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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@jamesbrungardt5236]

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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@octaviooro9182]

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

[@iraembery698]

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

[@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 😁😁😁

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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!!

[@ws678ta]

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

[@viceisms16]

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

[@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.

[@alexb.1524]

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

[@edwintoh8246]

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

[@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

[@dannyr9395]

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

[@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

[@drgolfjim]

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

[@Rufnek2014]

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

[@jonneighbors5323]

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

[@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.

[@wesleymitchell7553]

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

[@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!!

[@AAAPLUSPestControlChicago]

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

[@benitoriverajr.5299]

U8 uh o7iuukt twfxxzffxsx rfr4z r really ed dee ssd's e483 Dr Rivera as xxcc"washedd e xxxfdzrded f free

[@angolszakfordito8696]

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

[@fkdeazevedo]

Its important to read the ohms... common to run plus start to common should equal to start to run windings continuity is good but sometimes you can have a short within the windings... all the best!!! good video !

[@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.

[@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!

[@John-c7e3c]

One of the best videos I have seen so far

[@richardchipman7993]

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

[@657449]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@boriskarloff598]

Easily explained and demonstrated. Good content!

[@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...❤

[@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!!

[@brunoschneider8245]

Many thanks for your tutoral on checking compressors well done mate

[@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]

??

[@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!

[@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.?

[@wallykaspars9700]

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

[@jeffnichols1969]

Most informative video that I have watched yet

[@bavarianblessed]

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

[@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!

[@garyestep82]

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

[@thehandyman7537]

Gracias desde Nebraska,great video really appreciate it.

[@jml613613]

Your video,saved me the cost of a new refrigerator,thank you,all I needed was a new relay, refrigerator is now working perfectly.

[@jasonpriest4023]

great vid very informative and well narrative. bravo to you sir

[@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! 👍

[@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.

[@kolankprof]

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

[@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

[@ATLTRANSPORTER2]

Thanks Blake you have provided very valuable information

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@wmg1958]

Good video. Working on getting that exact mini fridge up and running again.

[@alex6261971]

best video / best explanation / best visuals / awesome

[@cliffright1142]

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

[@asgharrezaei0138]

Good job my dear wish you the best

[@zuzuanddee]

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

[@sajmiah8006]

Superb information thank you very much, very helpful keep up the good work.

[@pphilipkulatungam2866]

Thanks for the videos it was very helpful to diagnose my mining fridge not cooling

[@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. 👍

[@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?

[@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.

[@farukorak7231]

thnk u bro it was very usefull.. we need to see from u about volt meter how it s works

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@williamhalling7744]

Excellent video and instructions. Nice job !

[@tc4755]

well done great video from someone who knows what he is doing

[@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.

[@bobmalone6120]

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

[@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??

[@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

[@patrickstewart3883]

Thanks, your explanations were clear and easy to follow.

[@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.

[@JamieTresor]

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

[@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?

[@Jack-sf5yp]

Outstanding Blake ... thank you ... you are helping!! I'm a sort of a retired, and somewhat advanced, "do-no-harm", handyman at my Church. I am a volunteer with lots of successes and fails to my credit keeping the plant running; I know what I know, and I know what more I should keep away from, so there is no ego involved in this, and safety of all is paramount. Anyway ... the Pastor just told me that the 12-yr old semi-commercial (it's stainless, so therefore it commercial, right?), in the Church Hall Kitchen is running warm. She's still "cooling", mind you ... but she can't get below 52-deg F, regardless of temp setting knob call. I do know she's a 120V unit; hence my caveat that she's a semi-commercial-like unit. I haven't been to see the unit yet, so I don't know the make/model/vintage. I will do a preliminary assessment based on techniques you've suggested in your posts (power down, of course) next week, and see what the rig can tells me. The only other thing the Pastor mentioned was that the internal (chill case) fan seems to be running, the light works (thank Our Good Lord), and there's is no ice buildup anywhere inside or out that he can detect. But ... the (exposed top mounted) black box (assume he's referring to the compressor package, but no mention of fan or coil) is very very hot to the touch and might be running constantly. Another Parishioner apparently did an internal thermometer check, and it confirmed that the temp is a constant 50-52 deg F, so I'd assume the gauge and internal thermocouple are reading near true, and they should not be an issue. Appreciate all you've shared Blake ... really great ... look forward to anything you and the community can share with me regarding what else to check and inspect to assess the root cause(s), and to keep me from dying in the process. specific you (and other readers and subscribers) can suggest and share with me before I go in to look at her, and embarrass or kill myself. Thanks all for your kind support and suggestions. 42-Jack ps ... in the absence of a safe inspection and repair ... all are welcome to my Grand Irish Wake and Funeral ... probably not in the Church Hall, however.

[@seyiboroffice]

Thanks a lot. Wonderful video. Learnt a lot