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’s not unattainable. With the correct instruments and slightly 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 how you can substitute a fridge compressor. We can even give you some tips about how you can 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. After getting 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 will want 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 injury the compressor or the encircling elements.

Security Issues

Disconnect Energy Provide

Security first! Earlier than making an attempt to switch 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 fuel underneath stress. To soundly discharge the refrigerant, you may want an authorized technician with correct tools. Trying to launch the refrigerant your self will be extraordinarily harmful and must be averted.

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.

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 substitute safely.
Keep away from Overtightening When tightening bolts or connectors, keep away from overtightening as it may possibly injury the compressor or its elements.

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 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 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 start out charging the system.

5. Monitor the stress gauge on the charging hose and alter the movement of refrigerant accordingly.

6. Proceed charging the system till the specified stress 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 test for bubbles across the connections.

That mentioned, the refrigeration part of your fridge requires exact measurements and specialised instruments. To forestall any hurt, it’s extremely advisable to contact a skilled skilled on the subject 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 normally a black or silver cylindrical system on the backside of the unit. Hear carefully for a buzzing sound once 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 operating, 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 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 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 normally a small black or silver system hooked up 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 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 is no such thing as a continuity, the thermostat is defective and must be changed.

Checking the Wiring

If all different elements take a look at high-quality, the wiring could also be defective. To test the wiring, unplug the fridge and take away the again panel. Examine the wiring for any cuts, breaks, or unfastened 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 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 further energy to the compressor to start out 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’s going to have to be changed.

Inspecting the Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils are situated on the again of the fridge cupboard. They will turn into 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’ll be able to clear them with a vacuum cleaner or a brush.

Troubleshooting Widespread Issues

In case you are having hassle changing the fridge compressor, seek the advice of the next desk for frequent issues and options:

Drawback Resolution
The compressor doesn’t run Examine the facility 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 Change Fridge Compressor

Changing a fridge compressor generally is a daunting process, however it’s potential to do it your self with the correct instruments and slightly bit of data. Listed below are the steps on how you can 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. Fastidiously 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.

Suggestions:

  • Remember to put on gloves and security glasses when engaged on the fridge.
  • Don’t try to switch the compressor in case you are not comfy working with electrical elements.
  • In case you are undecided how you can substitute the compressor, seek the advice of a certified equipment restore technician.

Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Change Fridge Compressor

Can I substitute the compressor in my fridge myself?

Sure, it’s potential to switch a fridge compressor your self, however it’s not a easy process. You’ll need some primary instruments and information {of electrical} wiring. In case you are not comfy working with electrical elements, it’s best to seek the advice of a certified equipment restore technician.

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

The price to switch 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’ll be able to count on to pay between $300 and $600 for the compressor itself, plus an extra $100 to $200 for labor.

How lengthy does it take to switch a fridge compressor?

The time it takes to switch a fridge compressor will differ relying in your ability degree and the make and mannequin of your fridge. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to count on to spend between 2 and 4 hours on the venture.