10 Easy Steps to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor

10 Easy Steps to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor

Changing a fridge compressor is usually a daunting activity, however it isn’t not possible. With the suitable instruments and a little bit little bit of know-how, it can save you your self the price of a brand new fridge. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru the steps on easy methods to exchange a fridge compressor. We will even give you some recommendations on easy methods to troubleshoot widespread issues.

Earlier than you start, it is very important collect the required instruments and supplies. You will have a brand new compressor, a socket wrench, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. Additionally, you will want some refrigerant. After getting gathered your instruments and supplies, you’ll be able to start the method of changing the compressor.

Step one is to take away the previous compressor. To do that, you have to to disconnect the ability to the fridge. As soon as the ability is disconnected, you’ll be able to take away the screws that maintain the compressor in place. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you’ll be able to fastidiously elevate the compressor out of the fridge. Watch out to not injury the compressor or the encompassing elements.

Security Concerns

Disconnect Energy Provide

Security first! Earlier than trying to exchange the compressor, it is essential to unplug the fridge from the ability outlet to stop any electrical hazards or shocks.

Discharge Refrigerant

Fridges include a refrigerant, which is a fuel below stress. To securely discharge the refrigerant, you may want an authorized technician with correct gear. Trying to launch the refrigerant your self could be extraordinarily harmful and must be averted.

Put on Protecting Gear

Whereas dealing with the compressor, it is advisable to put on gloves and security glasses to guard your self from any sharp edges or potential spills.

Further Security Measures

Security Measure Description
Clear Work Space Make sure the work space is well-lit and free from obstacles to stop tripping or accidents.
Use Correct Instruments Have the required instruments, equivalent to a crescent wrench, screwdriver, and multimeter, to carry out the alternative safely.
Keep away from Overtightening When tightening bolts or connectors, keep away from overtightening as it may well injury the compressor or its elements.

Charging Refrigerant System

As soon as the brand new compressor has been put in, it’s time to cost the refrigerant system. It is a crucial step, as including an excessive amount of or too little refrigerant can result in issues with the fridge’s operation. The next steps will information you thru the method of charging the refrigerant system:

1. Join the refrigerant can to the charging hose.

2. Open the valve on the refrigerant can and permit the refrigerant to movement into the charging hose.

3. Join the charging hose to the compressor’s suction port.

4. Open the valve on the charging hose to begin charging the system.

5. Monitor the stress gauge on the charging hose and regulate the movement of refrigerant accordingly.

6. Proceed charging the system till the specified stress is reached.

7. As soon as the system has been charged, shut the valve on the refrigerant can and disconnect the charging hose.

8. Leak-test the system to make sure that there aren’t any leaks. This may be finished through the use of a cleaning soap answer to verify for bubbles across the connections.

That mentioned, the refrigeration part of your fridge requires exact measurements and specialised instruments. To stop any hurt, it’s extremely advisable to contact a educated skilled in the case of charging refrigerant or fixing any points associated to the refrigeration part.

Testing and Troubleshooting

Checking the Compressor

To check the compressor, unplug the fridge and take away the again panel. Find the compressor, which is normally a black or silver cylindrical gadget on the backside of the unit. Pay attention intently for a buzzing sound while you plug the fridge again in. In case you do not hear any buzzing, the compressor is probably going defective.

Checking the Relay

If the compressor isn’t working, the relay could also be defective. The relay is a small gadget that provides energy to the compressor. To check the relay, unplug the fridge and take away the again panel. Find the relay, which is normally a small white or black field connected to the compressor. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the relay’s terminals. If there isn’t any continuity, the relay is defective and must be changed.

Testing the Overload Protector

The overload protector is a security gadget that journeys if the compressor overheats or attracts an excessive amount of present. To check the overload protector, unplug the fridge and take away the again panel. Find the overload protector, which is normally a small black or silver gadget connected to the compressor. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the overload protector’s terminals. If there isn’t any continuity, the overload protector has tripped and must be changed.

Inspecting the Thermostat

The thermostat controls the temperature of the fridge. If the thermostat is defective, the compressor might not activate or off as wanted. To check the thermostat, unplug the fridge and take away the again panel. Find the thermostat, which is normally a small white or black field connected to the evaporator coils. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the thermostat’s terminals. If there isn’t any continuity, the thermostat is defective and must be changed.

Checking the Wiring

If all different elements take a look at nice, the wiring could also be defective. To verify the wiring, unplug the fridge and take away the again panel. Examine the wiring for any cuts, breaks, or unfastened connections. In case you discover any broken wiring, it’ll should be repaired or changed.

Checking the Energy Supply

Make sure the fridge is plugged right into a working energy outlet. If the outlet is defective, the fridge won’t obtain energy and the compressor won’t activate.

Checking the Begin and Run Capacitors

The beginning and run capacitors present additional energy to the compressor to begin and run easily. If both capacitor is defective, the compressor might not activate or might not run correctly. To check the capacitors, unplug the fridge and take away the again panel. Find the capacitors, that are normally small cylindrical or oval-shaped units close to the compressor. Use a multimeter to check the capacitance of the capacitors. If both capacitor has a low capacitance, it’ll should be changed.

Inspecting the Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils are situated on the again of the fridge cupboard. They’ll change into clogged with frost or ice, which might stop the compressor from working correctly. To examine the evaporator coils, unplug the fridge and take away the again panel. Verify the coils for frost or ice buildup. If the coils are soiled, you’ll be able to clear them with a vacuum cleaner or a brush.

Troubleshooting Widespread Issues

In case you are having hassle changing the fridge compressor, seek the advice of the next desk for widespread issues and options:

Downside Resolution
The compressor doesn’t run Verify the ability supply, compressor, relay, and overload protector
The compressor runs however the fridge doesn’t cool Verify the thermostat, evaporator coils, and condenser coils
The compressor runs too usually or too lengthy Verify the condenser coils, thermostat, and door gaskets

How To Substitute Fridge Compressor

Changing a fridge compressor is usually a daunting activity, however it’s doable to do it your self with the suitable instruments and a little bit bit of data. Listed here are the steps on easy methods to exchange a fridge compressor:

  1. Unplug the fridge from the ability supply.
  2. Take away the entrance grille of the fridge.
  3. Find the compressor on the backside of the fridge.
  4. Disconnect {the electrical} wires from the compressor.
  5. Take away the bolts that maintain the compressor in place.
  6. Rigorously elevate the compressor out of the fridge.
  7. Place the brand new compressor into the fridge.
  8. Tighten the bolts that maintain the compressor in place.
  9. Join {the electrical} wires to the compressor.
  10. Substitute the entrance grille of the fridge.
  11. Plug the fridge again into the ability supply.

Suggestions:

  • Remember to put on gloves and security glasses when engaged on the fridge.
  • Don’t try to exchange the compressor if you’re not snug working with electrical elements.
  • In case you are undecided easy methods to exchange the compressor, seek the advice of a certified equipment restore technician.

Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Substitute Fridge Compressor

Can I exchange the compressor in my fridge myself?

Sure, it’s doable to exchange a fridge compressor your self, however it isn’t a easy activity. You will have some primary instruments and information {of electrical} wiring. In case you are not snug working with electrical elements, it’s best to seek the advice of a certified equipment restore technician.

How a lot does it value to exchange a fridge compressor?

The price to exchange a fridge compressor will range relying on the make and mannequin of your fridge, in addition to the price of labor in your space. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $300 and $600 for the compressor itself, plus a further $100 to $200 for labor.

How lengthy does it take to exchange a fridge compressor?

The time it takes to exchange a fridge compressor will range relying in your talent stage and the make and mannequin of your fridge. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to count on to spend between 2 and 4 hours on the undertaking.