How do you know if your refrigerator relay is bad?
The Shake and Rattle Test Unplug the start relay from the compressor and give it a shake. If you can hear rattling on the inside of the start relay, then the part is bad and will have to be replaced. If it’s not rattling and appears to be in good condition, you may have a problem with the actual compressor.
How do you test a refrigerator relay switch?
Turn the dial on a multimeter to “Ohms X1.” Insert both the probes from the multimeter into the two female terminals on the relay. The display on a digital multimeter should read zero, or the needle should sweep across the face of the display to zero on the far right on an analog multimeter.
Can you bypass refrigerator relay?
Use a flathead screwdriver to press down on the space between the relay and its casing. Then, press on the relay itself and pull it out to remove it from the refrigerator. Using electrical tape, connect both ends of the wire back to the relay housing so it completely bypasses the missing relay and closes the circuit.
What causes a refrigerator start relay to go bad?
Electrical Surge Refrigerator relays protect the fridge from electrical damage. An electrical surge can be one reason that a relay will fail and overload. When the resistance of the wire impedes the electrical current, the wires can become hot and begin to melt. An electrical surge can cause this to occur.
What does a refrigerator start relay do?
A refrigerator start relay is a device that jump-starts the compressor inside the refrigerator. If the refrigerator start relay is burned out, then the compressor may not work and the interior will not freeze.
What does a relay switch do in a refrigerator?
The overload relay is a protection device used in the compressor circuit on your refrigerator. Power is applied to the compressor motor windings through the overload device, and the relay is used to add the start winding in the circuit until the compressor is at running speed.
What are the signs of a bad refrigerator compressor?
You’ll know that your compressor is bad when it starts making abnormal noises, the compressor overheats or not providing proper cooling, or when the fridge compressor clicks on and off too frequently.
What causes a refrigerator relay to go bad?
How do you bypass the start relay on a refrigerator?
Push the metal box at the right-lower rear of your fridge and detach it from the unit. When the metal box is removed, you will see the relay system fixed inside. Now, carefully grab a flathead screwdriver to press the space between the relay and its case, and pull the relay out.
Do you need to test the start relay on a refrigerator?
In this case, when you’re testing a refrigerator start relay, you want to turn off the power both to prevent electrical shock and because the compressor could start at any time during the testing process, altering your results. Locate the start relay. To do this you need to find the compressor first.
How to test a refrigerator overload or relay start capacitor?
How to test a refrigerator’s overload or relay-start capacitor with a multi-meter: Begin by ensuring you have unplugged your refrigerator, and then remove the rear panel. Locate and remove your overload or relay-start capacitor.
What’s the best way to reset a Maytag refrigerator?
Turn the freezer and fridge temperature control dials to settings you want. There are usually numbers, from 0 to 9. Keeping the dial at 5 or 6 is good. Give the fridge about 24 hours in order to stabilize the chosen temperature. Your fridge’s compressor is reset.
Where do I find the PTC relay on my Refrigerator?
Look for the small access panel on the back of your fridge near the bottom. Use a screwdriver to take off the screws holding the panel in place and set them in a bowl so you don’t lose them. Set the back panel aside while you’re working so it’s out of the way. You do not have to remove the entire back of your fridge.
