10 Easy Steps to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor

10 Easy Steps to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor

Changing a fridge compressor could be a daunting process, however it isn’t unimaginable. With the precise instruments and somewhat 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 tips on how to substitute a fridge compressor. We may even give you some recommendations on tips on how to troubleshoot frequent issues.

Earlier than you start, you will need to collect the mandatory instruments and supplies. You have to a brand new compressor, a socket wrench, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. Additionally, you will want some refrigerant. After you have 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’ll need to disconnect the facility to the fridge. As soon as the facility 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 harm the compressor or the encompassing parts.

Security Issues

Disconnect Energy Provide

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

Discharge Refrigerant

Fridges include a refrigerant, which is a gasoline beneath strain. To securely discharge the refrigerant, you will want an authorized technician with correct gear. Making an attempt to launch the refrigerant your self will be extraordinarily harmful and ought to be averted.

Put on Protecting Gear

Whereas dealing with the compressor, it is beneficial 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 mandatory instruments, similar 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 possibly harm the compressor or its parts.

Charging Refrigerant System

As soon as the brand new compressor has been put in, it’s time to cost the refrigerant system. This can be a vital 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 circulation 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 strain gauge on the charging hose and alter the circulation of refrigerant accordingly.

6. Proceed charging the system till the specified strain 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 are not any leaks. This may be accomplished through the use of a cleaning soap resolution to examine for bubbles across the connections.

That stated, the refrigeration part of your fridge requires exact measurements and specialised instruments. To forestall any hurt, it’s extremely beneficial to contact a skilled skilled in relation to 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 often a black or silver cylindrical machine on the backside of the unit. Hear carefully 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 machine that provides energy to the compressor. To check the relay, unplug the fridge and take away the again panel. Find the relay, which is often a small white or black field hooked up to the compressor. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the relay’s terminals. If there isn’t a continuity, the relay is defective and must be changed.

Testing the Overload Protector

The overload protector is a security machine 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 often a small black or silver machine hooked up to the compressor. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the overload protector’s terminals. If there isn’t a 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 often a small white or black field hooked up to the evaporator coils. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the thermostat’s terminals. If there isn’t a continuity, the thermostat is defective and must be changed.

Checking the Wiring

If all different parts check superb, the wiring could also be defective. To examine 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 should must 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 further 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 often 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 should must be changed.

Inspecting the Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils are situated on the again of the fridge cupboard. They will 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. Test 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 Frequent Issues

If you’re having bother changing the fridge compressor, seek the advice of the next desk for frequent issues and options:

Downside Answer
The compressor doesn’t run Test the facility supply, compressor, relay, and overload protector
The compressor runs however the fridge doesn’t cool Test the thermostat, evaporator coils, and condenser coils
The compressor runs too typically or too lengthy Test the condenser coils, thermostat, and door gaskets

How To Change Fridge Compressor

Changing a fridge compressor could be a daunting process, however it’s potential to do it your self with the precise instruments and somewhat bit of information. Listed below are the steps on tips on how to substitute a fridge compressor:

  1. Unplug the fridge from the facility 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. Change the entrance grille of the fridge.
  11. Plug the fridge again into the facility supply.

Ideas:

  • You’ll want to put on gloves and security glasses when engaged on the fridge.
  • Don’t try to exchange the compressor in case you are not snug working with electrical parts.
  • If you’re unsure tips on how to substitute the compressor, seek the advice of a professional equipment restore technician.

Folks Additionally Ask About How To Change Fridge Compressor

Can I substitute the compressor in my fridge myself?

Sure, it’s potential to exchange a fridge compressor your self, however it isn’t a easy process. You have to some primary instruments and information {of electrical} wiring. If you’re not snug working with electrical parts, it’s best to seek the advice of a professional equipment restore technician.

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

The fee 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 anticipate to pay between $300 and $600 for the compressor itself, plus an extra $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 ability degree and the make and mannequin of your fridge. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to anticipate to spend between 2 and 4 hours on the venture.