How to repair a refrigerator by your own hands?
The refrigerator is responsible for most of the work of keeping produce fresh in the home. Thanks to constant cooling, this device makes life much easier and brings tangible comfort. When malfunctions occur, many people immediately turn to specialists or purchase a new unit. However, the problem can be solved and the refrigerator can be repaired with your own hands, which will significantly save your budget.
Device and principle of operation of the refrigerator
In order to repair your refrigerator you will need to understand how it works.
- thermostat;
- forced defrost button;
- thermal protection relay (includes contacts and bimetallic plate);
- electric motor that starts the compressor (consists of a working winding and a starting winding);
- starting relay (includes contacts and coil).
When the contacts of the thermoregulator and the defrost button are closed, the motor is energized via the thermal protection relay and the starting relay. At the moment of start-up, the current in the operating winding is disproportionately high, resulting in the switching of the relay contacts as the current flows in the coil. Subsequently, the start winding is closed through the start relay contacts, thereby reducing the current during the start-up phase. As the current load on the operating winding decreases, the inrush relay coil opens the contacts, resulting in the cessation of current through the inrush winding. In the event of excessive system heating or high currents, the thermal protection relay is activated, thus preventing overheating and subsequent fire.
The compressor is a vital component in enabling the flow of cooling gas through a network of tubes and capillaries. If I may be so bold, the interior of the apparatus may be designated the evaporator. At this juncture, the refrigerant vaporizes and absorbs heat energy within the chamber due to the reduction in pressure. The refrigerant then traverses the evaporator tubes to the outer circuit of the condenser, where the heat energy is transferred to the air in the kitchen and the refrigerant cools down. The liquid is then fed back to the evaporator, where it absorbs heat and, transforming into a gas, completes the cycle.
Fault diagnosis
It is feasible to identify the majority of malfunctions at an early stage. This can be achieved through the observation of uncharacteristic sounds, deviations from the normal operational mode, the emergence of a burning odor, and other indicative behaviors. Timely reaction in the context of diagnostic procedures for the device allows for the performance of all repairs for refrigerators at a relatively low cost. The failure to address such signals can result in the exacerbation of the malfunction, ultimately leading to the failure of the main units. This, in turn, can result in significant costs associated with the overhaul process. The diagnostic process is based on the identification of specific faults or preceding parameters.
For example, in the event that one is unable to activate the refrigerator, it would be advisable to commence the diagnostic process by ascertaining the voltage present at the electrical outlet. This should be followed by an inspection of the electrical plug, power cord, relay, and compressor motor. It is not necessary to resort to the immediate replacement of the first component that is identified as the source of the problem.
Refrigerator leaks
Condensate formation inside the refrigerator may be caused by a number of factors, including mechanical damage to the outer casing, destruction of the thermal insulation layer and subsequent temperature disturbance. In such cases, condensate forms at the point of damage and subsequently runs down the refrigerator. To eliminate this problem, it is necessary to restore the thermal insulation layer and seal the hole.
Refrigerator over-freezes and frost occurs
If you find a layer of ice and frozen food on the surface when you open the door, the following malfunction may have occurred:
- The cooling level has been set at an excessively high level, which requires adjustment.
- The temperature sensor and compressor unit were found to be defective.
- In addition, the door seal was found to be loose, which may be due to loss of elasticity.
- The thermostat has failed and must be replaced.
- In addition, the door may not close completely due to excessive contents in the refrigerator compartment.
Refrigerator turns on but does not freeze or chill
This malfunction can occur caused by:
- If the thermostat malfunctions or the cooling mode is set to minimum, it may be caused by a failure of settings in the sophisticated electronic control units of modern models. In such cases, it is necessary to defrost the refrigerator completely and start it again.
- Another possible cause is an unintentional start of defrosting. In cases when the refrigerator abruptly loads two channels, it may be due to a malfunction in the cooling system.
- In case there is a significant amount of food in the refrigerator chamber that the refrigerator is unable to cool in a reasonable time, you should promptly eliminate the cause of the malfunction and take corrective action.
Refrigerator won’t turn on
In case of malfunction, it is recommended to check the reliability of the electrical circuit. Possible causes of malfunction can be attributed to the following:
- The unit is not plugged in, the power is insufficient, or the outlet is faulty;
- Check the plug and cord circuit for continuity;
- Relay or electric motor failure.
Modern refrigerators often malfunction and do not turn on. These malfunctions are often difficult to detect in a domestic environment.
Water has appeared inside or under the bottom of the refrigerator
Such a mishap can be detected by finding a puddle under the refrigerator or a buildup of water inside the chamber. In most cases, the cause may be related to one or more of the following factors:
- A temporary power outage that you did not notice;
- Someone has placed hot or insufficiently cooled food in the chamber;
- Clogged drains or tubes in the misting evaporator system;
- Doors that are not tightly closed;
- Unsuitable environmental conditions (requires ventilating the room, bringing regulations up to factory requirements).
The above list of faults refers to cases where the unit maintains the required cooling temperature. Conversely, if the unit does not freeze, the underlying cause may be related to other factors.
Replacing light bulbs
To avoid the risk of electrical injury, please disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Then, please open the door and check the condition of the light fixture. For example, in Indesit refrigerators, the light bulb may get very hot, so it is recommended to wait until it cools down completely.
Although it is not necessary to use the same bulb, you can consider another replacement option, depending on the type: incandescent or halogen bulb. Preferably, the wattage of the bulb should not exceed 30 watts. However, before replacing it, it would not hurt to check the voltage in the socket, as the cause may not be the bulb at all.
Changing or straightening the sealing gum
If the gasket is not installed correctly, it can cause a number of problems including poor cooling, constant compressor operation and other malfunctions. To replace it, you can use a screwdriver to carefully separate the old gasket from the plastic surface. It is important to thoroughly wash and clean the area where the new gasket will be installed, removing any residue of adhesive or old gasket material. Then take the new gasket and install it in the appropriate slot on the door.
Solving fuser, timer and fan problems in NoFrost refrigerators
The dry freezing system offers a number of advantages over the drip system; however, these are due to the presence of additional elements.
In order to gain access to the contacts and the fan supply filter, it is necessary to rotate the refrigerator 180 degrees. The wiring diagram of the refrigerator, which supplies the fan, is probed, and the blades’ stroke is tested.
In the event that no faults are identified, the fuser should be removed from the connectors and tested with a suitable instrument. If the resistance is found to be close to zero, it can be concluded that the fuser is serviceable. Otherwise, it should be replaced.
Should both checks yield no results, the cause can be attributed to the electronic timer. It is not advisable to attempt repairs at home, as the timer will need to be replaced in its entirety.
Hopefully, this post will give you some help in solving some typical refrigerator problems with your own hands. In case you doubt your repair skills, it is always better to contact professionals to protect your refrigerator from additional damage.
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