There is no doubt that refrigerators make modern lives infinitely easier and more convenient. Thanks to this household appliance, there is no need to worry about food spoilage and the formation of harmful bacteria, ensuring that you and your family can always enjoy fresh food and beverages.
But on the other end of the spectrum, a malfunctioning refrigerator can turn your daily life upside down. For sure, nothing can be more frustrating than your fridge not turning on. Before seeking the services of a professional appliance repair technician, you may want to try troubleshooting the problem yourself first. This article will teach you how to do exactly that.
There are several reasons why your refrigerator suddenly won’t switch on. Essentially, this error occurs when one or more of the components go kaput. The most common culprits are the cold control, overload relay, and electronic board.
In the case of the cold control and the overload relay, you will have to test them with a multimeter to confirm if either of them is responsible for your broken appliance. As for the electronic board, you will have to rely mainly on visual inspection, keeping an eye out for signs of damage. The malfunctioning fridge component will then have to be replaced with a new one.
Here are some tips to keep in mind before starting the troubleshooting process:
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The cold control – sometimes called “temperature control” – is a switch that regulates the temperature inside the fridge’s fresh food section. It comes with a sensor that monitors the air temperature, adjusting it accordingly by powering the compressor motor and the fan circuits.
If the air is too warm, for example, the cold control will send power to the compressor, ensuring that it is up and running until the temperature inside the compartment returns to the ideal level. If the compressor is constantly running or won’t even run, then the cold control may be defective.
Failing any of the two tests means that the control is broken and will have to be replaced.
The overload relay – also referred to as the “overload protector” or “relay-start capacitor” – is a small safety device found in your refrigerator’s compressor circuit. Like several other fridge components, it is also meant to keep the air inside your appliance at optimal temperatures.
The overload device essentially receives and sends power to the compressor circuit until the fans are running smoothly. If the relay senses that the compressor is overheating, it will temporarily shut down the compressor, giving it some time to cool down. With that said, if the fans are functioning properly but the compressor won’t fire up, there might be something wrong with the overload protector.
If your refrigerator still malfunctions even after you have successfully replaced the capacitor, it is time to let a professional handle the problem.
The electronic control board can be considered as the brain of your refrigerator. That is, it controls the appliance’s important components such as the compressor, fans, and defrost system, among others. It also plays a crucial role in monitoring and regulating the temperature inside your refrigerator.
When the electronic board goes bad, your fridge may experience a wide range of problems. It may, for example, fail to turn on.
It is important to keep in mind that electronic control boards are quite complicated and expensive. Confirm that the compressor is not receiving any power supply and that the other controls are working before thinking about replacing your electronic board.
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A refrigerator that won’t start can be a huge setback in your day-to-day life. Thankfully, the problem is relatively simple to diagnose. If you are lucky, you may be able to troubleshoot the issue and replace the broken component – all without the help of a professional.
Unfortunately, the do-it-yourself route may not always work. Some issues are too complicated (or even dangerous) to diagnose and fix by yourself. In such cases, seeking the services of an expert is your best bet.
If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, you are in luck. Prime Appliance Repairs is a trusted appliance repair company that is more than capable of restoring your fridge to its former condition. Even better, we have one of the most affordable rates in GTA while promising top-quality service and a 6-month warranty for your peace of mind. Call us at 647-931-1114 to schedule an appointment today!