Is your fridge not cooling properly, making loud noises, or displaying odd electrical behaviors? The issue may lie with the compressor start relay. Thankfully, swapping this inexpensive part is an achievable DIY fix for the handiest of homeowners.
This guide covers:
- How the refrigerator start relay operates
- Symptoms of a failing relay
- Step-by-step instructions to replace the part
- Helpful tips for first-time relay switchouts
- Potential complications and how to avoid them
Grab your tools, and let’s keep perfectly chilled food just a relay replacement away!
Understanding the Start Relay
The start relay (or overload) is a small electrical component mounted on the back of the fridge compressor that assists during startup. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
- When the fridge thermostat calls for cooling, voltage flows to the compressor and starts relay
- The relay uses coils to create a boost of power to initially kick-start the compressor motor
- Once running, lower voltage through the run capacitor sustains the compressor
- This cycle repeats automatically to maintain set temperatures
Over years of use, relay contacts can wear, fail, or burn out – preventing proper compressor functionality.
Common Start Relay Failure Symptoms:
- Fridge/freezer is not cooling
- Compressor makes humming noise but won’t start
- Tripping breakers or blowing fuses
- Higher than normal energy bills
- Relay makes buzzing or clicking sounds
Catching issues early is crucial to avoid spoiled food and bigger issues!
DIY Compressor Start Relay Replacement
Taking on a relay replacement yourself has a few key steps:
- Purchase the correct replacement refrigerator start relay
- Gather tools
- Disconnect power
- Access and remove old start relay
- Install new relay
We’ll tackle each step for success. With proper precautions, you can handle this intermediate repair yourself in under an hour!
Step 1: Buying a New Refrigerator Start Relay
Finding an exact replacement ensures full compressor compatibility:
To source the part:
- Note fridge brand name & model number (typically printed inside unit)
- Search online using the model number for the part listing
- Verify relay voltage and capacitance ratings match
- Purchase relay specifically made for your refrigerator
Expect costs between $20-$60. OEM relays from the manufacturer may be pricier but fit best.
Once ordered, relays usually ship out same or next day.
Step 2: Gathering Tools and Materials
You’ll need a basic toolkit:
- Safety glasses & work gloves
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Socket set & wrench
- Needle nose pliers
- Multimeter (to test capacitance)
- Non-electrostatic mat
Also, have on hand:
- Exact replacement start relay
- Clean rags & towels
- Duct tape (for dropped screws)
- Anti-seize compound (to prevent future sticking)
Use extreme caution when working on live electrical circuits! Never touch components with wet hands or lean into a powered-on freezer.
Step 3: Disconnecting Power
Before any repair work, fully disable the refrigerator:
- Unplug power cord from outlet
- Shut off breaker/fuse supplying the fridge
- Place lockout tag on breaker panel
- Verify appliance is powered off
- Set replacement relay aside in secure area
With electricity safely cut off, relay replacement work can commence!
Step-by-Step Start Relay Replacement Instructions
With tools gathered and refrigerator prepped, follow these key steps:
1. Power Disconnection
Ensure the refrigerator is unplugged from the electrical outlet and the supplying breaker is switched OFF.
2. Accessing the Rear Compartment
The start relay lives in the back lower compartment:
- Carefully pull fridge away from wall, protecting flooring. Use helper or furniture sliders.
- Examine back cover to find either screws or clips securing it.
- Use a screwdriver or putty knife to detach cover fasteners and remove panel.
- Set aside back plate and screws/clips for later reinstallation.
3. Removing the Old Compressor Relay
Now accessible, follow these proper procedures:
- Locate plastic wire retainer bundling relay & capacitor wires. Remove retainer. Use caution not to break brittle, cold wires.
- Trace wire harness connector plugged into overload relay. Depress locking tab to detach wire harness.
- Find metal run capacitor attached physically to relay. Note capacitance rating printed on capacitor for replacement matching.
- Determine if relay is held by screws or friction mount. Use needle nose pliers if stuck. Extract old relay & capacitor.
4. Installing New Overload/PTC Relay
To install the new replacement relay:
- Transfer metal run capacitor from old relay and press onto new relay. Ensure tight fit.
- Position new compressor start relay in empty space, aligning screw holes if applicable.
- Reconnect wire harness plug. Listen/feel for a firm click.
- Use pliers to bend the plastic wire retainer back into position, bundling relay wires securely.
5. Reattaching Rear Compartment Cover
To protect internal components:
- Place the rear compartment cover back, aligning any locating tabs.
- Re-fasten all cover screws or clips.
6. Restoring Power
With the new relay installed successfully:
- Plug refrigerator power cord back into outlet.
- Turn ON breaker and remove lockout tag.
- Allow 24 hours to re-stabilize temperatures before returning food.
First-Timer Pointers for Compressor Relay Replacement
Here are handy tips to boost your repair confidence:
Lay the groundwork:
- Protect floors with a tarp
- Use painter’s tape to label wires
- Have a helper if the fridge is extra heavy
Play it safe:
- Double-check that wires are reconnected securely
- Keep small parts from dropping into unit
- Wear shoes & gloves as protection
Pat yourself on the back for reviving your fridge and saving money, thanks to this DIY guide!
Avoiding Potential Complications
While a straightforward repair overall, be aware of these key trouble areas:
- Incompatible replacement relay – Triple check model # match
- Overheating risks – Don’t bend wires too sharply
- Loose wire connections – Listen for firm click when reconnecting
- Incorrect capacitor rating – Verify capacitance match
- Wrong voltage rating – Ensure relay voltage matches unit
Carefully following instructions and verifying part compatibility prevents the vast majority of potential issues.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive DIY guide, you can tackle replacing your refrigerator compressor’s start relay to resolve cooling functionality.
The step-by-step instructions walk you through locating, uninstalling, and reinstalling this integral replacement part safely. Paired with the helpful tips and warnings, have confidence to undertake intermediate-level home appliance repairs yourself.
Soon you’ll have your food chilling at the right temperature again, thanks to your handy work!