DIY refrigerator evaporator repair

In detail: do-it-yourself refrigerator evaporator repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Despite the fact that modern refrigerators are quite reliable and capable of serving for several decades, they also periodically fail. It is worth solving problems with household appliances right away. Some problems can be dealt with on their own, while others require specialist intervention.

Typical problems that you can deal with on your own include:

  • the appearance of extraneous sounds and rattling;
  • insufficient or strong cooling of food;

But the serious problems that require the intervention of professionals include:

  • current piercing through the casing;
  • turning off the device immediately after turning it on;
  • the formation of a snow cap on the back wall;
  • stopping the operation of the motor - compressor;
  • lack of cooling.

Most often, no matter how trite it may seem, the rattling of the unit is caused by an incorrectly adjusted suspension of the compressor casing. To solve the problem, it is enough to lower the suspension bolts with springs to the required level.

Also, equipment rattling can be caused by contact of the product body with pipelines. This is solved by detecting problem areas and moving the tubes. Relays can also cause jitter. To fix the problem, it is worth making sure that it is located correctly and according to the special labels.

If the refrigeration equipment begins to freeze strongly or weakly, you will need to check several indicators at once:

Sometimes consumers are faced with the problem that refrigeration equipment is electrocuted. This can happen both during his work and in a calm state.

Video (click to play).

Attention: using a device that shocks is dangerous to life. Unplug it immediately and either fix the problem yourself or call the wizard.

To fix the problem yourself, you will need a special device - a megohmmeter, with which the insulation resistance of the refrigerator wiring is measured. The workflow will look like this:

  1. Disconnect the unit from the mains and check the wires for visible defects.
  2. If you haven't noticed any flaws on the wires, you will need one more device - "Ground". Its wire is connected to the body of the refrigerator, and the second wire - "Line", to the wire of the refrigerator. The “Line” wire is alternately connected to the thermostat, relay and compressor wires, and excessive resistance will be displayed on the screen.
  3. After the location of the malfunction is calculated, the damaged wire will need to be replaced with a new one or carefully insulated.

The refrigerator can start to work continuously if the room temperature rises constantly or the thermostat knob is incorrectly set. Under these conditions, the equipment will operate at full capacity. If the thermostat is set correctly, and the unit operates at full power without interruption, it means that it simply failed and must be replaced. Also, a problem in the constant operation of the compressor motor may be a refrigerant leak. This can only be determined using a special device. It is impossible to repair the equipment on your own without the skill and necessary consumables. It is worth contacting the workshop here.

The thermal relay is often triggered for various reasons:

  • increased voltage in the electric motor circuit;
  • the relay is loose;
  • relay contacts oxidized;
  • there are faults in the starting relay;
  • the compressor is seized.

Important: most often the thermal relay often trips due to an increased voltage in the motor circuit. If the problem is not eliminated in time, its winding will burn out.

You can try to fix the breakdown by checking the voltage in the electric motor network. If stable, check the relay. For this, the motor is connected directly without a relay. If, after the performed manipulations, the equipment starts to work properly, you will need to replace the relay.

Image - DIY refrigerator evaporator repair

Sometimes in two-compartment refrigerators, excess moisture appears on the walls in the form of drops of water or a snow coat. This can happen due to long open doors, or if the seal has lost its elasticity. It can also be provoked by the fact that hot food is placed in the unit. Correcting this situation begins with checking all the settings in the cooling system.

Quite often, in modern models, a fur coat on the walls appears when the internal lighting is turned off. It is impossible to see if the backlight is on after the door is closed. To check if the light is on or not, place a thin object between the equipment wall and the seal and close the door. Through the resulting gap, you can determine whether the light is on or not. If it does not light up, then repair the lighting system or replace the button - the switch that comes out of the wall towards the door.

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If, after connecting the unit to the network, it does not make any sounds, then the refrigerator does not work completely. This is most often due to the lack of current in the power supply network or to the failure of the refrigerator cord. If there is current, simply replace the cord or plug.

If the refrigeration equipment works, but with a short cycle, this can provoke:

  • high pressure;
  • the presence of air in the system;
  • excess freon;
  • relay actuation;
  • dirty fan;
  • failure of the fan.

For troubleshooting, you need to check if the fan is connected correctly. If there is a small amount of air in the system or there is an excess of freon, they will need to be vented through the valve. Remember to check the condenser for dust contamination. Frequent activation of the low pressure switch leads to clogging of the filter or damage to the expansion valve. In this case, you just need to clean the filter or replace it with a new one, check the relay settings.

Moisture can collect on the bottom of the refrigerator due to the tube misalignment or clogging. You can cope with a breakdown quite quickly if you clean the pipe that leads water to a special receiver using a long and flexible wire. The wire is inserted into the tube and moves along the hole to the bottom of the unit. After a few minutes of the working process, all the debris will go into the water receiver.

Caution: To completely clean the tube, it is best to douche it several times.

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An unpleasant smell appears in the refrigerator from improper use. To do this, it is not recommended to place products with a pungent odor in it without special containers, wipe the walls of the device in time and monitor its cleanliness.

If, however, an unpleasant odor still appears in the device, you must quickly get rid of it. Since this will have a bad effect on all the products that are stored in it. This process can take several hours of your free time:

  1. Disconnect the unit from the network and leave it for a while. If ice has formed on the walls, it is not recommended to remove it by force. Since we can cause mechanical damage to equipment.
  2. After the equipment is completely defrosted, we wipe its walls with special means. Powder abrasive mixtures should not be chosen. Better opt for helium pastes.
  3. Wipe the refrigerator dry with a clean cloth, ventilate it for 5-10 hours.
  4. We plug the unit into an outlet and continue to operate it.

In some models of refrigerators, light bulbs in the backlight often burn out. Replacing them should not be difficult. It is enough just to unscrew the bolt holding the cover, remove it and unscrew the burned out light bulb. In its place, a new lamp is screwed in, the power of which should not exceed 15 W., and fix the shade in place.

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Before proceeding with the repair of refrigeration equipment, it is necessary to diagnose it in order to understand whether it is possible to cope with the breakdown on its own or it is worth resorting to the help of specialists.

  1. To diagnose equipment at home, you will need to prepare a universal tester and a screwdriver. Diagnostics begins with determining the quality of the voltage in the network. If it is 220 W, then everything is normal. If the voltage is less than this indicator, this can become the main reason for the failure of the household appliance.
  2. Next, we carefully examine the cord and plug of the unit for integrity. It should not have defects, it should not heat up during operation.
  3. Next, we inspect the terminals on the compressor. It is better to do this with the equipment disconnected from the network.
  4. We inspect the compressor, which is located at the lower rear of the refrigerator. It must be free of defects and damage. After visual inspection, we check the winding. Disconnect flexible wires before inspection. It is necessary to check the winding circuit for continuity using a tester.
  5. After that, you can proceed to diagnostics of small parts - the temperature sensor. To do this, use a screwdriver to remove and disconnect the wiring. Each wire is tested for functionality with a tester.

All malfunctions of refrigeration equipment are divided into two parts:

  1. The inner chamber is not cooled during normal engine start. Most often, the breakdown lies in the main components of the equipment.
  2. The unit does not turn on or turns on for a short time and then turns off. Here, the problems are associated with a malfunction of the electrical circuit of the household appliance.

In the first case, only highly qualified craftsmen should be engaged in repairs, since diagnostics and repairs can only be carried out with the help of special equipment and long-term skills.

But if the electrical mechanism of the unit is out of order, then you can solve the problem on your own - after carrying out diagnostics, identifying the causes of the breakdown and replacing the failed spare part.

In conclusion, I would like to note that every unit, even from a world-famous manufacturer, may stop working at some time. To repair a refrigerator, you need to figure out what the matter is, purchase the necessary part and stock up on free time. If you do not have special experience in the repair of household equipment, it is better to contact the masters of their craft, who will solve all problems quickly and efficiently.

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Sooner or later, the refrigerator starts to work incorrectly, of course, in this situation you need to find out what the problem is. Without thorough diagnostics, it is impossible to restore the operation of the device, if you cannot diagnose yourself - call a wizard who will immediately replace the broken part.

Automatic devices used to operate the refrigerator:

  • Thermoregulators are sensors that keep the set temperature inside the refrigerator at an optimal level;
  • Start relay - is responsible for automatically turning on the motor winding when the refrigerator is turned on;
  • Protective relay - monitors the voltage so that there are no failures during the winding of the motor;
  • Cleaners - removes snow and ice that impairs evaporator performance.

Do not forget that for the refrigerator to work correctly, you need to maintain the voltage of electricity in the range from 200 to 240 volts. If the voltage is too low or too high, emergency operation will be activated. Many people forget about this, and look for a problem elsewhere, but before diagnosing, first of all, you need to check the voltage of the mains. Get a voltage tester, it is very cheap. Next, fix the test leads inside the socket contacts, but be careful, you can only hold on to the insulation on the test leads. After this procedure, you will receive detailed information about the strength of the voltage in the mains.

Most often, the voltage is within reasonable limits, but the problem persists. It is quite possible that this is due to a malfunction of the plug, or a malfunctioning power cord. Replace the plug and power cord and the refrigerator will start working as well as before. If you have replaced, and the indicator light comes on, then the breakdown is related to the thermostat. Look for the two wires that lead to the temperature controller, and then remove from the terminals and close them tightly. Using this action, you can check the operation of the thermostat, it will react to the connection and turn on, but it will still have to be replaced.

But if the problem persists this time, you need to test the defrost button, if there is one in this refrigerator model. If this time the problem persists, check the rest of the refrigerator appliances that are powered from the mains. Use an ohmmeter to test the protective and starting relays, there are often cases when they are combined in one case. If you notice a break, get rid of the broken part and replace it with a new one.

The problem is compounded if the refrigerator motor-compressor is faulty. It cannot be repaired, so the entire compressor must be replaced. Do not try to repair the motor-compressor yourself - it is useless, you will only permanently ruin it. Call a professional technician, he will solve the problem in a short time.

Usually, this problem is associated with the following malfunctions: a malfunction in the motor-compressor, freon leakage and a change in the temperature balance due to malfunctions in the thermostat. If the condenser, which heats up to at least 70 degrees Celsius, maintains a low temperature even when the compressor is running for a very long time, the problem is freon leakage. In this situation, it is very difficult to find the place where the leak occurred. You must purge the refrigerant from the system and then pump in air at high pressure. In the place where the leak has occurred, a strong air pressure will be felt. Charge the refrigerator with refrigerant, seal the leak, but be careful. The best option is to call the master.

If you feel that the problem lies in the malfunctioning of the thermostat, replace it and check how the refrigerator is working correctly. You can also give the thermostat for regulation. It is almost impossible to diagnose problems inside the motor-compressor, as well as to eliminate them. Call the wizard if you suspect a compressor problem.

Sometimes there is a more ambiguous problem: the thermostat works, but the refrigerator does not freeze as well as we would like. Replace the thermostat, if this does not help, check the refrigerator.For example, the problem may be leakage when the elasticity and shape of the sealing rubber changes greatly. The quality of the compressor drops noticeably, because warm air from the room enters the chamber. The problem is solved very quickly - restore the seal, and install a new sealing rubber. If the problem persists, try checking the thermostat adjustment, it is not uncommon for the temperature to be set too high or too low. Do not forget that in modern refrigerators everything is automated with special microcircuits, which can only be understood by a qualified specialist.

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Most people neglect the refrigerator, they believe that it is enough that it performs its functions and defrosts on its own. Rarely do people read the instruction manual and the operation manual, and very much in vain - it is possible to prevent possible problems.

First, the refrigerator needs to be cleaned, both inside and out. To do this, you need a regular sponge or a rag soaked in disinfectant. Keep in mind that refrigerator cleaners are available at any hardware store. If there is an opportunity to purchase detergents from the same manufacturer - buy. They not only clean the refrigerator from dirt, but also improve the smell inside the refrigerator. Also, do not forget that not all refrigerator models are equipped with an air purification system, so you need to plan in advance for the purchase of a charcoal filter or a means to improve the smell.

Secondly, you need to clean the refrigerator very carefully. It is undesirable for water to get under the shade of a lighting lamp or a thermostat, which is located inside the outer panel. It is usually in that position if you purchased an electromechanical refrigerator. In order not to damage the seal, you need to clean it with water, without using preparations containing chemicals. It is much easier to clean the outside of the refrigerator, pay special attention to those areas that you often touch with your hands.

Do not wash the stainless steel refrigerator in the usual way. Despite the fact that it is a very attractive and high-quality material, it requires careful maintenance. Read the instructions to find out what product can be used to clean the refrigerator. If you did not find information, go to the company's website or study the forums where people leave feedback on the operation.

After external and internal cleaning, the refrigerator must be dried. Use a dry flannel cloth. Of course, the back of the refrigerator also needs to be cleaned, but due to the huge amount of dust, doing this with a rag is very unpleasant and problematic. Very gently vacuum the back panel with a medium suction setting. When the refrigerator is completely dry, plug it in.

That's all for today. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments. We will try to answer.

Each apartment and private house has a refrigerator that works without interruption, and often breaks down at the most inopportune moment. Most often, serious expensive repairs are required, or even a complete replacement of failed equipment. Many turn to service centers, but some DIYers successfully repair the refrigerator with their own hands. In this case, it is necessary to have a good idea of ​​the device of the units, to have the skills to handle tools and to strictly follow the established procedure.

Before proceeding with self-repair of the refrigerator, you need to accurately determine the cause of the breakdown. With correct diagnostics, you do not have to disassemble the entire refrigerator, but immediately gain access to the place of malfunction.

The refrigerator has stopped freezing food, or the operating temperature is insufficient for normal storage.Here, most likely, the compressor is faulty or the adjustments are set incorrectly, with violations.

The refrigerator does not turn on... This can happen for a variety of reasons. For example, a plug or cable that is bent or has received mechanical damage is often faulty. Such malfunctions are easily eliminated with your own hands, it is enough to replace the damaged part. Refrigerators often stop working due to problems in the electrical network. For normal operation of the unit, a voltage of 190 volts or higher is required. If this condition is not met, the device will simply not turn on. This problem is not a breakdown, as in this case the protective mechanism is simply triggered. You can solve the issue by installing a voltage stabilizer.

The button that turns on the defrost function does not work... Sometimes it sinks or stops working altogether. As a result, this leads to the impossibility of defrosting or canceling an already started defrosting. In this case, the old button is removed and replaced with a new element.

Serious attention is paid to checking electrical circuits. It is possible that the lack of cold is due to oxidation of the contacts that need to be cleaned. This problem most often appears as a result of moisture ingress and with prolonged use of the equipment. Because of this, all compounds are oxidized and contact is lost. Such a breakdown is eliminated by the usual stripping of the terminals and the unit begins to cool again.

The electrical circuit of the refrigerator will help to quickly detect the malfunction. Defective parts found, such as the start relay, are usually not repaired but must be replaced.

Most domestic refrigerators have similar devices and, accordingly, they have the same problems. As a rule, all malfunctions consist in too strong freezing, or in its complete absence. By and large, they also affect foreign models, so the principles and rules for carrying out repairs will be the same for everyone.

The lack of cold is most often associated with the leakage of freon from the cooling system and compressor. Usually this problem becomes visible to the naked eye. If the leak was not visually detected, the following steps must be taken:

  • You need to find a special sealed tube on the compressor and pump out freon through it.
  • Instead of freon, air is pumped under low pressure.
  • A characteristic hiss will be heard at the place of damage, which will indicate a leak. This place should be soldered, since other methods are not suitable here.

Sometimes in Indesit refrigerators the freezing becomes weak. This occurs as a result of freezing of the air exhaust and supply ducts. It is very easy to eliminate this defect by ordinary defrosting of the unit.

Sometimes the thermostat functions normally, but there is not enough cold to freeze food. This problem applies to all brands of refrigerators. If the compressor is in good working order and is operating normally, then the cause may be the rubber gaskets installed between the chamber and the doors. Worn seals simply do not seal the refrigerator compartment as needed. As a result of the resulting gap, the cold gradually goes out. The problem is solved by replacing the old seals with new ones. Fastening is done with epoxy or glue.

If refrigerators, on the contrary, begin to freeze very strongly. Most often this happens due to incorrect settings of the thermostat, when the factory settings are lost. The situation is corrected by adjusting this relay. However, this operation requires qualifications, so you will have to call the wizard from the service center to configure it.

Sometimes severe freezing occurs as a result of a refrigerant leak.This happens very rarely because in all other cases the compressor starts to freeze much worse. In this case, replacing the compressor is not required; maintenance is sufficient.

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During operation, more serious problems may arise, in general, negatively affecting the operation of refrigeration equipment. For example, the refrigerator produces noise and strong vibration. This usually occurs due to improper installation of the unit, as a result, the electric motor is not provided with normal operating conditions.

Many refrigerator problems are caused by improper installation of the equipment protection relay. In such cases, it must be reinstalled correctly. This procedure should be carried out in full accordance with the scheme.

Malfunction in the form of an unpleasant odor. This happens when the drain pipe becomes clogged during long-term operation of the refrigerator. The connection is cleaned with water or compressed air.

There are some differences in the repair of one- and two-compartment refrigerators. In the second option, there may be more compressors requiring care and monitoring. Usually one part fails, while the other continues to function normally.

Thus, it is quite possible to repair the refrigerator yourself. Of course, only specialists can solve more serious problems. But even those faults that can be corrected at home will significantly save the family budget. The most important thing is to carefully study the operating manual, and then follow it during the repair.