10 Easy Steps to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor

10 Easy Steps to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor

Changing a fridge compressor is usually a daunting job, however it’s not not possible. With the precise instruments and a bit little bit of know-how, it can save you your self the price of a brand new fridge. On this article, we are going to stroll you thru the steps on find out how to substitute a fridge compressor. We can even give you some recommendations on find out how to troubleshoot frequent issues.

Earlier than you start, it is very important collect the mandatory instruments and supplies. You’ll need a brand new compressor, a socket wrench, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. Additionally, you will want some refrigerant. Upon getting gathered your instruments and supplies, you possibly can 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 ability to the fridge. As soon as the ability is disconnected, you possibly can take away the screws that maintain the compressor in place. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you possibly can rigorously elevate the compressor out of the fridge. Watch out to not injury the compressor or the encircling parts.

Security Concerns

Disconnect Energy Provide

Security first! Earlier than making an attempt to interchange 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 underneath strain. To soundly discharge the refrigerant, you may want a licensed technician with correct tools. Making an attempt to launch the refrigerant your self will be extraordinarily harmful and needs to be prevented.

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.

Extra 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 might probably injury 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. It is 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 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 strain gauge on the charging hose and regulate the movement 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 performed by utilizing a cleaning soap answer 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 advisable to contact a educated 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 normally a black or silver cylindrical gadget on the backside of the unit. Hear carefully for a buzzing sound once you plug the fridge again in. For those who do not hear any buzzing, the compressor is probably going defective.

Checking the Relay

If the compressor is just not operating, 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 hooked up 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 hooked up 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 could 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 hooked up 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 parts check effective, 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. For those who discover any broken wiring, it is going to 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 is not going to obtain energy and the compressor is not going to 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 could not activate or could 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 is going to should be changed.

Inspecting the Evaporator Coils

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

Troubleshooting Widespread Issues

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

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

How To Exchange Fridge Compressor

Changing a fridge compressor is usually a daunting job, however it’s doable to do it your self with the precise instruments and a bit bit of data. Listed here are the steps on find out how to substitute 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. Exchange the entrance grille of the fridge.
  11. Plug the fridge again into the ability supply.

Suggestions:

  • You should definitely put on gloves and security glasses when engaged on the fridge.
  • Don’t try to interchange the compressor in case you are not snug working with electrical parts.
  • If you’re unsure find out how to substitute the compressor, seek the advice of a certified equipment restore technician.

Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Exchange Fridge Compressor

Can I substitute the compressor in my fridge myself?

Sure, it’s doable to interchange a fridge compressor your self, however it’s not a easy job. You’ll need some fundamental instruments and information {of electrical} wiring. If you’re not snug working with electrical parts, it’s best to seek the advice of a certified equipment restore technician.

How a lot does it price to interchange a fridge compressor?

The fee to interchange a fridge compressor will differ relying on the make and mannequin of your fridge, in addition to the price of labor in your space. Nonetheless, you possibly can 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 interchange a fridge compressor?

The time it takes to interchange a fridge compressor will differ relying in your ability degree and the make and mannequin of your fridge. Nonetheless, you possibly can anticipate to spend between 2 and 4 hours on the challenge.