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Why isn't my freezer running?
less than a minute readJan 10Lyle Weischwill
If you know the freezer has electrical power because the inside light turns on, but the compressor won't run, a failed cold control thermostat could be the problem. To determine if the freezer temperature control is working, unplug the freezer and check for continuity from the power cord wire to the compressor wire at the control. If your meter doesn't measure continuity between those wires, then you'll likely need to replace the freezer temperature control because it isn't sending electrical current to the compressor.
If your freezer has electronic controls instead of a dial, a failed relay on the electronic control board or a bad control panel can prevent the compressor from getting power.
If the compressor is getting power from the cold control thermostat or the electronic control board, a failed start relay on the compressor may be keeping the compressor from running.
If you hear the compressor clicking constantly about every 30 seconds but the compressor motor won't run, the compressor pump may be locked up. The clicking noise is caused by the overload tripping when the motor overheats because it can't spin the locked up compressor pump. Replace the compressor if it won't run when activated. A service technician will need to replace the compressor if it's bad because that repair requires recovery and recharge of the refrigerant.
These repairs may help solve your freestanding-freezer problem
Replace the freezer electronic control board
The electronic control board-also called the main control board or the power control board (PCB)-manages the compressor and the defrost cycle. The control board activates the compressor to keep the freezer cold and runs the fans. The electronic control board monitors temperature sensors to control freezer temperature and the defrost cycle. Replace the electronic control board if it's not working properly.
Freezer electronic control board
Find the required part specific to your product.
Feb 20
How to replace a freezer electronic control board
If your freezer isn't cold and you don't hear the fans or compressor running, the electronic control…
Repair time and Difficulty
45 minutes or less
Replace the freezer start relay and overload
The compressor start relay starts the compressor and keeps it running until the compressor cycles off. Replace the start relay if it's broken and the compressor doesn't run. In some situations, a wiring failure could be causing the problem, and repairing the start relay wiring will fix the problem.
Freezer start relay and overload
Find the required part specific to your product.
Feb 20
How to replace a freezer compressor start relay
If your freezer isn't cold and you don't hear the compressor running, the compressor start relay mi…
Repair time and Difficulty
15 minutes or less
Replace the freezer cold control thermostat
The cold control thermostat, located in the control housing, regulates the freezer temperature by cycling the compressor on and off. The sensor bulb on the cold control thermostat monitors freezer temperature. Replace the cold control thermostat if it doesn't cycle the compressor properly to maintain freezer temperature.
Freezer cold control thermostat
Find the required part specific to your product.
Feb 20
How to replace a freezer temperature control thermostat
If your freezer isn't freezing, the temperature control thermostat could be to blame. This step-by-s…
Repair time and Difficulty
15 minutes or less
Replace the freezer control panel
The control panel houses the selection buttons and the display for the freezer. The control panel communicates with the electronic control board through a wire cable. Check the wire cable connections before replacing the control panel. Replace the control panel when keys are stuck or the display doesn't work.
Freezer control panel
Find the required part specific to your product.
Feb 20
How to replace a freezer control panel
An upright freezer control panel that doesn’t show the temperature or respond when you press the but…
Repair time and Difficulty
15 minutes or less
Replace the freezer defrost timer
The defrost timer controls the intervals between defrost cycles and limits the length of the cycle. During the defrost session, the timer activates the defrost heating element and prevents the compressor from running, so frost melts from the evaporator fins. Replace the defrost timer if it doesn't control the defrost heater and compressor properly.
Freezer defrost timer
Find the required part specific to your product.
Replace the freezer compressor
The compressor is a pump that an electric motor rotates. The compressor is the problem if the motor won't start when the start relay actives it, or if the motor runs but the pump doesn't compress the refrigerant. Have a service technician replace the compressor, because this repair requires access to the sealed refrigerant system.
Freezer compressor
Find the required part specific to your product.