How to Tell If a Refrigeration Compressor Is Shot
- 1). Unplug the refrigerator before attempting any work or repairs to avoid electrical shock.
- 2). Pull the refrigerator away from the wall so you can clearly see and access its backside.
- 3). Locate the compressor motor at the bottom of the refrigerator. The motor is rectangular in shape and attached to the right or left panel wall. The motor has between one and three wires running into it.
- 4). Unclip the motor cover by hand.
- 5). Pull out the compressor relay, a tiny device wrapped with copper coil, by the high-density plastic surface connector to which it is attached.
- 6). Examine the connector for grime or corrosion which can prevent wire connections from operating properly. Clean with a soft cloth or replace the piece if excessive grime or corrosion exists.
- 7). Set the multi-tester reading to ohms setting X1. This is the zero setting. Place one of the two multi-tester probes to one of the three compressor motor terminals. Position the second probe to one the remaining two terminals. All readings note conductivity at zero ohms. Contact a professional repair person if readings vary.
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