10 Easy Steps to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor

10 Easy Steps to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor

Changing a fridge compressor generally is a daunting process, however it isn’t not possible. With the precise instruments and just a little 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 methods to change a fridge compressor. We may even give you some tips about methods to troubleshoot widespread issues.

Earlier than you start, it is very important collect the required 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 may 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 may take away the screws that maintain the compressor in place. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you may rigorously elevate the compressor out of the fridge. Watch out to not injury the compressor or the encircling parts.

Security Issues

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 forestall any electrical hazards or shocks.

Discharge Refrigerant

Fridges comprise a refrigerant, which is a fuel underneath strain. To securely discharge the refrigerant, you will want an authorized technician with correct gear. Trying to launch the refrigerant your self could be extraordinarily harmful and ought to be averted.

Put on Protecting Gear

Whereas dealing with the compressor, it is really helpful 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 forestall tripping or accidents.
Use Correct Instruments Have the required instruments, reminiscent of 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 could 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 essential 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 start out charging the system.

5. Monitor the strain gauge on the charging hose and modify 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 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 really helpful to contact a skilled skilled in terms 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 often a black or silver cylindrical system on the backside of the unit. Hear carefully for a buzzing sound if you plug the fridge again in. When you do not hear any buzzing, the compressor is probably going defective.

Checking the Relay

If the compressor just isn’t working, the relay could also be defective. The relay is a small system 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 connected to the compressor. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the relay’s terminals. If there is no such thing as a continuity, the relay is defective and must be changed.

Testing the Overload Protector

The overload protector is a security system 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 system connected to the compressor. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the overload protector’s terminals. If there is no such thing as 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 connected to the evaporator coils. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the thermostat’s terminals. If there is no such thing as a continuity, the thermostat is defective and must be changed.

Checking the Wiring

If all different parts check 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 free connections. When you discover any broken wiring, it’s going to have to 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 start out 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’s going to have to be changed.

Inspecting the Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils are situated on the again of the fridge cupboard. They’ll turn into clogged with frost or ice, which might forestall 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 may clear them with a vacuum cleaner or a brush.

Troubleshooting Frequent Issues

If you’re 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 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 Substitute Fridge Compressor

Changing a fridge compressor generally is a daunting process, however it’s attainable to do it your self with the precise instruments and just a little bit of information. Listed here are the steps on methods to change 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.

Ideas:

  • You’ll want to put on gloves and security glasses when engaged on the fridge.
  • Don’t try to interchange the compressor if you’re not comfy working with electrical parts.
  • If you’re unsure methods to change the compressor, seek the advice of a professional equipment restore technician.

Folks Additionally Ask About How To Substitute Fridge Compressor

Can I change the compressor in my fridge myself?

Sure, it’s attainable to interchange 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 comfy working with electrical parts, it’s best to seek the advice of a professional equipment restore technician.

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

The price 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. Nevertheless, you may anticipate to pay between $300 and $600 for the compressor itself, plus a further $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 talent degree and the make and mannequin of your fridge. Nevertheless, you may anticipate to spend between 2 and 4 hours on the undertaking.