Copyright Mr. Appliance, All rights reserved. SubZero Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor P# 4200740. When it has been removed, you will be able to see the relay system. Remove the electronic control board. No matter how well your air filters are working, the fan will eventually pull in dust that can cake on top of the condenser coils. The Fix: If the fan does not seem to be working, you might need to replace the That being said, there are signs to look for that indicate your compressor is working hard but not getting the job done. Older fridges have to cycle a lot, but newer ones dont. Make sure that you keep an eye on it for a few hours to ensure that the compressor is working correctly. How often should a fridge condenser fan run? for their professional help. If the icemaker has intentionally not been connected to a water. There are bug zappers, sprays, candles, Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes From Biting. The last thing you want is the food in your fridge to spoil. properly. Cools great, but last week, I discovered the gasket between freezer and frig was getting almost too hot to touch. Once your refrigerator has had enough time to defrost completely, clean the coils at the back of the machine and remove and dust, dirt, or debris collecting around the compressor. The thermostat If the multimeter has a low reading, that means that your start relay is bad and needs to be replaced. There can be several reasons why your refrigerator runs loud. However, ifthere is no noise at all, it could indicate a problem with the motor orwiring that requires immediate attention. According to the 23rd Annual Portrait of the US Appliance Industry report, your refrigerator should last anywhere between 10 to 18 years with the average age being 14 years. Remember to consult with a professional refrigeration engineer whennecessary for complex problems or major repairs instead of trying DIYfixes! the fridge. Thesefans are typically located in the freezer section or at the back of therefrigerator compartment. When this is the case, there is a pretty good chance that the start relay isnt working the way that it should. of the food that could be blocking airflow and preventing your refrigerator He spent more than 15 years as a third-generation tile and stone contractor before transitioning into freelance writing. When the thermostat fails the defrost heater is never triggered. Use a soft brush to clean dirt and debris that could be . If your gasket has torn, you should replace it and A common reason a condenser fan is continually running within a refrigerator is the thermostat. I went to install the new fan and discovered the existing fan was a 4 wire and the new part has 4 wires. The fan forces environmental air through the condenser, aiding the transfer of the heat of compression from the coil to the ambient air. If you are considering replacing your refrigerator compressor, its a good idea to find out the age of your refrigerator. while over-under units are more likely to have their thermostat under 4. . The light switch on the door needs to be depressed to open the freezer. Now warm air blows out front near feet. So yes, a fully functioning refrigerator compressor should be warm, even hot. Though, make sure that you find a temporary storage spot for all of your food that is stored inside. This is a 2-Watt, 115 Volt motor that rotates the fan in a counter clockwise direction. You can purchase a new fan motor from You will need This cycling ensures thatyour food stays cold without consuming too much energy or producingexcess heat. Shop for a new refrigerator condenser fan motor here: https://www.repairclinic.com/Shop-For-Parts/a4c53/Refrigerator-Motor-Parts?TLSID=1813Find our videos and blogs here: https://www.repairclinic.com/Content-Library Main site here: https://www.repairclinic.com/This free how-to video explains how refrigerator condenser fan motors work. a professional to handle it. This will make it safe to work with and allow you to get accurate readings with your multimeter. Airflow patterns: Fans also create specific airflow patternswithin the fridge which helps distribute cool air evenly throughout theunit. What does a coefficient of determination of 0.70 mean? Using a flathead screwdriver, press down between the casing and the relay itself. It is typical for a refrigerator compressor to run anywhere between 4 to 8 hours straight before shutting off. If you're troubleshooting for the same problems then it . If the compressor starts up and the fridge still doesnt get to the optimal temperature, that should be the first indication that another component is at fault. The compressor is one of the most crucial components for keeping your refrigerator working effectively and can go bad for many reasons. The cold air cant circulate. What happens when condenser fan stops working? There are all sorts of methods out there. Like most appliances in your home, properly scheduled maintenance is the best way to prevent unexpected issues with your major home appliances. Liquid refrigerants can also be toxic or dangerous under certain conditions. refrigerator. When a refrigerator stops working, it is most likely due to an overheated compressor. You may notice intermittent humming coming from the compressor during the day when the compressor is at fault. It's a garage fridge so I don't really notice how it runs. How do I create a search box in Excel 2016? If you want to test the competence of your current start relay, having Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) available is a great tool to have. damper cover into place, pulling the covers off as well. Faulty evaporator fan motor - the purpose of this fan is two-fold. The defrost cycle should start every 12 to 15 hours and use a defrost heater to melt the frost on the coil. The first and most obvious sign that something is wrong is that the fridge isnt cooling properly. A working refrigerator compressor will be warm, but should not be excessively hot. When the air damper cant open, cold air cannot travel This causes your compressor to kick on more frequently and for a longer duration as it has to compensate for the sudden change in temperature. So, if it is not functioning properly compressor will overheat which in turn causes the refrigerator's internal temperature to rise. There is a fan at the back of the freezer that circulates air in the freezer. A warm refrigerator isnt always an obvious fix. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. heat, forming hot gas that later cools and absorbs heat from the freezer When youve performed the necessary tests to determine whether or not the start relay is bad, you may come to the conclusion that you need a new one entirely. Similar to dirty compressor coils, a dirty condenser fan can cause the compressor to overheat by limiting the amount of hot air that is able to escape. If your refrigerator compressor is hot because of a leak, lack of refrigerant, or a faulty thermostat, its time to contact a licensed professional. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. When the evaporator fan runs only with the condenser, you save up a lot of power. Refrigeratorshave come a long way in terms of energy efficiency, noise levels,temperature control, circuit boards, and evaporator coils. For instance, if the compressor is so hot that it has caused scorch marks to form on the wall behind your appliance, you need to disconnect the power source immediately. If your unit has stopped working, make sure your circuit breaker is working. You. Check the wiring schematic affixed to the back of the refrigerator or to the inside of the compressor compartment to locate the test points. Regardless of whether you have a Whirlpool, Kenmore, Amana, or Frigidaire, theres an easy way to diagnose whether your compressor is working properly. Our team at Mr. The most common cause of freezer evaporator fan noise is ice on the fan. This fan is called the EVAPORATOR FAN. The fan runs whenever the compressor runs, and it draws cool room air through the front grille, and then circulates it through the condenser coil, over the compressor, and back out the front grille into the room. The noise should cease after some seconds when the cooling system runs normally. Disconnect the Is your refrigerator not cooling or preserving your food? Where They Are Located: Condenser coils are located across the bottom of the fridge or on the While some models may run continuously, others operate intermittentlybased on temperature sensors or user settings. the fridge. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If you hear that clicking constantly yet the fridge compressor isnt starting, theres a good chance that youll have to replace the start relay. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Should your refrigerator really be making so much noise? If you arent comfortable or confident doing the job yourself, dont hesitate to call in a professional. You may notice that there is no humming sound yet the temperatures inside of the freezer and the fresh food compartment are on the rise. To determine if the condenser motor is working, use a multimeter to test the incoming voltage to the motor. Ryan also loves hockey and a lifelong Buffalo sports fan. refrigerator from the power before removing the toe grill (consult your Power down your refrigerator by unplugging it from the wall or shutting off the circuit breaker connected to the fridge. Giving it a clean can fix the problem. There are quite a few signs that the start relay may be bad. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Move your appliance away from the wall. still isnt where it should be, you could be facing a more complicated We would not recommend investing in a new compressor if your fridge is nearing the end of its life. Power consumption: Although continuous fan operation can increasepower consumption slightly, it actually saves energy by keeping thecompressor from working harder than necessary. Shake the start relay to see if it rattles. How do I know if my condenser fan motor is bad. If the compressor runs but the fan does not, the chances are good that you will need to replace the fan's motor. Walch spent 40 years working in the electrical trades and holds an Associate of Applied Science in applied electrical engineering technology from Alvin Junior College. How to Troubleshoot Refrigerators & Freezers, Issues That Can Affect Air Conditioning in a Home, How to clean a showerhead, according to an expert, Air Conditioners & Furnaces: Ice Is Building Up. If youre unsure whether your condenser fan is running or not, youcan easily check by listening for a humming sound near the back of thefridge or feeling for air flow coming out of the vent. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If unaddressed, a clogged compressor could lead to an explosion. Your refrigerator is actually a simple unit although pinpointing where a problem lies can be challenging. Kitchen appliances can be complicated and we definitely dont recommend you take your This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Fix: First, ensure the condenser fan is spinning freely and not being obstructed from the freezer to the fridge compartment, making it warmer. all the compartments you removed in the process. You can damage your refrigerator by adding the wrong amount or kind of refrigerant. Finding the right protection to help guard you against mosquitoes and other bugs can feel like a lifelong journey. Mosquitoes have a way of ruining an otherwise perfect evening. Refrigerant is an essential part of your refrigerators cooling system. While some people might find the noise levels generated by these fansunpleasant, they should understand that their presence is essential foroptimal performance of any modern refrigerator. Does the condenser fan run all the time on a refrigerator? If it is, you can then safely go pick up a new start relay and replace it later on. If you ever observe unusual noises coming from your refrigeratorsfan motor or experience abnormal cooling issues despite continuous fanoperation, then proceed to follow our next troubleshooting tips sectionbelow. and off when you close the door? Any other reading indicates that the motor has shorted out to ground and needs to be replaced. Free shipping. The. If vents are clogged you'll need to clean them, which is something you should do every few months for best results. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Not only A common reason a condenser fan is continually running within a refrigerator is the thermostat. If the freezer temperature is too high, ensure that the condenser coils are clear of debris and the condenser fan is working properly. As a result, your condenser will have to work harder to keep things cool, thus causing the fan to run continually. 3. So what exactly does this fan do?Stay tuned to find out! When you hear repeated clicking, it could be an indication that the start relay is bad and isnt kicking the compressor on. Start by noting strange refrigerator noises like scraping, which might indicate a problem with the condenser fan. Upon inspection, itwas discovered that the coils were clogged with dust and debris, causingthe fan to work harder than usual. If you feel that things individual components are working properly then you may want to call your local repairman who can further diagnose the problem. To determine whether your fridge fan is running or not, simply openthe door and listen for noise. The refrigerator start relay is the device that jump-starts your fridges compressor. link to How To Keep Snakes Away From Your House, start relay failures is due to voltage spikes, How To Bypass The Start Relay On A Refrigerator, Refrigerator Brands To Avoid (Buy These Brands Instead). If there is nothing prohibiting the blades from spinning, you might need see if your fridge stays cooler. Unplug your refrigerator and place a thermometer on the tubing. Not enough space clearance. Not only does the refrigerator unit itself have to get cooled, but so does each and every item in your fridge. So yes, a franchise finding the right protection to help guard you mosquitoes. 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The age of your refrigerators cooling system mosquitoes from Biting coil to the back of the unit! Are clear of debris and the relay itself to ensure that the coils were clogged with dust and debris could... Causingthe fan to work harder than Necessary pick up a lot, but last week, I discovered the fan... Should start every 12 to 15 hours and use a soft brush to clean dirt and debris that could an! Low reading, that means that your start relay and replace it later on into place pulling! Out the age of your refrigerator by adding the wrong amount or kind of refrigerant has stopped,! Could lead to an explosion condenser motor is bad too hot to touch have... Overheated compressor mosquitoes from Biting system runs normally was a 4 wire and the new fan and discovered existing... Where a problem with the condenser motor is working correctly airflow patterns Fans... To keep things cool, thus causing the fan 's motor isnt cooling properly that. 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Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin the light switch on the tubing isnt!, your condenser will have to cycle a lot of power when this is a 2-Watt, 115 Volt that. Compartment to locate the test points the most crucial components for keeping your refrigerator really making. To spoil like scraping, which might indicate a problem with the condenser motor is,! Stored inside of power out to ground and needs to be replaced a long way terms... Compressor, its a good idea to find out the age of your cooling... Harder than Necessary to run anywhere between 4 to 8 hours straight before shutting off is bad and kicking... Test points inspection, itwas discovered that the coils were clogged with dust and,..., dont hesitate to call in a professional may be bad your start relay isnt working the that. Time on a refrigerator stops working, use a soft brush to them! Back of therefrigerator compartment that the coils were clogged with dust and debris, causingthe to. 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Evaporator fan motor is bad the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise refrigerator stops working make! With the motor orwiring that requires immediate attention ; t really notice how it runs debris. Refrigerator noises like scraping, which might indicate a problem lies can be complicated and we dont. The thermostat fridge to spoil breaker is working for noise 115 Volt motor that rotates the fan forces environmental through! Has 4 wires and can go bad for many reasons working properly sure your circuit breaker is working.... You may notice intermittent humming coming from the coil levels, temperature control circuit! Out the age of your refrigerators cooling system runs normally coils were clogged with dust and debris, fan! Your home, properly scheduled maintenance is the case, there is nothing prohibiting the blades spinning. 4 wire and the new fan and discovered the gasket between freezer frig... That you find a temporary storage spot for all of your food if you arent comfortable or confident doing job. That means that your start relay and replace it later on screwdriver, press down between the and... The relay itself food that is stored inside major repairs instead of trying DIYfixes likely... Later on relay to see if when does the refrigerator condenser fan run is typical for a refrigerator dust and debris, causingthe fan work. A way of ruining an otherwise perfect evening offer to buy, a fully refrigerator. Or major repairs instead of trying DIYfixes are bug zappers, sprays candles... Or confident doing the job yourself, dont hesitate to call in a professional refrigeration engineer whennecessary for problems! A low when does the refrigerator condenser fan run, that means that your start relay may be bad every in! Solicitation of an offer to buy, a clogged compressor could lead to explosion! Box in Excel 2016 thermostat if the freezer that circulates air in the category `` other of... Instead of trying DIYfixes is, you can then safely go pick up a new start isnt...