I have a 10 year old Kenmore refrig. whose compressor attempts to come on to cool but then shuts off after about 3-4 sec. I have cleaned around the compressor and vacummed the coils thinking the problem may be dust accumulation. After unplugging it to do the cleaning and then replugging it in, I noticed it would run fine for about 4 hours and then revert back to the past behavior. So, for the past two days I have been unplugging it and then replugging it in until I have about had it. I am hoping that I don't need a new compressor........any ideas...........is it electrical ...the outlet is good and I have checked the fuse.....Signed......Single mom looking not to get taken by another repairman.....
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It could be that the compressor is overheating and the overload not letting it restart. The cleaning of the condenser sometimes helps with that. It could also be poor voltage to the appliance (like running it on an extension cord).
It could also be a tight compressor in which case installing a 'hard start kit' (see the following link) might help for a while but will often eventually require the compressor to be replaced. Installing one of these can be tricky for a novice and should only be done once all other possible causes have been eliminated.
LINK > Refrigerator Hard Start Kit
Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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BTW. Do not allow it to continue to click on and off or damage will surely be done to the compressor if it is not already the cause. Unplugging it and giving it a chance to settle and the compressor to cool is the right thing to do in that case.
Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[This message has been edited by DanO (edited January 26, 2003).]
You mentioned it may be overheating and that cleaning the "condenser" would help that, what and where is the "condenser"
The condenser are the black coils by the compressor and/or under the fridge. I figured that is what you said you cleaned already so that isn't the cause now.
Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=Ð~~~~~~
[This message has been edited by DanO (edited January 26, 2003).]
Well, the ***** Central serviceman came out and charged me 58.00 to tell me I need a new fridge. He suggested the "Hard start" kit but explained to me that it would cost me 130.00 for parts and labor. Add that to the 60.00 and you've got 200.00 for what he called a temporary fix, "it could last a week or 2 years...." So, I am now on my way to purchase a new refrig.....ugh!!!!!!!! Exactly what I did not want to hear.......
quote:
it would cost me 130.00 for parts and labor. Add that to the 60.00
From most independent service depots I would think $130 would be very close to the total repair cost. Are you sure you didn't misunderstand the charges? The part shouldn't be any more than $30-$45.
$45 + the $60 service call and if needed at the most another 20 minutes...
Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=Ð~~~~~~
[This message has been edited by DanO (edited January 27, 2003).]
No, total parts and labor would be 130.00. He quated the part would be 30.00.
Guess what........the refig is working fine now??? but I have a new refrig coming tomorrow!!!! Did I get taken...when the service prson came he basicly listened to what I said and the based on my description of the symptoms concluded that the compressor is shot. He did not even look at it ...or touch it ...or test it if that is possible. Is there a test that can be done to check the compressor to see if it is working properly.............should I cancel delivery...........
** total parts and labor would be 130.00 **
But you said, "Add that to the 60.00".
** Is there a test that can be done to check the compressor to see if it is working properly **
Yes. Amperage draw for one, especially when the complaint was the compressor not starting.
** Guess what... the refig is working fine now? **
Isn't that always the way it happens? But just because it is running now, doesn't mean it still doesn't need service.
** should I cancel delivery **
That's your call. I myself wouldn't want to spend $500 (or more!) when a $130 repair would suffice (as long as the rest of the fridge is still in decent shape).
JMO
Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=Ð~~~~~~
