in contact with the evaporator surface. 1. Check door gaskets and replace as needed. 2. Place the sensing bulb in contact with the evaporator surface. Freezer runs all the time—temperature too cold. 1. Faulty thermostat. 1. Test the thermostat and replace as needed. Freezer runs all the time—temperature too warm. 1. Ice buildup in the cabinet insulation. 1. Stop the unit and disconnect power. Melt the ice and dry the insulation. Seal any cracks or gaps in the outer shell and try again. Rapid ice buildup on the evaporator 1. Leaky door gasket. 1. Adjust the door hinges. Replace the door gasket if it is cracked, brittle, or worn. Door on the freezer compartment freezes shut 1. Faulty electric gasket heater. 2. Faulty gasket seal. 1. Use alternate gasket heater, or install a new one. 2. Inspect and check the gasket. If the gasket is worn, cracked, or hardened, replace it. Freezer works, and then warms up. 1. Moisture in the refrigerant. 1. Install a drier in the liquid line. Gradual reduction in freezing capacity. 1. Wax buildup in the capillary tube. 1. Clean or replace the capillary tube. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 25-5. Continued. in the drier. A likely cause is a restriction to refriger- ant flow. The low pressure in the drier, indicated by the frosting, suggests that it may be partially clogged. Look for such effects and think through what might cause such effects. Figure 25-6 is a chart listing problems, possible causes, and solutions for troubleshooting ice makers. Whether troubleshooting a refrigerator-freezer or an auxiliary system, like an ice maker, the same basic trou- bleshooting techniques apply. Examine the symptoms