How to Tell If a Refrigerator Compressor Is Bad
- 1). Unplug the refrigerator from the wall socket.
- 2). Pull the refrigerator away from the wall or other obstruction so you have plenty of elbow space to work in.
- 3). Locate a side panel on the side of the compressor. It will be held in by one or two screws which can be removed by turning in a counterclockwise rotation. Use your flat blade screwdriver and remove this panel.
- 4). Beneath the panel will be a device called a starter relay switch. Unplug this from the compressor.
- 5). Shake the relay in your hand and listen for a rattle. If it rattles, the relay is bad and can be replaced by going to an appliance store and getting a new one. If it does not rattle, the relay is good and the compressor is bad and will need to be replaced.
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