Fridge not getting cold

• Check plugs, and breakers if there is power to the unit

• Clean the condenser.

• Check the fan where installed or clean out the condenser unit.

• Turn off the fridge to de-ice.
• Defrost cycle (if installed) not working. See the troubleshooting guide on iced up evaporators.

• If there are evaporator fans, check the power supply to the fans. Replace fans if necessary.

• Dirt, fluff or grease on an evaporator will cause an insulating effect which can reduce cooling.

• Test thermostat. See Testing mechanical thermostats notes.

• Perform Compressor Winding Test. If this fails, replace the compressor needed. See Replacing Compressor Guide.

• Check gas pressures. Perform a gas leak test if pressures are low. Fix the leak and see System Re-gassing Guide.

• This can cause cycle issues which can prevent the fridge from getting cold.

See System Blockages.

• Compressor, condenser, evaporator may not match.  Check the specifications of the fridge unit.

Fridge keeps tripping breakers

• Check where there is an earth short.
• Perform the Compressor Winding Test.
• Check other components such as fans, loose connections or lights where applicable.

Fridge is getting too cold

• Adjust the thermostat or test the thermostat if it’s operating correctly.

Fridge is cold, but constantly running

• Check and repair door seals. These can prevent the fridge from reaching optimum temperature.

• Adjust the thermostat or test the thermostat if it’s operating correctly.

• And iced evaporator can prevent a fridge from reaching optimum temperature.
• Turn off the fridge to de-ice.
• Defrost cycle (if installed) not working. See the troubleshooting guide on iced up evaporators.

• Check gas pressures. Perform a gas leak test if pressures are low. Fix the leak and see System Re-gassing Guide.

The evaporator is icing up

• This applies if there is a defrost system. Test and replace faulty parts.

• If there is ice build-up on one side of the evaporator, this indicates low refrigerant. A recharge is needed.

• Check and repair door seals

• Try to minimise the frequent opening of the fridge door.

• Check if there is ice buildup on or near the compressor suction line. Release the gas slowly. See re-gassing fridge.

Low refrigerant

Visible by oxidation:

• Yellow/Green on copper pipes.
• Blackening or whitening on Aluminium to copper/stainless joints.

• Damaged drip tray heater
• All joints and couplings.
• All pipes
• Joints to compressor
• Re-braze areas that show leaks or where you suspect leaks to occur.
• Tighten all fittings and coupling nuts.
• Check shrader valve for leaks.

• See Joint Corrosion Diagnosis.

• Weaknesses can cause holes on evaporator and condenser coils. Usually caused by corrosion.

Pipe Corrosion

• Caused from bad brazing.

• Contaminants entered from poor re-gassing, contaminated compressor oil, or leaks.

• Frequently found in dirty drip trays.
• Dirt builds up under pipe insulation.

Compressor Burn-Out

If a fridge needs to remain on, pack several water bottles in the fridge to balance the fridge operations. Swap out the water bottles every week.

• Refrigerators that are turned on and left empty for long periods of time can overwork the compressor where there is not enough load in the refrigerator which causes liquid refrigerant return to the compressor. Liquid in the suction line entering the compressor places strain on the piston heads.

• Overstocked refrigerators can also cause strain on the compressor as it is unable to maintain cooling due to too much stock in a fridge. This prevents the fridge from getting cold which would usually stop at the correct temperature in normal circumstances. However, as there is too much “heat” in the fridge, the compressor will be running constantly.

• The compressor will constantly run as it cannot maintain cooling because of the low gas

• Gas leaks cause moisture and contaminants entering the system. This can cause acid build-up and damage the motor windings.

• The leak causes the compressor to build suction pressure and pump the compressor oil into the evaporator or condenser. As there is not enough pressure (because of the low gas) to push the oil to return to the compressor, the compressor will eventually run dry, heat up and burn out.

• If the system was worked on before and procedures were not followed, contaminants may have entered the system.

• If pipes, fittings or components were not cleaned prior to repair or installation.
• If a compressor was replaced without flushing out the system.

• If the compressor, condenser or evaporator are not sized to specifications can cause the compressor to overwork and burn out

• If the incorrect gas was used or mixed in the system will cause the compressor to burn out either due to incompatible properties or corrosion.

• Erratic or power surges can place strain on the compressor as it causes pressure to build up and cause locks in the system.

• Compressors draw excessive current during start-up which if done often enough can stress the motor windings.

• Always check the voltage and the phases of motors.

• If a phase drops on a 3 phase system, this can cause the motor to burn out. 
• 3 phase systems should have a phase detector installed.

• Dirty condensers or evaporators can cause the motor to run continuously which places stress on the compressor.

• If a thermostat is set too low which is beyond the compressors capacity to cool, this causes the compressor to continuously run.

• Compressor age may have caused wear and tear.

• This can cause excessive strain on the compressor and eventually burn out.
• See System Blockages.

• This can cause the motor to over-heat and burn out.

• Bad door seals and insulation will prevent the fridge from maintaining a satisfied temperature which results in the compressor over-working.

Compressor is extremely warm

• Caused from a gas leak where the oil has pumped up to the evaporator.
• Oil was not topped up when last worked on.

• A leak has caused contaminants to corrupt the oil from a gas leak.

• The compressor has been over-worked due to low gas levels. Check the return pipe if it’s cold. If it’s cold, the pressure is OK.

• Insufficient cooling by the condenser can cause a compressor to heat up.

• The thermostat may not be set correctly which is causing the compressor to over-work unnecessarily.

• The compressor could be old or has been over-worked.

• The compressor may be too powerful for the condenser, or not within specification with the evaporator.

• Check the return pipe if it’s iced up all the way to the compressor. If there is ice, release the gas pressure.

Fans not working

• This can counterbalance fan blades causing damage to the bearings.
• Dirt enter the bearing
• Dirt coats the fan motor which reduces cooling.

• Age, wear and tear.

• Erratic power can burn out windings.

• Ice build up can reach the fan blades and prevent the fan motor from turning.

System Blockage