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Samsung Fridge Compressor Not Working

We often take our refrigerator for granted. Whether we like cool, crisp apples or want to safely thaw meat for dinner, this hardworking appliance is crucial to keeping our families healthy. One important element in this process is the compressor.

If your Samsung fridge compressor is not working, make sure there is enough space around the refrigerator for air to circulate. Make sure the temperature for the refrigerator is not set too low. Remove dirt and dust from the condenser coil.

black samsung fridge compressor

Compressors are the heart of the refrigerator. Just as a literal heart circulates blood throughout the body, the compressor circulates refrigerant throughout the condenser coil system. This article will discuss some reasons why the compressor is not working properly and how you can fix it.

Samsung Refrigerator Compressor Problems

I recently faced a challenge with my Samsung refrigerator when I realized the compressor wasn’t functioning properly. The fridge started making unusual noises and wasn’t cooling as efficiently as before. This prompted me to delve into the world of appliance repair to figure out what was going wrong with the compressor and how to fix it.

One common problem with Samsung refrigerator compressors is overheating due to dirty condenser coils. Over time, these coils can accumulate dust and debris, impairing their ability to dissipate heat. The solution is to clean the coils regularly. You can do this by unplugging the refrigerator, accessing the coils (usually at the back or bottom), and gently cleaning them with a coil brush or vacuum.

Another issue could be a faulty start relay. The start relay helps the compressor begin operating, and if it’s malfunctioning, the compressor may not start at all. To fix this, locate the start relay on the side of the compressor, remove it, and test it for continuity using a multimeter. If it’s defective, replacing the start relay is usually a straightforward and effective solution.

A different cause of compressor problems can be a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerator is low on refrigerant, the compressor has to work harder, leading to potential malfunctions. Identifying and fixing a refrigerant leak is a complex task and usually requires professional assistance. A technician can find the leak, repair it, and recharge the refrigerator with the appropriate amount of refrigerant.

Samsung Fridge Compressor Noise

black samsung fridge compressor

Normally we never hear our refrigerator working. If you are now hearing odd noises, continue reading to learn whether or not these noises mean the compressor is going bad or simply doing its job.

As a general rule, Samsung fridge compressor noises sound like humming or buzzing. These noises are heard during the beginning of a cooling cycle and when the compressor shuts off. These sounds are normal.

Noises similar to that of knocking could mean the components inside the compressor need to be replaced. Another possibility is the compressor mounting is loose and needs to be tightened or replaced.

Dirty Compressor Coil

The compressor coil is located in the back of the refrigerator and is responsible for cooling and condensing refrigerant. It plays an important role in keeping excess heat from entering the refrigerator. Because this coil is always warm and is always working, it very easily becomes dirty.

As the compressor works, the coil continues to collect dust and dirt. This accumulation makes the compressor work harder. You can easily clean the coil by using the brush attachment on your vacuum and then wiping it with a cloth.

Over-Filling The Refrigerator

Refrigerators require room to breathe, both inside and outside. The more items we put into the refrigerator, the more warm air is trapped inside. If there is not enough room for air to circulate, the compressor has to work harder to reach the desired temperature setting for the refrigerator.

The more the compressor has to work, the greater the possibility of it overheating. If you are hearing a humming or buzzing sound that is getting progressively louder, that is the compressor straining under the pressure.

Samsung Fridge Compressor Not Turning On

black samsung fridge compressor

If the compressor is not turning on, the refrigerator will not be cool enough, or safe enough, for food storage.

If your Samsung fridge compressor is not turning on, check the refrigerator power cord. If the cord is damaged in any way or frayed, it may not be able to deliver enough power from the wall outlet to the compressor. It is also a dangerous fire hazard.

Here are some other possible reasons why the fridge compressor is not turning on.

Faulty Start Relay

A refrigerator start relay is much like the gunshot fired off at the beginning of a race. That signal means “Go!” Without that signal, nothing would happen.

The refrigerator start relay is what jump-starts the compressor into action. Without that signal, the compression will not turn on and everything inside the refrigerate will heat up.

You can check the relay yourself by removing the back bottom panel of the refrigerator. You can visually inspect the relay for any corrosion or rattling sounds. Rattling means a component inside the relay is broken and will need to be replaced.

Defective Start Capacitor

The start capacitor holds an electric charge that starts the refrigerator motor. When the refrigerator gets too warm, the capacitor turns on the compressor which in turn sends coolant to the evaporator to be cooled. The refrigerator cools back down and the compressor shuts off.

A defective start capacitor will stop the refrigerator from cooling down or cause the compressor to start and stop more than normal. Testing the start capacitor is a dangerous job since it involves electricity that can discharge unexpectedly. Contact a Samsung service technician to serve the start capacitor.

Faulty Compressor

A faulty cable that connects the compressor to the refrigerator could be bad. The bad connection could cause the compressor to turn off and on randomly. Because there is the risk of electric shock, it is safest to call a professional to service the compressor.

Samsung Fridge Compressor Will Not Shut Off

Man fixing the back of the fridge

The compressor on your Samsung refrigerator should not run all of the time. It is only meant to run when the refrigerator needs to be cooled. Here are some suggestions to troubleshoot why the compressor will not shut off.

If your Samsung fridge compressor will not shut off, check the door seal. If the seal around the refrigerator door is not tight, warm air will get in. This warm air will cause the compressor to run constantly in order to keep the inside of the refrigerator cool.

Check the door seal for any dirt or food that could have accumulated and is preventing a tight seal. You can test the sea by closing a piece of paper in the refrigerator door. When you pull the paper out, there should be some resistance. No resistance means the seal is bad and needs to be replaced.

Thermostat

The thermostat and compressor work together. When the temperature inside the refrigerator needs to be reached, the thermostat sends a signal to the compressor. The compressor then begins circulating refrigerant that is heated and cooled.

If the compressor is not shutting off, try adjusting the thermostat to a higher temperature. If the compressor does not turn off, the thermostat will need to be replaced.

Faulty Defrost Timer

The defrost timer is a built-in program that regularly defrosts your refrigerator. Typically the defrost cycle starts every 8 to 10 hours, at which time the compressor turns off. If this timer does not work properly, the compressor will continue running.

Defrost Heater

The defrost heater is another crucial element in the defrost process. The heater melts ice off the evaporator coils so that the coils can continue to absorb heat from inside the refrigerator. If this build-up of ice is not removed, warm air will continue to build inside the refrigerator.

Defrost Control Board

If the defrost heater and defrost timer both work, the problem could be with the defrost control board. The control board determines how often to run the defrost cycle. Without this control board, the refrigerator will not have a very important defrost cycle.

Samsung Fridge Compressor Is Running But Not Cooling

Man fixing the back of the fridge

The main purpose of the compressor is to ensure a steady cool temperature in the refrigerator. If the compressor is running but not cooling, one possible reason is the evaporator fan.

If your Samsung fridge compressor is running but not cooling, the evaporator fan could be broken or blocked. Use your hand to feel for any air movement. Remove any items that could block the fan blades from circulating.

Another possibility is the evaporator coil. If the coil has an accumulation of ice on it, the compressor will continually run but will not be cooling the inside of the refrigerator. You can defrost the coil by using a hairdryer on the lowest setting.

Reset The Compressor

Like most things in life, turning something off and then again is the best way to clear any glitches. This same method applies to the compress of your Samsung refrigerator. The following steps will walk you through how to reset the compressor.

Step 1: Unplug the refrigerator from its power source.

Step 2: Let the refrigerator sit, unplugged, for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Using the control panel, turn both the refrigerator and freezer to ‘Off’.

Step 4: Plug the refrigerator back in.

Step 5: Adjust the temperature to desired settings.

Step 6: Let the refrigerator rest for 2 to 4 hours.

Damaged Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils produce cold air for the refrigerator. The coils are located in the back of the fridge and can easily get damaged if the refrigerator is pushed too far back or they are never cleaned.

Compressor Gas Leak

The gas, or freon, inside the compressor, is the main component in keeping the refrigerant cool. If the compressor itself or its pipes have a leak, this can increase the temperature inside the refrigerator.

If you notice oil on the floor or a chemical smell coming from the refrigerator, the freon is leaking. There is no immediate health danger with a freon leak, but you should contact a qualified technician to safely replace the compressor.

Samsung Refrigerator Compressor Keeps Running

Man fixing the back of the fridge

A compressor that is continually running is not only bad for your electric bill but is also bad for your health. If the compressor is continually running, this means your refrigerator is struggling to stay cool enough – which means your food may not be safe.

If your Samsung refrigerator compressor keeps running, make sure the refrigerator is not too full. If the refrigerator is too full, the compressor has to work harder to keep warm air out and the inside temperature cool. There also needs to be enough room between items for air to circulate.

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Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on November 27, 2021.

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