Symptom

 Click on underlined items for further course information

The refrigerator does not run, and the light does not work     

Electric Shock can cause injury or death

• See: Secrets Troubleshooting Refrigerators or Refrigeration Tutorials
• Make sure the refrigerator is plugged in securely.

• Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.

• Test the power outlet for current, use a volt meter, or simply plug in a household lamp.

• Inspect the electrical cord for damage; if damaged, replace it.

• Eliminate use of an extension cord, NEVER USE ON REFRIGERATORS.

• Check the outlet voltage, volt voltmeter should read 110v.
• Check defrost Control(aka defrost timer)-advance training needed.

• How to clean grease off a stainless steel refrigerator door.

The refrigerator does not run, but the light works

  General tips: 

Check that the temperature setting controls should be set in the middle range and left alone. Ensure that there is enough room for air flow in the refrigerator or freezer. Check for air flow restrictions in vents, such as frost buildup on the evaporator. Advance training is needed to remove frost-advance training needed. Test the temperature control-advanced training needed. See the simple test on Cold-control. Clean the condenser coils-Do every 3rd month, this saves the compressor run time, and lots of money. Check the door seals. Simple test: Close the door against a dollar bill, try to pull out; if a slight tug is necessary, the door seal is ok. Test the level-although not that important.

SEE: Refrigeration Tutorials

• Check the temperature setting, controls should be set in the middle range and left alone.

• Make certain there is a three-inch space outside of the refrigerator between the walls and the back and sides, and at least a one-inch gap above, to allow for air flow. If the condenser coils are on the bottom, it's not that important.

• Clean the condenser coils. Before cleaning the condenser coils, unplug the refrigerator to avoid a shock hazard.

• Unplug the refrigerator, wait two hours, and plug it in. If you hear it running, a problem is causing the compressor to overheat. Failed compressor-advance training

• Test the cold control(see temp setting). A Simple test is to rap on the on and off temp control. If the refrigerator goes off with a rap, replace the cold control-advance training is needed. 

• Test the evaporator fan blade(fan inside of freezer). If it stops on its own, flip the blade, and if the blade starts turning, then advanced training is needed.

• Test the defrost timer-advance training needed.

• Test the compressor relay-advance training needed. 

• Test the overload protector-advanced training needed.

• Test the compressor motor-advance training needed

The refrigerator light does not work

• Replace the bulb.

• Test the door switch / Continuity test

The refrigerator or freezer is not cold enough

General tips: 

The ideal freezer temperature is about 0 to 5 degrees (F), and is about 38 degrees (F) for the fridge.

SIMPLE TEST: Check orange juice; if warm, turn the Cold control up one notch. If OJ remains warm, call a serviceman. 

Check Ice cream. if soft, call a serviceman.

SEE: Refrigeration Tutorials

• Check that the temperature setting controls should be set in the middle range and left alone.

• Ensure that there is enough room for air flow in the refrigerator or freezer.

• Check for air flow restrictions in vents, such as frost buildup on the evaporator. Advance training is needed to remove frost-advance training needed.

• Test the temperature control-Learn Basic Electricity Testing

• advance training is needed.  See the simple test on Cold-control.

• Clean the condenser coils-Do every 3rd month, this saves the compressor run time, and lots of money.

• Check the door seals. Simple test: Close the door against a dollar bill, try to pull out; if a slight tug is necessary, the door seal is ok.

• Test the level-although not that important.