Refrigerator System Trouble Shooting

Refrigerator Trouble Shooting 

 The chart which follows lists some common troubles, their causes, and remedies. These data do not apply to all units and should be considered as a general guide only.

Trouble shooting chart:.

1. Trouble : Refrigerator unit will not run.  

• Cause : Blown fuse. .                             Remedy : Replace the fuse.

• Cause : Low voltage 

 Remedy : Check outlet with volt - meter,  should check 220 volts.

   If circuit over - loaded,  either reduce load or have electrician install separate circuit.

  If unable to remedy in only other manner, install an auto - transformer.

•  Couse : inoperative Cold Control.

     Remedy  :  jumper across terminals of control. 

     If unit runs and connections are all tight.

    Replace the control.

Couse : Inoperative Relay.

Remedy  : Chech relay or replace if necessary.

Couse : Inoperative Overload.

Remedy : Chech overload or replace overload if necessary.

Couse : Inoperative Compressor.

Remedy : Check Compressor or replace if necessary.

Couse : Defective service cord.

Remedy : Check with test light at unit if no circuit and current is indicated at outlet. 

Replace or repair if necessary.

Couse : Broken lead to compressors, timer and cold control.

Remedy : Repair or replace broken leads.

Couse : Inoperative timer. 

Remedy : Check with test light and replace if necessary.  

2. Trouble : Refrigerator section too warm:

Couse : Repeated door openings.
Remedy : Instruct user.

Couse : Overloading of shelves,  blocking normal air circulation in Cabin..
Remedy : Instruct user.

Couse : poor door seal.
Remedy : level cabinet, adjust door seal.

Couse : Warm or hot foods placed on cabine.
Remedy : Instruct user to allow foods to cool to room temperature before placing in cabinet.

Couse : Interior light stays on.
Remedy : Check light switch,  if faulty,  replace if necessary.

Couse : Refrigerator section air flow control.
Remedy : Turn control knob to colder position.
Check airflow heater.
Check if damper is opening by removing grille and with door in open position.
Damper should open.
If control inoperative replace the control.

Couse : Cold control knob set at too warm a position not allowing unit to operate enough.
Remedy : Turn knob to colder position.

Couse : Freezer section grill not properly positioned.
Remedy : Reposition grill.

Couse : Freezer fan no running  properly.
Remedy : Replace fan, Check fan switch, or check fan defective wiring.

3. Trouble: Refrigerator section too warm.

Couse : Air duck seal not properly sealed or positioned.
Remedy : Check and reseal or reposition.

4. Trouble : Refrigerator section too cold.

Couse : Refrigerator section air flow control knob turned to coldest position.
Remedy : Turn control knob to warmer position.

Couse : Obstruction causing damper of air flow control to remain open.
Remedy : Remove obstruction .

Couse : Defective air flow control.
Remedy : Replace control.

Couse : Defective airflow heater.
Remedy : Replace heater.

5. Trouble : Freezer section and refrigerator section too warm.

Couse : Inoperative fan motor.
Remedy : Check and replace fan motor if necessary.

Couse : Cold control set too warm or defective.
Remedy : Check thoroughly and replace if necessary.

Couse : Shortage of refrigerant.
Remedy : Check for system leak, Evacuate and recharge gas in the system.

Couse : Not sufficient air circulation around cabinet.
Remedy : Relocate cabinet or provide clearances to allow sufficient circulation.

Couse : poor door seal or gasket.
Remedy : Level cabinet,  adjust door seal or replace door gasket if necessary.

Couse : Excessive door openings.
Remedy  : Instruct user.

6. Trouble : Freezer section too cold.

Couse : Cold control knob improperly set.
Remedy : Turn knob to warmer position.

Couse : Cold control capillary not properly clamped to evaporator.
Remedy : Tighten clamp or reposition.

Couse : Defective thermostat or cold control.
 Remedy : Check control or replace if necessary.

7. Trouble :  Refrigerator unit runs continuously. 

Couse : Not sufficient air circulation around cabinet or air circulation is obstructed.
Remedy : Relocate cabinet or provide proper clearances around cabinet - remove obstruction.

Couse : poor door seal.
Remedy : Check and make necessary adjustment .

Couse : Freezing large quantities of ice cubes,  or heavy loading after shopping.
Remedy : Explain to user that heavy loading will cause long running time unit temperature are maintained.

Couse : Refrigerant charge.
Remedy : Under charge or over charge - check and evacuate and recharge with proper charge.

Couse : Room temperature too warm.
Remedy : Ventilate room as much as possible.

Couse : Cold control.
Remedy : Check control if it allows unit to operate continuously and temperatures are maintained - replace control.

Couse : Defective light switch.
Remedy : Check light goes out,  replace switch if necessary.

Couse : Excessive door opens.
Remedy : Instruct user.

8. Trouble : Noisy Operation.

Couse : Loose flooring or floor not firm.
Remedy : Tighten flooring or brace floor.

Couse : Tubing contacting cabinet or other tubing.
Remedy : Reposition tubing.

Couse : Cabinet not level.
Remedy : level cabinet.

Couse : Drip tray vibrating.
Remedy : Reposition tray - place on fiberglass pad if necessary.

Couse : Fan hitting liner or mechanically grounding .
Remedy : Reposition fan.

Couse : Compressor mechanically grounded.
Remedy : Replace compressor mounts.

9. Trouble : Unit cycles on overload .

Couse : Inoperative relay.
Remedy : replace relay.

Couse : weak overload protector.
Remedy : replace overload protector.

Couse : low voltage.
Remedy : check outlet with volt meter, Under load voltage should be 220 volts.
Check for several appliances on same circuit or extremely long or under sized extension cord being used.

Couse : Defective compressor.
Remedy : check with test cord and also for ground before replacing..

10. Trouble : frost or ice on finned evaporator. 

Couse : inoperative timer.
Remedy : check with test light and replace if necessary.

Couse : Defective defrost heater.
Remedy : Replace heater.

Couse : Defective termination thermostat.
Remedy : Replace thermostat.

11. Trouble : Ice in drip catcher.

Couse : Defective drip catcher  heater.
Remedy : Replace heater.