Haier refrigerator compressor not running
Common reasons your Haier refrigerator compressor is not running
The most common reasons your Haier refrigerator compressor is not running are a locked compressor, defective electronic control board or a damaged evaporator.
65% of the time it's the
Compressor12% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board11% of the time it's the
Evaporator12% of the time it's the
Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Haier refrigerator
Compressor Replacement
A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A defective electronic control board can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power or cooling and water leaking. This is because the board serves as the brain of the refrigerator, controlling crucial operations such as regulating internal temperatures, running fans, managing defrost cycles, overseeing the ice maker, and controlling dispenser functions. If the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components, including automatic doors if equipped. A failing board may cause a chattering or clicking noise from the refrigerator and may emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.
Evaporator Replacement
A damaged refrigerator evaporator causes a decrease in overall cooling performance, leading to elevated temperatures in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. These higher temperatures can result in food spoilage and less effective preservation of frozen items. Frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils may hinder their ability to absorb heat efficiently. Excessive condensation inside the refrigerator can lead to leaks. Additionally, a damaged evaporator may cause unusual noises, such as hissing or gurgling sounds, during the refrigeration cycle.
Why is my Haier refrigerator compressor not kicking on?
The compressor circulates refrigerant throughout the cooling system, so if your refrigerator’s not cooling, the compressor or components that work with the compressor could be to blame.
Learn how to check the start relay, which activates the compressor, the electronic control board, which sends power to the compressor and the wires that connect the two by watching this safe DIY troubleshooting video:
Check the start relay
Remove the machine compartment cover on the back of the fridge and check the condenser fan.
If the condenser fan runs, then your compressor should be getting power because the compressor shares a circuit with the condenser fan motor on most refrigerators.
IMAGE start relay
Follow these steps to check the compressor start relay:
- For safety, unplug the refrigerator.
- Unhook the retainer clip and pull the PTC start relay out of the refrigerator.
- Shake the start relay to see if it rattles.
If the start relay rattles when you shake it, that's a tell-tale sign the relay is fried.
Replace the start relay.
IMAGE test the relay
If the start relay doesn't rattle, you’ll need to check for continuity to confirm that it’s bad.
Put the one meter lead into terminal 5 and the other meter lead into terminal 6.
If you detect an open circuit between those terminals, then you’ll need to replace the PTC relay.
If the start relay's okay, then you may have a defective compressor. Unfortunately, you’ll need to get a service technician’s help to replace a compressor, because that repair involves recovering Freon.
IMAGE thermistor
Check for thermistor problems
If your condenser fan wasn’t running, then you may have a defective electronic control board or a bad temperature sensor, two problems we can help you diagnose and fix. Many refrigerators have a diagnostic test mode to check refrigerator operations.
To enter the diagnostic test mode on the model shown in the video, press the light switch 3 times, then press and hold it a 4th time until you hear a long beep. You're now in the test mode. If this doesn’t work on your model, check your tech sheet for instructions. You can usually find it located behind the bottom front grill or taped to the back of the refrigerator.
In this test mode, press the door switch twice to start the compressor. The control beeps twice and then you should hear the compressor start. If the compressor runs in the diagnostic test mode, you’ll need to check the thermistor, also known as a temperature sensor. A bad thermistor prevents the compressor from running in normal operating mode. The diagnostic test mode forces the compressor to run whether the thermistor is broken or not.
This video will show you how to further diagnose a broken thermistor:
Check the compressor and wiring
If the compressor doesn't start in the diagnostic test mode, you’ll need to check continuity from the electronic control board through the compressor circuit.
If you measure around 5 ohms on the meter, it means you have continuity.
If the compressor circuit shows continuity, you'll probably need to replace the electronic control board because the board is not sending voltage through the circuit to the compressor.
If the compressor circuit is open, look for pinched or broken wires in the control board harness and on the wires leading up to the compressor. Repair or replace any broken wires that you find.
If wiring is okay and the start relay wasn't the problem, you’ll need to have the compressor replaced.
What to expect when you experience a Haier refrigerator compressor not running issue
How is the compressor not running problem fixed?
Correcting most compressor not running problems usually involves replacing the compressor, electronic control board or evaporator. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator compressor that is not running
When the refrigerator compressor is not running it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to look out for with a refrigerator compressor not running diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.
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