How to Check a Refrigerator Compressor

[@RobertCarrington-o1n]

The most to the point, clear and well put together video I have found on KZbin yet.

[@h.i.m.3518]

Very helpful to have demonstrated the ohm readings on both a good and a bad compressor. You have the only video that I found that discussed and demonstrated the use of the clamp meter to measure amps and how that may show a bad compressor if greater than the LRA. Great job.

[@ZLK2000]

Why does an LRA that is higher than the rating indicate a bad compressor?

[@nathanheather7732]

Blake, you literally just saved me from having to buy a new refrigerator. I found out after following your amazing instructions exactly as given, that it was just the relay that had gone bad. In fact, it even rattled when shaken just as you described. From $2500 to $30 or less, wow! Thank you so much. You just made a real difference for THIS family. Thank you again! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@capitaldd5840]

What makes the noise inside.....i took mine apart but don't understand why there would be noise.... although mine was ok. Cheers

[@viplegaleducation1292]

Please kindly tip this man that saved you all this money. A mere thank you is not wnough in my honest opinion. Just saying.

[@jamesbrungardt5236]

I've watched a half dozen refrigerator not cooling videos today. You did an extra good job on this. Very clear info. Thanks

[@paulyoung4814]

Glad this video was still up. You saved a refrigerator from going to the land fill. Bad relay fixed for $10. Your explanation to the point and easy to follow.

[@MrCarburettor]

After watching gazillion of videos all over KZbin on the same subject, this one is the only one straight to the point and most informative!! Thank You!!

[@vangieboisseau4722]

I am a homeowner and my compressor went out on my modern kenmore fridge I have a contract with BGE and they are coming out tomorrow to install a new one I have been without a fridge since last Thursday smh 🤦‍♀️ but your video helped me to know what I should expect from the technician so thank you.

[@mhector2]

I am dealing with this right now, as a matter of fact, LG tech will be here shortly, thank you for this helpful information, i now have some knowledge when going over the repairs with him. My LG fridge is 5 years old, fan working, just nothing with the compressor, hopefully it will be an easy fix! Thank you again for your time

[@angryant47]

A great refresher for an old man who did his frig and A/C edu. probably before you were born. Thanks.

[@campassi1961]

Great video. We have a hotel and my little girl fixes TVs and Refrigerators. Usually it's the thermostat, the relay, or the heat protection. Your video helped determine that it was the compressor this time.

[@wjpelka]

FYI. LRA is Locked Rotor Amps. That is when something is preventing the rotating parts in any motor from moving at all. Electrical fields causes the amps to go high and hopefully a protective device will trip. Good Video. Thanks... EDIT: Didn't see the other post on LRA. Great Explanation...

[@danielbesingi7698]

Great tutorial, comprehensive lesson on the compressor. I'm grateful for you taking the time to teach us for free. Thank you!

[@margaretstoner4701]

You are very kind.My fridge is approximately 5.5 years young...it is a 3 door...2 top doors..bottom pull out freezer door and I gotta give you so much credit. That man who came here never took anything apart . It's a massive fridge.THANK YOU FOR SHARING.

[@catpuzzles]

Thanks to your video we discovered our relay was bad on our fridge. This saved us a service call, and the possibility of buying a new fridge. Now we just have to put a new relay on order! Thank you for this amazing video!

[@iraembery698]

I’m in HVAC school right now. I appreciate you for making this.

[@mrdr9534]

Thanks for taking the time and effort of making and sharing this video :) And as it has been pointed out by others, even if the Compressor "checks out fine" it is not necessarily the relay, some (many) "fridges" that have a little larger compressors have a "start Capacitor" that "helps with startup current", and if that fails the compressor might not start OR start very briefly and then stop. In that case You more likely have a bad "start capacitor". Best regards.

[@holliemcelfresh9029]

I am so grateful I found this video! Easy to understand, clear picture, and easy-to-follow. Thank you for making this! Is there any chance of you making a video showing how to remove the compressor and install a new one?

[@austincalda6646]

Thanks man even from six years ago. I knew the continuity between terminals trick but needed to refresh to make sure it was all three work is good only one with continuity bad. Couldn’t find anywhere else but you explained exactly what I needed.

[@maddesign1]

I really like how you explained everything ! For anybody with hands on / mechanical knowledge but no knowledge of refrigeration .... this really helps. thanks! S.

[@broskidj]

Thank you! Your instructions are spot on and easy to follow. I've saved my garage fridge for $20 bucks.

[@mikea9156]

This is an old video, but my kegerator died on me and had the same compressor as your video. $5 and a new relay later, it’s back up and running. Thank you very much for this video and for saving me from buying a whole new fridge!!

[@octaviooro9182]

Hey You are the man. You save $250.00 dollars. Thank you so much. Be blessed.

[@RAMPLA2]

Great vid u helpt me out. My fridge stopt cooling and its like u said. Compressor was hot gave a ticking sound ur a good teacher very calm and clear instructions.

[@edwintoh8246]

You just saved me money in diagnosing a bad compressor. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@johnnieveight4925]

very informative video, especially with the continuity testing, i pulled my tester and did exaclty this test, showing that my pump is infact good, so i now can go order the relay, fingers grossed my fridge is saved, and not going into the landfill, love repairing things rather than throwing them away. bless you sir.

[@viceisms16]

I have never commented on the hundreds of how-to videos I've watched (until now) but this was very informative. Great job!

[@larrygill4102]

Hats off to Black Tube, I got my compressor start relay yesterday and it plugged rite in just like you said, I couldn't be happier, you are the man thanks, after it sat outside here in the Mojave desert for 2 weeks in the 90s here I let it run for 2 hours and the freezer got down to 8 degrees above 0 Awesome Thank You Again 😁😁😁

[@carlostapia6745]

Great information man, now I have an idea about what to check, normally I don't comment on videos unless they are so helpful like this one, I really appreciate the effort you have in helping people that don't have the money at the moment something happens with the fridge, THANK YOU A LOT!!

[@hlcorick]

Thanks! I didn't know about 'locked rotor amps', this is very helpful for me to complete my diagnosis on our wine cooler which is out of warranty. I appreciate you not rattling around about nothing between your main points of focus. Have a good day!

[@marksufosighting4150]

This was the most perfect video I stumbled across looking for information on older Frigidaire by its model number. I actually followed you by listening while I showed my boyfriend. It was the click noise you mentioned that I knew I found something! You should be a teacher of not already

[@chantellalee]

Thank you for this video. I just wish I had found this before my repairman came out. At least now I am a bit more knowledgeable so when the next one who comes that will actually (hopefully) fix it I'll be better prepared. Thank you!!

[@ws678ta]

I watched several other videos. You are the best teacher ! Thanks !

[@bavarianblessed]

Finally a clear explanation on how to verify if the compressor is bad or not. Never knew what that LRA rating was for

[@kennethgrimes5494]

Great job young man very informative you should teach appliance repair because you are very good at it very easy to understand with your way of teaching thank you looking forward to you next video even though im just trying to fix my deep freeze.

[@wesleymitchell7553]

Very educational. I fixed my first refrigerator after watching this video. Appreciated.

[@cdratton]

you did a really good job of explaining things. I like that you have a known good, a known bad to showus along with one that is installed so we had an idea of what we are looking for. Great job!

[@joycejmc4056]

I watched so many videos your was more clear to understand. I have a LG freezer on top fridge on the bottom. Know this is what is happening the freezer is freezing everything except icecream. We turned off the power,cleaned the back from dirty dust .can you give any suggestions or to reset the freezer. PLEASE

[@scottgammon6584]

Thanks Brad, 20 years ago I used to assemble refrigeration systems for Centrifuges. Using my alleged memory, I tore into a small refrigerator just like the example in your video. I didn’t get too far before I found extreme burn marks at the solenoid and starter. I’m not going any further, time for another new Chinese refrigerator as I’m not taking any chances with this one!

[@soothetv2553]

Thanks for posting! I have a refrigerator that isn’t cooling. I’m determined to get it fixed myself!

[@user-wy3xe2tt3y]

Did you get it fixed

[@thapelorashilo8032]

??

[@drgolfjim]

Definitely the best explanation and video angles which is extremely important to me. Thank you!

[@EddStarnes]

I liked your video and how you add common problems found not just a specific one. You're the type of expert I like and a good teacher. Thanks.

[@alexb.1524]

Best video to explain the compressor thank you for helping me. Hope you keep making videos.

[@garyestep82]

Great job. Quick, precise and to the point. Easy to follow and understand. Thank you.

[@AAAPLUSPestControlChicago]

like the video. this guy is sharp, to the point and easy to understand

[@benitoriverajr.5299]

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[@angolszakfordito8696]

Well, smart enough. But his English is rather hard to make it out.

[@thernandez2]

Hey, you did a great job showing how to test the components. I had a bad thermal protector. Easy fix 5 bucks. Thank you. I found this by a trash can.

[@657449]

Great video. You showed exactly how to test and gave safety warnings.

[@kolankprof]

Outstanding explanation! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the community and helping us to diagnose or frig problems ourselves.

[@dannyr9395]

I can't tell you how many videos i've watch. Your the only one that really helped me. Thank You

[@jonneighbors5323]

Best explanation I have ever seen on this type. Well done man thank you.

[@richardchipman7993]

You are spectacular! Made it clear, logical and simple.

[@mrsteama]

Great video!! My Magic Chef went out and i'm going to check all of these items!! You are a great benefit to KZbin. I saved at least $200 from buying a new freezer!!

[@isabellab6171]

Great video. Watch many videos on compressor diagnostics and yours is the first to mention the LRA which is very helpful...thanks. A couple question though, 1.) Is it possible for a bad relay to cause high amp draw (12+ amps)? 2.) Is there no way of freeing a locked compressor?

[@joshstaples24]

Excellent information, thanks for explaining how to check the compressor. Helped me rule the compressor out as the problem. Looking at replacing a relay.

[@piddler5188]

Some useful info. I do question setting the ohm meter on tone for checking the compressor. Tone setting will indicate a broken circuit,if there is no tone, but tone setting will not tell anything about the resistance of the coils. In other words, the compressor can still be faulty even when the meter sounds the tone. I usually check from common to run, common to start then check between run and start. If I remember correctly, the readings from the first two should be close to the last reading between run and start. Example 4, 7, 11.

[@wirihana75]

Yes correct the start will be higher ohms the run and common less ohms

[@whasumara73]

Thank you very much for the excellent video. It helped me so much. I just have one question if you don't mind. Can I also do a continuity test on the relay to make certain it's starting the compressor. I don't know much on terminology, but I'm learning. Thank you again.

[@solomonnganga5398]

Wonderful information from someone who knows it. Thanks for this and may the Almighty God add you more wisdom

[@TeeJames-p5b]

This video helps me a lot, thanks bro for the loud and clear instructions...❤

[@wallykaspars9700]

Fabulous! All three prongs on the compressor have continuity, but the relay rattles. Thanks for the excellent advice.

[@wtasch]

thanks, you are a good speaker. a bit of southern twang perhaps. going to work on my fridge today armed with knowledge.

[@carish1452]

Great state of Norfalina.?

[@Rufnek2014]

Excellent video. Liked it. No idea why anyone would dislike it.

[@boriskarloff598]

Easily explained and demonstrated. Good content!

[@richardmiller3808]

Good Video. I like that disclaimer! My summary is "if you don't know how to then you shouldn't try to" Call that professional!

[@eduardozetina2412]

Thank you Blake for this very informative video; I don't have a compressor problem but I feel now if I did, I would feel more confident just by knowing what to do if that were the case, for knowing what I just learned thanks to you. I liked your disclosure at the end. 👍

[@MrPanetela]

thanks; mine buzz then clicks wasn't cooling right; replaced both Relay and Capacitor... still buzzes and clicks.... borrowed library book on fixing refrigs. it really did a bad job explaining how to test the Compressor with meter. ... Your presentation really cleared the smoke out of the room. I just checked all pins, Continuity on all of them. so, i guess the problem is somewhere else. But a new compressor for this Frig costs both arms, a leg and the first born, it a large frig. But it does seem to feels warm to the touch. Yes, I can hear and feel it churning inside. So it still works for now. Thanks again for your presentation, very helpful.

[@David-hj6if]

Excellent video of information and procedure. I have a Daewoo mini that the compressor is running but not cooling. Haven't noticed a leak and has no fan to my knowledge. What might be my problem and fix?

[@JamieTresor]

Nice Job...very informative and WAY better than most! Thanks!

[@madmac66]

Thanks man. Great tips. My freezer stopped freezing. Comp is humming nicely, fan is spinning. No meter so I can’t check properly. Pulled the relay and it rattles like a kids toy. Sounds like a solution. Thank you

[@cliffright1142]

One of the better videos. I’ve checked all relays and compressor sounds like it’s running but, not cooling?

[@mundrubjet]

Forgive if this has already been said...Should use the correct industry terms. Common (C) Start (S) and Run (R) windings. Also, you should be looking for the Ohm values as well. Common to Run should be a lower value, say 5 Ohms for example, because it is a smaller winding. Common to Start should be a higher Ohm reading, say 7.5 ohms, because the start winding is a heavier winding for starting the compressor against 0 inertia. Reading from Run (R) to Start (S) should be the highest Ohm reading, say 12.5 Ohms since you are now reading through both the Start and Run windings. Windings can also short to each other internally, not just to ground. This is why you should read and record the Ohm values, not just use the BEEP on your meter. You can get wonky ohm values that tell you your windings have shorted to each other, instead of to ground.

[@kylewagner6607]

So why did you watch the video?

[@popp2electric]

Very well said, because a dead short would not be detected by a continuity (beeb) test. But you can use it to determine if you should even waist your time with a ohm test. No continuity no ohms as far as windings are concerned now you start adding in diodes and rectifiers etc then that statement doesnt hold true.

[@George-hl3qj]

I got a question for you my friend if you are willing to respond. While I was washing my Inverter Ac condenser Unit. I am sure water made their way inside and when I turned On the unit water made contact with the PCB module and sadly shorted it. Cabum! I opened it up and indeed black spot on the board. Board Replacement is $300 I decided to test the compressor as well to make sure is not damaged but here is: My resistance test gave me 2.0 on all R, S, C combinations. No beeping just a reading. Is that OK? or Is it an indication that the compressor suffered damage as well? I just want to find out if is worth fixing it or if it's best to buy the entire system.

[@bobmalone6120]

Informative, educational, and helpful. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@vetteconnoisseur9531]

Thanks for making this vid...you just allowed me to validate the compressor on my 10yr old Amana french door was good. Kudos Brother! 👍

[@hermanswartbooi1850]

Thanks for shareing with us,nextime put your staff on a table or workbench for more comfortable working and camera shots,i like the way you explain its loud and clear i fix my mini fridge relays and it works

[@timothycurtin586]

When replacing the compressor, can you use a replacement that has a higher capacity? Can you replace an 830btu compressor with a 1000 btu compressor? What other things are there to consider? Tubing sizes? Mounting frame configuration?

[@MG-qk8tx]

@@Ferroes Wow. You really shouldn't be giving out advice this bad. Obviously you are not familiar with compressors. You have to take into account the suction & liquid line sizes. And there is not a motherboard on these type of refrigerators. Geez...

[@MG-qk8tx]

And for these type refrigerators it is usually cheaper to buy a new one than replace a compressor. These refrigerators run from $150 to $300 & compressors are usually a minimum of $100.

[@diazcuba]

Hi, Excellent information, you know what you're talking about. I have a Kenmore Elite Model 795.72063.110 fridge, lost everything in it, fridge & freezer stopped wroking. I checked the compressor & there's no continuity from the bottom pin to the left pin, BUT when I looked at the plug, the plug only has 2 only wires & they go to the bottom & the right pin, Those two have continuity & seem to be ok, nothing goes to the left pin. My compressor feels & sounds like it's running, the fan is running, but I'm not getting it to cool down, both on the fridge & freezer sides. I did the button press test on the PCB & on the second press I'm getting a code 22 22. Do you think I only need to charge my compressor??

[@THORGNASH]

I think you just saved me a couple hundred bucks. Thanks man.

[@paulroustan3643]

I bet he didn't, as he only shows how to fault find, and only just one fault. If you fault was the same as this guy, then you need special tools to change the compressor, plus you need from.

[@John-c7e3c]

One of the best videos I have seen so far

[@spelunkerd]

Is the run capacitor built into that relay? Is there normally a start/run capacitor on these small fridges?

[@jaykomthongpane4941]

Hello Blake, thank you for the tutorial. Looks like my freezer has already been rigged by another person with a workaround starter modular. The biggest thing I notice is the relay unit you pulled away from the compressor is completely missing. I tested the three pins and it gets continuity. So my problem is, what do we call that particular relay that comes off the compressor and reveals the three pins? I have my freezer model and compressor information ready.

[@zuzuanddee]

Thank you. Especially the bad relay. Saves the day.

[@rickpaul2]

I have a 40 yr old Kenmore minifridge that wouldn't start up after defrosting it and it kept tripping the breaker when I plugged it in. Thanks for the testing lesson, determined it was the starter relay, so I replaced it, and it is running again . I just hate to throw away good stuff.

[@GUILLERMOJGARZON]

Great instructional video. I learned from the video the Amps draw by the compressor really Is a good thing to know. I have a question. Is there is continuity between all 3 points and is not grounded that means that the compressor is good, now the ohms reading for all 3 points matters? I seen videos that two points measurements needs to be equally with the third point? What is your opinion? Thank you

[@jonhumphrey5938]

Many thanks for this, saved me wasting time and money (and hope) on a relay, my commpressor tested tha same as your bad one in the video.

[@JimMcLaren1950]

Excellent detailed video, the whole plug that attaches to the 3 pins on the compressor. The actual plug on mine shorted out and burnt on the bottom of the plug, can you replace the whole connection? The compressor is ok using your directions. I used multimeter to check things out, Thanks in advance.

[@Strebmal1]

Really good explanation. I have spent days trying to find something to explain this. Finally something that lets me be sure that I need to chuck the fridge out!

[@thehandyman7537]

Gracias desde Nebraska,great video really appreciate it.

[@thomps6s]

Thank you for this! If the fridge has been making loud noises and boing noises like a spring unwinding, would that pretty much mean the compressor is shot?

[@brunoschneider8245]

Many thanks for your tutoral on checking compressors well done mate

[@Slim1423]

Hi. My Kenmore refrigerator stopped working a few days ago. Its a old refrigerator, early 2003 model. A few weeks before the popsicles kept getting soft in the freezer and sometimes the temperature rose in the refrigerated part. So, i turned up the settings the refrigerated area and the freezer area, and a day or two later the fan isn't blowing in the feeezer and it was not cooling in the refrigerated part, but the light would come in when you opened the door. Do you think the compressoer is gone, or is the compressor relay is bad, or should i just get another refrigerator? Any advice is appreciated.

[@joshuasiron5560]

Same problem here. Vitrifrigo I got in a Kenworth T680

[@MrDaltonM]

Nice video. It was really helpfull and informative. I really appreciate you taking the time to show/teach us how to check the compressor. Thank you and keep up the good work!!

[@stevepolitick3330]

This is a great video it is absolutely great and it is in perfect common language not as technical as it could be thank you for that and thank you for saving me a bunch of money just great

[@dreamtree529]

Very thorough and informative, thank you so much Sir!

[@memorywarrior8752]

"If you didn't like it hit the dislike button" - lol, don't be encouraging people to do that!! Very good video thanks for the help.

[@57corvettehead]

Blake, thanks for the video. The fuse link above the relay is tripping on my Frigidaire freezer. The compressor seems to have the correct ohms resistance on the 3 pins. Is there any other part that causes that fuse to blow or is it only the compressor? Thank you.

[@dwho6849]

I bought a used Silver King counter height fridge and was curious what routine maintenance I should perform from a hardware perspective? When I plug it in I can tell it's running fine and is cooling. I will obviously need to clean it too but since I am going to install it as part of basement wet bar area under a counter I want to "tune it up" before installing it. Any help is appreciated.

[@peterford9369]

I just had to have a new compressor in my 1 year old Hisense basic bottom freezer fridge. Thankfully it was under warranty and they fixed it for free. My concern is, if these compressors are so, cheap?. Will this one last another year, break and NOT, be under warranty. It's a basic 18 cuft fridge and cost me 800 bucks with ice maker. But 14 months great working then dies? Not cool. Thanks for that video . I thought maybe it was a start capacitor or something. But when checking the compressor, I did feel pulsing. But freezer died in about a week after temp started rising. Thanks

[@jeffnichols1969]

Most informative video that I have watched yet

[@henrychalera5526]

Thanks Blake, You’ve made it look easy. Keep up with the good work!

[@neilwilliams8608]

I have a WHIRLPOOL fridge with top freezer. The freezer is real cold but, not freezing food and water in ice tray not freezing. The fridge part is barely cold. The compressor is running and kicks on and off as supposed to be. The compressor is not hot to touch and fans are working. The refrigerator is 12 years old.The freezer and fridge was almost empty so, I filled the freezer and fridge with food. Almost full. Not blocking any vents. Could leaving the fridge and freezer almost empty for about a week affect this? Awesome video. Thanks so much.

[@ralphhardie7492]

Excellent report Thank you Comprehensive

[@HighFLYER-9000]

Thank so much for this video. Please May I ask: Thank you so much for your response. The thing is, I want to buy a table top freezer, I saw two brands that I love which are the same sizes of freezers, but one of the freezers has a smaller compressor. Shd I buy the one with the bigger compressor or the one with the smaller compressor? Is the one with the bigger compressor more powerful than the one with the smaller compressor? Remember that the freezers are the same sizes table top freezer