April 20, 2023

Refrigerator: Why won't my refrigerator run?

If you know the refrigerator has electrical power because the inside light turns on, but the compressor won't run, possible causes include a control board failure, a wiring problem or a failed compressor. A problem with the compressor start relay will also prevent the compressor from running. Follow the tips in our troubleshooting compressor problems video to figure out the problem with your refrigerator.

refrigerator

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR REFRIGERATOR PROBLEM

JC-REF-Replace-the-refrigerator-compressor-start-relay

Replace the refrigerator compressor start relay

The start relay—also called the PTC relay—is the electrical device that jump starts the compressor motor. The compressor motor won’t start without the extra starting current from the start relay.

If the start relay isn’t working, you’ll often hear the compressor clicking and humming briefly every few minutes. To verify that the problem is the start relay, unplug the refrigerator, remove the start relay and shake it. If the start relay rattles, replace the start relay.

Refrigerator compressor start relay

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RG-REF-replace-compressor-start-relay-in-top-freezer-fridge-intro-image
July 20, 2015

How to replace the compressor start relay in a top-freezer refrigerator

If you never hear the hum of your refrigerator's compressor anymore and your food is warming up, the problem might be a failed compressor start relay. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace the compressor start relay in just 6 easy steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-REF-Replace-the-refrigerator-temperature-control-thermostat

Replace the refrigerator temperature control thermostat

The temperature control thermostat is also called the cold control or cold control thermostat, and is located in the control housing. The thermostat has a sensor tube attached to it that detects the temperature inside the refrigerator cabinet. The temperature control thermostat controls the temperature inside the cabinet by turning on and shutting off the compressor based on the temperature sensed by the sensor tube. Replace the temperature control thermostat if it fails to sense temperature properly or if it does not cycle the compressor properly.

Refrigerator temperature control thermostat

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RG-REF-replace-refrigerator-temperature-control-thermostat-intro-image
July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator temperature control thermostat

Is your refrigerator is too cold or too warm? The temperature control thermostat could be to blame. This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for refrigerator temperature control replacement in 30 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-REF-Replace-the-refrigerator-electronic-control-board

Replace the refrigerator electronic control board

The electronic control board-also called the main control board or the power control board (PCB)-controls the compressor and the defrost cycle. When it senses that the compressor must run to keep the refrigerator cool, it sends voltage to the compressor and fans. The electronic control board also receives signals from temperature sensors to monitor the temperatures inside the refrigerator and freezer. With this information, the electronic control board controls the defrost cycle. You can usually do a diagnostic test on the electronic control board to see how well it's working. The test varies by model, but the most common is the Forced Defrost test. See the tech sheet for instructions on running the diagnostics. Replace the electronic control board if it's not working correctly.

Refrigerator electronic control board

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How to replace the electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator.
January 12, 2021

How to replace an electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator

If the control panel lights or fans in your side-by-side, top-mount or bottom-freezer refrigerator aren't coming on, it could mean the electronic control board has failed. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace a faulty refrigerator electronic control board in 7 quick steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

RG-REF-replace-electronic-control-board-in-top-freezer-fridge-intro-image
July 20, 2015

How to replace the electronic control board inside a top-freezer refrigerator

If your refrigerator won't cool at all, the electronic control board may be faulty. This DIY repair guide and video show how to easily replace the electronic control board, and it usually takes only 15 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-REF-Replace-the-refrigerator-defrost-timer

Replace the refrigerator defrost timer

The defrost timer is an electro-mechanical device that controls the intervals between automatic defrost cycles in the refrigerator. The defrost timer motor runs and moves the control components in the device. When the control contacts in the defrost timer advance into the defrost cycle, the compressor stops and the defrost heater turns on for a specified period of time to melt frost off of the evaporator fins. This promotes more efficient exchange of heat across the evaporator. When the specified period of defrost ends, the defrost timer contacts switch back to allow normal cooling operation in the refrigerator.

You'll need to replace the defrost timer if it doesn't advance when activated.

Faulty contacts in the timer can also cause the defrost heater to either not energize at all or constantly energize. In that instance, replace the defrost timer.

Refrigerator defrost timer

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JC-REF-Replace-the-refrigerator-compressor

Replace the refrigerator compressor

Repairing the compressor in the refrigerator usually involves the replacement of the start device and/or overload on the motor. If the compressor looks to be in working order but will not start, then replace the start device and/or overload. If the compressor is locked up, or it runs but will not compress the refrigerant, then replace the compressor. A refrigerator service technician will need to complete this repair since it involves the recovery and recharge of the refrigerant.

Refrigerator compressor

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Most common symptoms to help you fix your refrigerators

Choose a symptom to see related refrigerator repairs.

Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost tim…

Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freeze…

Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer o…

Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, cl…

Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, se…

Main causes: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubin…

Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan…

Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condens…

Most common repair guides to help fix your refrigerators

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your refrigerator.

How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board

How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board

If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature cont…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils

How to clean refrigerator condenser coils

Help your refrigerator run more efficiently by cleaning the condenser coils. It's easy and takes just a few minutes.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator water valve

How to replace a refrigerator water valve

Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your refrigerators

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your refrigerator.

How to Replace the Water Filter in a GE Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a GE Refrigerator

See how to install the water filter on your GE refrigerator, no matter the filter type or refrigerator style.…

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Maytag Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Maytag Refrigerator

No matter what style Maytag refrigerator you have, we can walk you through replacing the water filter.…

How to change the water filter in an LG refrigerator

How to change the water filter in an LG refrigerator

Get tips and advice on replacing the water filter in your LG refrigerator.…