DIY Guide to Testing and Replacing Your Refrigerator Compressor Start Relay (Save Money and Time)

Figure 1: Refrigerator compressor.

A refrigerator compressor start relay is a device responsible for starting the compressor of a refrigerator. When this component fails, the refrigerator will not cool properly, causing food to spoil.

Therefore, it is essential to know how to test the refrigerator compressor start relay to identify if it is faulty or not. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in testing the refrigerator compressor start relay and how to replace the start relay if it is broken.

1. What is a Refrigerator Compressor Start Relay?

Before discussing how to test the refrigerator compressor start relay, it is essential to understand what it is. The compressor start relay is a small device, located at the back of the refrigerator and is connected to the compressor via two wires. The start relay works by providing an electrical current to the compressor, which starts the compressor motor.

Figure 2: Refrigerator start relay wiring diagram.

2. 5 Steps to Test the Refrigerator Compressor Start Relay

To test the refrigerator compressor start relay, you will need the following tools:

Multimeter – A multimeter is an essential tool for testing electrical components. It is used to measure voltage, current, and resistance.

Screwdriver – A screwdriver is used to remove the cover of the compressor start relay.

Needle-nose pliers – Needle-nose pliers are used to remove the wires from the compressor start relay.

2.1 Step 1: Unplug the Refrigerator

Before testing the compressor start relay, you must unplug the refrigerator from the power source. This is essential to avoid the risk of electrocution.

2.2 Step 2: Locate the Compressor Start Relay

The compressor start relay is located at the back of the refrigerator. It is usually located near the compressor and is covered by a plastic or metal cover.

Figure 3: Compressor start relay in the junction box.

2.3 Step 3: Remove the Cover

Using a screwdriver, remove the cover of the compressor start relay. This will expose the start relay and the wires connected to it.

2.4 Step 4: Remove the Wires

Using needle-nose pliers, remove the wires from the compressor start relay. Make sure to note which wire goes where, as this will be important when reconnecting the wires.

2.5 Step 5: Test the Start Relay

Set the multimeter to the resistance setting and use its probes to touch the two pins of the start relay. If the multimeter reads a low resistance (less than 10 ohms), the start relay is functioning correctly. If the multimeter reads an infinite resistance (over 10 ohms), the start relay is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Once you have tested the compressor start relay and found it is not broken, it is time to test other parts of the refrigerator compressor.

If the start relay is broken, you can follow the steps mentioned below to replace it.

Figure 4: Compressor start relays.

3. How to Replace a Freezer / Refrigerator Compressor Start Relay

Replacing a freezer compressor start relay is a relatively simple process that can be done with a few basic tools. Here are the steps involved:

Tools Required:
Replacement compressor start relay
Screwdriver
Needle-nose pliers

3.1 9 Steps to Replace the Refrigerator Compressor Relay

1.Turn off the power - Before replacing the compressor start relay, unplug the freezer from the power source to avoid the risk of electrocution.

2.Locate the compressor start relay - The compressor start relay is usually located at the back of the freezer and is connected to the compressor via two wires. It is often covered by a plastic or metal cover.

Figure 5: The panel behind the refrigerator.

3.Remove the cover - Using a screwdriver, remove the cover of the compressor start relay to access the start relay.

4.Disconnect the wires - Using needle-nose pliers, disconnect the wires from the compressor start relay. Make a note of which wire goes where, as this will be important when reconnecting the wires.

5.Remove the old start relay - Gently pull the old start relay off the compressor pins.

6.Install the new start relay - Push the new start relay onto the compressor pins in the same position as the old one.

7.Reconnect the wires - Reconnect the wires to the new compressor start relay in the same position as the old start relay.

8.Replace the cover - Replace the cover of the compressor start relay using a screwdriver.

9.Turn on the power - Plug the refrigerator into the socket and turn it on. If the compressor starts and the refrigerator begins to cool, it means the replacing is successful.

If the new start relay is working correctly, the compressor should start, and the freezer should begin cooling. If you are not comfortable with replacing the compressor start relay yourself, it's best to call a professional technician to ensure that it is done correctly and to avoid any damage to the freezer.

4. Conclusion

Testing the refrigerator compressor start relay is a simple process that can save you money and time. If your refrigerator is not cooling properly, testing the compressor start relay should be the first step in diagnosing the problem.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can test the compressor start relay and identify if it is faulty or not. If the start relay is found to be faulty, it can be replaced, and your refrigerator will start cooling properly again.

5. FAQs

5.1 How Do I Know If My Refrigerator Compressor Relay is Bad?

If you hear a clicking sound, the refrigerator is not cooling properly, the compressor is not running, you smell a burnt odor, or the compressor fails to start, from these symptoms, you can determine that your refrigerator compressor relay is broken. These are all indicators that the compressor start relay may be faulty.

To be sure, you should test the compressor start relay with a multimeter or consult a professional technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

5.2 What Happens When a Refrigerator Relay Goes Bad?

When a refrigerator relay goes bad, it can cause the compressor to fail to start, resulting in a warm refrigerator, higher energy bills, and a clicking sound.

A bad relay can also cause the compressor to overheat, which can produce a burning smell and potentially lead to a fire. It's important to have a faulty relay replaced by a professional technician as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the refrigerator.

Figure 6: refrigerator compressor relay with capacitor.

5.3 How Much Does It Cost to Replace Compressor Relay on Fridge?

The cost to replace a compressor relay for refrigerator can vary depending on the make and model of the refrigerator and where you live. On average, the cost to replace a compressor relay on a fridge can range from $50 to $200.

The cost includes the price of the replacement part and labor charges for the technician to install the new relay. It's important to note that if the compressor itself is damaged, the cost of repair may be significantly higher, and in some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the refrigerator altogether.

5.4 What Does a Refrigerator Compressor Relay Do?

A refrigerator compressor relay is an electrical component that is responsible for starting the compressor of a refrigerator.

When the thermostat detects that the temperature inside the refrigerator has risen above the set temperature, it sends a signal to the compressor start relay to start the compressor. The start relay then sends an electrical current to the compressor, which starts the compressor motor, and the refrigeration cycle begins.

Without a functioning compressor relay for refrigerator, the compressor will not start, and the refrigerator will not cool properly. Therefore, the compressor relay is a critical component of a refrigerator's cooling system.

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