Why the refrigerator does not turn off: an overview of frequent breakdowns and how to fix them

When to Call the Master

What to do if all of the above items have been checked, and the equipment is still working without shutting down. In this case, it is necessary to call specialists, since the compressor could fail, the freon could evaporate, or the malfunction lies in a completely different place, which is hard to think of.

1. Refrigerator stopped turning off after summer started and it got hot. Naturally, due to external heating, the equipment starts to work longer, and this can lead to the fact that the contacts of the opening relay are melted. The thermostat gives a signal, but it is not possible to physically open the circuit. This malfunction can be detected by a specialist and in this case he will simply change the relay. But it could also be that the compressor is broken. It will not necessarily stop buzzing or will not turn on, it may well be that the motor is running noise as before, and the cameras are not cooling.
2. If the device began to work incorrectly after turning off the light, a short circuit, a power surge, then both the compressor and the control panel could break. Here, again, an inspection by specialists is required; it will not work to repair the equipment on your own.
3. If, after replacing the compressor, the refrigerator still does not turn off for a long time, then the problem is most likely in the control system or freon is to blame. It happens that a hole appears in the cooling circuit and the refrigerant has gone into it. You can’t notice this, but the refrigerator will not cool, while the compressor continues to work without shutting down. Sometimes this happens after defrosting. In the drip device, the hole could be blocked by ice, and when it thawed, the freon evaporated. Refueling the coolant is a difficult task and is not cheap, but in the vast majority of cases this breakdown is fixable.
4. An unexpected moment, but likely - the display is not working properly. Sometimes, even at the factory, the display is connected incorrectly and the equipment does not work correctly.In this case, you need to either reconnect the display or install a new one, of course, it is impossible to identify such a breakdown on your own, as well as eliminate it.

Reasons for the continuous operation of the refrigerator

Unsatisfactory operating conditions or incorrect settings often result in the engine running continuously. Here are some common mistakes:

• the appliance is installed in such a way that its rear grill touches the wall or is located almost close to it;
• the refrigerator is too close to a working radiator or other heating device;
• the room where the device is located is too hot, the requirements of the operating conditions are not met;
• the built-in super-freeze function is enabled, which must be turned off manually or for some reason does not turn off automatically;
• thermostat is set to the minimum position and the ambient air is too warm.

All these situations are associated with a violation of the heat transfer regime.

The device located next to the battery does not produce cold. The principle of its operation is based on constantly taking away thermal energy inside the refrigerator and transferring it to the surrounding air. If the air is too hot, the heat will not be absorbed. The compressor will continue to run, trying unsuccessfully to reach the temperature set on the thermostat.

Moreover, the greater the difference between the temperature inside and outside the refrigerator, the more thermal energy needs to be moved, and the more difficult it is for the equipment to achieve the desired performance. For example, in the Super Freeze mode, the heat exchange must be carried out very intensively.

If the heat does not have time to leave the refrigerator, the temperature sensors will not record the cold level set by the program, the command to turn off the compressor will not be received, the equipment will continue to work.

Other causes of this kind of failure are also possible, associated with the wear of individual parts of the device. For example, if the integrity of the rubber gasket on the refrigerator door is damaged, this will lead to a violation of the tightness of the internal space. It turns out that the refrigeration equipment takes away thermal energy from the chamber, but the heat seeps in through subtle cracks.

And although the air inside feels cold, the sensors receive information that the temperature is not cold enough. The compressor continues to run without stopping.

The next reason why the refrigerator can function in this way is the failure of the thermal relay, which transmits incorrect information to the control center. Finally, the compressor itself can wear out and operate with insufficient power, not providing a sufficient temperature drop.

Another reason why the refrigerator does not turn off is a freon leak. The refrigerant acts as a "carrier" of thermal energy in the system. It absorbs scattered heat particles inside the refrigerator compartment, then moves it outside. If the amount of freon in the system is insufficient, then the cooling rate will slow down, as a result, the refrigerator will work constantly.

Don't wait the time when the sound of the running engine becomes constant. If the breaks between switching off and on the compressor have noticeably decreased, and the periods of operation have increased, most likely it is time to think about ways to identify the problem and methods of its solution.

It is somewhat easier for owners of modern refrigerators to deal with the definition of a problem if a self-diagnosis function is built into the unit. Breakdowns can be reported by marked codes that are displayed on the control panel.

To decrypt the message, you need to use the instruction manual, where there is detailed information. However, you should not blindly trust this information, sometimes in order to accurately identify not only the problem, but also its cause, you need to conduct a detailed diagnosis of the device's condition.

Typically, the compressor cycle lasts 10-30 minutes, after which the device turns off for about the same period. If the temperature in the room where the refrigerator is located has risen noticeably for some time, the operating cycle may be slightly longer. But if the compressor continues to work abnormally even after the outside temperature has dropped, it is time to start diagnosing the condition of the device.

Reasons for the constant operation of the refrigerator

Some of them can be fixed on your own, but I strongly advise - if you doubt your talents, call the repairmen. It can cost you a decent amount, but if you misdiagnose the cause and start to "treat what's not broken" - the refrigerator can break down completely, and you will spend much more on a replacement.

Door seal problem

The insulation is located around the perimeter of the door, made of rubber. Its function is to hermetically close the chamber and prevent warm air from entering. If the seal is worn out or damaged, we get a kind of “door not closed” problem.

How to check the seal? Cut a piece of paper 5 centimeters long and stretch it through the closed door. Is it going hard? So everything is fine. Pulls out easily and quickly? Trouble with the seal.

What to do in this case? Change the entire seal. Moreover, it is better not to put off the solution to the problem - the compressor will work in uninterrupted mode for several months, and then it will “die” completely.

Problem with thermostat

The thermostat (aka temperature sensor) sends a signal to open the circuit. If it breaks, the compressor starts to work without interruption (no signal - the circuit does not open - the capacitor does not turn off).

How to determine that the thermostat is out of order?

1. Disassemble the back wall of the refrigerator.
2. Remove the thermostat.
3. Find the plate near the center nut and press it.
4. If you hear a click - the thermostat is working, if there is no click - the problem is in it.

There is an alternative way - to ring the part with a multimeter.

Compressor problem

More specifically, in its opening relay. If it fails, the contacts stick, the circuit again does not open and the compressor starts to work without stopping.

Well, or the natural wear of the device is to blame. With it, the pressure in the discharge pipe becomes too low, and the desired temperature is simply not reached.

If it's the relay, it's fine. The wizard will diagnose the cause and correct the operation of the device. If it's worn out, the motor will have to be replaced. This procedure is expensive - you need to buy a new part (and finding "native" motors for foreign refrigerators is sometimes difficult) and pay for repairs.

Coolant problem

The compressor pumps liquid freon into the system. The substance "absorbs" excess heat in the chambers and brings it out.The refrigerant flows through the pipes. If they are bent or damaged, it will simply leak out. As a result, the temperature in the chambers begins to rise and the compressor starts to work non-stop.

How to check if freon is leaking? Defrost the refrigerator, wash it and turn it back on. If everything works, and the cold in the chambers is not gaining - congratulations, you have a leak.

Additionally, this can be signaled by a strange unpleasant smell in the chambers, black spots on the back wall (appear when the gas “escapes”), swollen parts of the plastic (if there is a leak inside) and a lonely puddle of oil on the floor.

If your device has one of the symptoms, call the wizard. He will check the circuit and determine where the leak came from, repair (or replace) the circuit and pump up refrigerant.

Evaporator problem

Somewhere in the tubes through which freon circulates, a kind of “thrombus” has arisen (this happens if water or other organic liquids enter the system). What are the symptoms of this problem?

• the condenser runs non-stop, but the chambers are warm;
• on the back wall of the freezer, an “ice coat” grows and does not thaw;
• There is a lot of condensation on the walls of the refrigerator compartment.

Problem in the control module

He is responsible for processing the information coming from the temperature sensor. If you have an unstable voltage in the network or moisture gets inside the module, it breaks. As a result, the compressor starts to work smoothly.

How to understand that you are faced with this particular problem? If you have a more or less modern refrigerator with an electronic display, you are in luck. In such models, the self-diagnosis function is "sewn" into the control module. If it finds a problem, it displays an error code on the screen.It remains only to check the instructions and call the service.

And if the refrigerator is old, and there is no self-diagnosis? Then take a look at the device. If everything is in order with the sealant, thermostat, compressor, freon circulates normally and there are no “blood clots”, then by elimination we get a problem with the module.

What to do in such cases? Call the wizard and reflash.

If it's a mechanical or electrical problem

If you have checked all operating conditions and everything is in order in this area, but the compressor does not turn off, you need to look for another reason.

Among the superficial signs, the following can be noted:

• when the device gives out excess cold, it freezes too much, and the temperature level is much lower than the set one, the malfunctions affected the control system and control circuits, freon circulation and the compressor are not to blame;
• if the refrigerator has been defrosted, but it cools the air in the compartment very slowly, or refuses to freeze at all, there has been a refrigerant leak or a clogged filter. Diagnostics and repair require specific skills and tools, so it is better to turn to professionals.

To remove malfunctions in the operation of the sensors, you should defrost the unit, and then carry out a general cleaning. Frozen ice blocks the sensors from receiving correct data on humidity and temperature inside the chambers. In order to continue to prevent such failures, defrosting should be carried out as a preventive measure and in strict accordance with the instructions.

How to determine the malfunction of the refrigerator yourself

A thorough visual inspection is sufficient. Depending on its result, the main breakdowns can be divided into two groups.

1. When connected to the electrical network, the refrigerator simply does not start and does not show any “signs of life”. A similar option is possible - the unit starts, but then turns off on its own. If you have such a breakdown, then look for the cause in a malfunction of the electrical circuit.
2. When connected to the electrical network, the refrigerator turns on, but does not produce cold. This is much more serious - the breakdown is localized in one of the main nodes and it is hardly possible to eliminate it without calling the wizard.

The most important task of any refrigerator is the cooling of food. Therefore, if he does not cope with this function, then we can safely say that the equipment is faulty.

Guided by these simple criteria, you can accurately determine the cause of the breakdown.

Possible reasons why the refrigerator does not turn off

Also, a serviceable refrigerator can continue to work non-stop in the following situations not directly related to heat transfer problems:

• Improper care. If your refrigerator is not equipped with the “No Frost” system, a snow coat and frost will inevitably accumulate in its freezer. They can block the normal operation of the temperature sensor, and it will no longer correctly control the temperature in the chamber.
• The refrigerator has recently been defrosted and has not yet entered its normal on/off cycle. It takes time for the compressor to equalize the low temperature in the entire volume of the device.
• The refrigerator is overloaded with products inside, which makes it difficult for the normal circulation of cold air inside the chamber.
• Often refrigerator users mistake the noise of the fan in the No Frost refrigerator for the hum of a running compressor. The fan can turn on even when the compressor is off, but without distinguishing their sounds, the owner of the refrigerator is worried about a breakdown.
• A modern electronically controlled refrigerator can be a victim of power surges. A sudden power surge in the household network does not destroy the board, but causes a malfunction of the microprocessor. The problem is solved by a simple reboot, that is, by removing the power plug from the outlet. And, of course, it is highly recommended to use a voltage stabilizer!

How to prevent problems with your LG refrigerator

Tips that can help you keep your refrigerator from breaking down:

• Please read the instructions carefully before using your refrigerator. The advice looks banal, but many breakdowns and subsequent expensive repairs can be the result of a deviation from the obvious rules.
• Do not store too many foodstuffs in the refrigerator if they interfere with the air exchange inside the working chamber.
• Make sure that air is freely drawn in and out of the rear wall of the device, and nothing interferes with heat transfer.
• Do not place the refrigerator in direct sunlight, near heating stoves, stoves and radiators.
• Protect the refrigerator doors from shock or distortion, do not lean on them and do not damage them during transportation. Otherwise, the door may stop closing tightly.
• Do not place heavy objects, TVs, kitchen cabinets, etc., on the top panel of the refrigerator, which can lead to a change in the geometry of the case.

Additional Tips

By following some recommendations, you can avoid the appearance of extraneous noise from the refrigerator. First of all, it must be properly installed. To prevent the equipment from tilting, it must be installed on a flat surface. If the floor is uneven, you can level the horizontal or vertical position of the device by adjusting the feet.

Your refrigerator is installed crookedly, as a result of which any elements of the device touch each other and crack.

You can not move the refrigerator very close to the wall, the radiator should not come into contact with its surface. It is necessary to ensure the flow of air to the condenser.

Modern models of household appliances are equipped with an alarm that works when the refrigerator is open for a long time.

If the transport bolts were not removed during the transportation of the structure, they must be removed. They can also cause cracking. By removing them, the refrigerator will work much quieter.

According to GOST 16317-87, the recommended noise level of a running compressor is 53 dB.

It is undesirable to slam the door hard so as not to damage the sealing gum. A loose fit can cause the door to crack. Also, do not place the device near a heat source.

When choosing a refrigerator in a store, pay attention to the noise level, which is indicated in the product passport.

It is not always clear why the refrigerator starts to crack. If the equipment regularly freezes the camera, does not notify about an error on the control panel, then you should not worry. If the noise increases and additional factors appear that indicate a malfunction, you need to diagnose and fix the problem.

Reasons for the rapid shutdown of the refrigerator and how to fix them

Power failures and surges

In modern devices, although there are multiple systems that provide security from network instability, sharp and frequent drops can still affect proper performance. To save expensive equipment, it is best to purchase additional protective equipment and connect the device to the mains source only through them, such as a voltage stabilizer. Otherwise, the compressor, electronic control box and other important parts of the refrigerator may not withstand interruptions and fail, resulting in costly repairs.

Problems with the control unit

Any household appliance that has a control board becomes vulnerable thanks to this small but very important detail. If the program is broken, then the commands begin to arrive at different intervals.

The motor turns on and off randomly. The most likely cause of the breakdown of the electronic unit is the instability of the power supply. In this case, the board must be reprogrammed or replaced. But it is better to give the right to make such repairs to a specialist, especially since he has all the equipment for accurate diagnosis.

The compressor has failed

This is the most expensive part of the refrigerator to replace and repair. The compressor performs an important function - pumping out freon in a gaseous state from the evaporator, delivers it under pressure to the condenser. The gas is then compressed and cooled, condensing it to a liquid state. Through the capillary expander, the coolant enters the evaporator again, where it absorbs heat.

To understand if the compressor is working when the refrigerator is often turned off, you need to know the resistance of its windings - each pair of terminals. If the winding is damaged, or an interturn short circuit occurs, the following often happens: the device turns on and continues to work, but already at increased load. Therefore, the compressor heats up more than usual during operation. The relay tries to facilitate the work of the motor, and therefore works ahead of time. In modern models, this part of the device is non-separable, therefore it must be completely replaced.

Starter relay malfunction

This part often fails due to physical wear or overheating during operation. The most harmless breakdown, which is the reason why the refrigerator turns off after a few seconds of operation. Fixing this malfunction is much cheaper than repairing the compressor itself or the control unit.

If the device turns on and immediately turns off due to the relay, you can try to repair it before changing this part. To do this, it is worth checking the core of the solenoid. Folk wisdom is inexhaustible, so some craftsmen came up with the idea of ​​inserting a wire of the appropriate size or an ordinary metal rod from a ballpoint pen instead of a damaged core. But this method is not always effective, since modern coil models have a different structure. The conductor in such a solenoid is in the form of a tablet. It is he who can become the source of why the refrigerator quickly turns off if it burns out.

If the equipment still stops working, it is better to call an experienced craftsman who will diagnose and then make a quality repair. Specialists have in stock components of the highest class, especially since there are warranty obligations. An experienced master will quickly figure out why the device turns on and immediately turns off, and will professionally eliminate the cause of the breakdown.

What measures to take in case of malfunctions

Self-repair is possible only if you have the skills to work with tools, knowledge of the design of your model. With your own hands you can:

1. Change door seal. The type of part is indicated in the technical documentation. Repairing occurs strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Install thermostat and temperature sensor. The circuit is pre-called with a multimeter. Accessories are selected only for a specific model of the refrigerator.
3. Replace compressor. Repair is possible only if the user of the device fully understands the details and has experience.
4. Top up the refrigerant, but only with special equipment and professional skills.
5. Give the refrigerator for repair under warranty - you will save money or repair the equipment for free.
6. Call specialists from the brand's service center who will professionally eliminate simple and complex malfunctions.

Watch the video why the compressor on the refrigerator does not turn off

Replacing the thermostat and sensors

If voltage drops are excluded, and error messages continue to be displayed on the screen, you need to look for and change the crazy sensor. I can say that not all sensors and sensors are located in easily accessible places. In some cases, you can not count on warranty repairs, the entire refrigerator is changed immediately.However, there are specialists who know how to get to the sensors by cutting a hole in the back of the case.

Carefully bending the sheet of metal, the thermal insulation layer is removed, direct access to the sensor is formed. The broken sensor is dismantled, a new one is soldered

The soldering area is insulated with a heat shrink tube and electrical tape. Next, the thermal insulation and the sheet of metal are returned to their place. All this is sealed with adhesive tape. If the sensor is available, the hassle is even less. The cost of repairs reaches 2 tr.

I note that the old Soviet refrigerators are free from such problems, since there is simply no control unit there. There are no nodes that are sensitive to power surges. If such a unit freezes too much and does not turn off, then the thermostat is broken. However, freon leakage should be ruled out initially.

To repair, you should disassemble the thermostat and adjust the springs, clean the contacts. Malfunctions can be caused by a leak in the spring diaphragm chamber or tube. Because of this, the thermal expansion of freon inside does not give proper pressure to the switch lever. Such a node is replaced with a new one. Here the tube is carefully unwound and fixed so that it is not damaged during installation.

Another reason may lie in the breakdown of the thermostat. In most cases, it is located in the chamber or on the front panel of the refrigerator and serves to set the desired temperature. The most common failure is a stem overhang. For repair, it must be placed in place. If everything is in order on this side, the assembly itself is probably broken and must be replaced. By the way, damage can be caused by a short circuit or water ingress due to inaccurate defrosting.

Checking the status of the wiring

First you need to figure out if the device is receiving power. If you have certain technical skills, this kind of work can be done independently. For this you need:

1. Open the door of the refrigerator or freezer and check if the light inside is on. If yes, then the cable is not damaged, power is supplied to the refrigerator.
2. If the light does not light up, check the plug and the outlet itself.
3. Check the condition of the cables that ensure the operation of the thermostat and relay. Diagnosis is made using a special tester.

Starter relay malfunction

The physical wear of this part becomes a frequent cause of its failure. This breakdown is easily repairable, and the cost of such work does not hit the wallet.

Before replacing this part, you can try to fix it yourself. Check the core. Craftsmen recommend installing an ordinary ballpoint pen in place of a failed core.

Start protection relay repair refrigerator.

Keep in mind that the method only works on older models of refrigerators. The new ones have a slightly different structure, having a tablet-shaped solenoid.

If you do not want to take risks, then call the master at home. He must have some spare parts with him, so repairs and replacements are done at home.

Can the refrigerator run continuously

Continuous operation of the device leads to the fact that all components and systems begin to function to the maximum, parts wear out. As a result, the compressor overheats and fails. Therefore, more than half a day, it is necessary to look for the reason for this happening.For this, it is not necessary to conduct special diagnostics. First of all, you should check the mode. The device may not turn off for a long time if active super-freezing or the highest temperature values ​​\u200b\u200bare set. You need to change the settings. The reason may lie in the incorrect installation of the refrigerator.

For it to function properly, you need to install it:

• in a room with a suitable air temperature;
• away from the stove;
• away from heating devices.

Hot conditions adversely affect the instrument. You can not put it close to the wall. If everything is fine with this, you should check the door for leaks. The sealing rubber should fit snugly against the body.

The device begins to function worse if the seal:

• displaced;
• departed;
• cracked;
• worn out.

If this is not the reason, then you need to contact the service for the repair of household refrigeration appliances.