How To Tell If Refrigerator Start Relay Is Bad

A refrigerator start relay is a small device that helps the compressor to start. The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, as it pumps the refrigerant through the system. Without the start relay, the compressor may not run at all, or it may run inefficiently. This can affect the cooling performance of your refrigerator and cause food spoilage.

But how can you tell if the refrigerator start relay is bad? What are the signs and symptoms of a faulty start relay? And how can you fix it? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and help you troubleshoot your refrigerator start relay problem.

The main sign of a bad refrigerator start relay is that the refrigerator won’t cool properly or won’t cool at all. You may also hear a clicking noise from the relay, a humming noise from the compressor, or see an error code on the display panel. To test the start relay, you can shake it and listen for a rattling sound, or use a multimeter to check for continuity.

What Is The Refrigerator Start Relay?

The refrigerator start relay is a small device that connects to the compressor and helps it to start. The start relay works like a switch that closes when the refrigerator needs to cool and opens when the cooling cycle is over.

The start relay has two main components: a coil and a set of contacts. The coil is an electromagnet that receives power from the main control board. When the coil is energized, it pulls the contacts together and allows current to flow to the compressor. When the coil is de-energized, it releases the contacts and cuts off the current to the compressor.

The start relay also has a capacitor that stores electrical energy and helps the compressor to overcome the initial resistance when starting. The capacitor also protects the compressor from damage caused by voltage fluctuations or power surges.

Why Does The Refrigerator Start Relay Go Bad?

The refrigerator start relay can go bad for several reasons, such as:

• Age and wear: Over time, the coil can lose its magnetism, or the contacts can get corroded or burned. This can prevent the start relay from closing or opening properly, or cause it to stick in one position.
• Voltage spikes: If there is a sudden increase or decrease in the voltage supply to the refrigerator, it can damage the coil or the capacitor of the start relay. This can cause the start relay to fail or malfunction.
• Faulty UTTs: UTTs are universal temperature terminals that connect to the thermostat and control the temperature inside the refrigerator. If the UTTs are faulty, they can send incorrect signals to the main control board, which can affect the operation of the start relay.

How To Tell If Refrigerator Start Relay Is Bad?

There are several signs and symptoms that can indicate that your refrigerator start relay is bad, such as:

• The refrigerator won’t cool: If the start relay is bad, it may not be able to close or open properly, which means that it may not be able to send power to the compressor. Without power, the compressor won’t run, and without the compressor, there won’t be any cooling in your refrigerator.
• The relay makes a clicking noise: If you hear a clicking noise coming from behind your refrigerator every few minutes, it could be a sign that your start relay is trying to close or open but failing. This could be due to a weak coil, a faulty capacitor, or dirty contacts.
• The refrigerator hums loudly: If you hear a loud humming noise coming from behind your refrigerator when it tries to cool, it could be a sign that your start relay is stuck in a closed position. This means that it is sending constant power to the compressor, which can cause it to overheat and make noise.
• The refrigerator dims the lights, trips a circuit breaker or blows a fuse: If you notice that your lights dim or flicker when your refrigerator tries to cool, or if your circuit breaker trips or your fuse blows frequently, it could be a sign that your start relay is stuck in an open position. This means that it is not sending any power to the compressor, which can cause it to draw too much current and overload your electrical system.
• The relay shakes or rattles when detached from the compressor: If you suspect that your start relay is bad, you can detach it from the compressor and shake it gently. If you hear a rattling sound inside, it means that something is loose or broken in your start relay, such as a contact or a capacitor.

How To Test Refrigerator Start Relay?

If you want to test your refrigerator start relay yourself, you will need some basic tools and skills, such as:

• A screwdriver
• A multimeter
• A pair of needle-nose pliers
• A pair of gloves
• A pair of safety goggles

Before you start, make sure to unplug your refrigerator from the power outlet and wait for a few minutes for the capacitors to discharge. Then, follow these steps:

1. Locate the start relay: The start relay is usually located at the back of the refrigerator, near the bottom, attached to the compressor. You may need to remove a cover panel or a cardboard box to access it.
2. Detach the start relay: The start relay is usually plugged into three or four terminals on the side of the compressor. Use your needle-nose pliers to gently pull the start relay off the terminals. Be careful not to damage the wires or the terminals.
3. Shake the start relay: As mentioned before, you can shake the start relay and listen for a rattling sound. If you hear one, it means that your start relay is bad and needs to be replaced.
4. Check for continuity: You can also use your multimeter to check for continuity between the terminals of the start relay. Set your multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and touch the probes to each pair of terminals. You should get a reading of zero or close to zero ohms for each pair. If you get a reading of infinity or no reading at all, it means that your start relay is bad and needs to be replaced.

How To Replace Refrigerator Start Relay?

If you have determined that your refrigerator start relay is bad, you can replace it with a new one. You will need to buy a compatible start relay for your refrigerator model and brand. You can find this information on the label or sticker on your refrigerator or on the old start relay itself.

To replace your refrigerator start relay, follow these steps:

1. Unplug your refrigerator from the power outlet and wait for a few minutes for the capacitors to discharge.
2. Locate and detach the old start relay as described above.
3. Plug in the new start relay into the terminals on the compressor. Make sure that it fits snugly and securely.
4. Reattach the cover panel or cardboard box if you removed one.
5. Plug in your refrigerator and test its cooling performance.

Conclusion

The refrigerator start relay is an important component that helps the compressor to start and run properly. If the start relay is bad, your refrigerator may not cool at all or may cool inefficiently.

You can tell if your refrigerator start relay is bad by looking for signs such as:

• The refrigerator won’t cool
• The relay makes a clicking noise
• The refrigerator hums loudly
• The refrigerator dims the lights, trips a circuit breaker or blows a fuse
• The relay shakes or rattles when detached from the compressor

You can test your refrigerator start relay by shaking it or using a multimeter to check for continuity. If you find that your start relay is bad, you can replace it with a new one by following some simple steps.

We hope this blog post has helped you learn how to tell if refrigerator start relay is bad and how to fix it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. And if you found this post useful, please share it with your friends and family who may also own a refrigerator.