How to repair a refrigerator with your own hands: problems with popular brands

The refrigerator has long become an integral part of everyday life, and it is difficult to live without it. There will be no place to store perishables and prepared food. Almost every refrigerator breaks down sooner or later. Breakdowns occur for various reasons: due to improper installation or operation, wear of individual parts.

There is no need to call specialists or rush to throw away your old refrigerator. Sometimes the question can be very simple if you know how to fix a refrigerator with your own hands. This way you can save both time and money.

Classification of units according to operating principle

Most believe that all household refrigerators have virtually the same structure, but this statement is not entirely true. According to the operating principles, home refrigerators are divided into three categories:

• compression;
• absorption;
• semiconductor.

Each of the categories has its own structural features and the principle of operation, that is, cooling, differs significantly.

Compression equipment

Such units are cooled thanks to the use of a specialized substance, which under certain conditions changes its own state of aggregation, passing from liquid to gas and back at room temperature (+18...+30 ̊C). This substance is called refrigerant.

Reference! Freon gas is used as a refrigerant. There are many types of this substance, but in household refrigeration units only a few of the safest ones are used, which are not explosive, do not pose potential harm to the human body and do not have a destructive effect on the environment.

The refrigerant is pumped into a hermetically sealed pipeline - a cooling circuit, the substance moves through it and the temperature in the refrigerator compartments decreases. The cooling principle is as follows:

1. Freon in a liquid aggregate state enters under pressure into an evaporator, which has the shape of a coil.
2. After the refrigerant enters the evaporator, the substance begins to expand and goes into a gaseous state of aggregation, taking from the air a certain amount of heat corresponding to the heat of freon vaporization.
3. This process occurs until the pressure inside the evaporator increases and therefore the compressor continuously pumps out freon vapor and sends it to the radiator in the form of a coil, in which the refrigerant again turns into a liquid aggregate state. The process is circular.

The main advantage of such a system is the efficiency (efficiency factor), which actually reaches 100%. Compression refrigeration equipment is efficient, economical and highly adjustable. But there are also disadvantages - the presence of detachable fasteners, rubbing and moving components and the need to use high-quality seals.

Absorption devices

The structure of absorption equipment has common features with refrigerators of compression design, but the main difference is the absence of moving or rubbing elements. The principle of operation is based on the fact that a low-boiling composition is used as a refrigerant, highly soluble in a high-boiling liquid, which is called an absorber. Also called a container in which there is a certain supply of concentrated refrigerant. Cooling occurs as follows:

1. From the absorber, the refrigerant goes to a thermal pump, which has the form of a vertically installed copper tube heated by an electric coil.
2. The refrigerant then passes into the steam generator, which is heated by electric current. In the steam generator, the refrigerant evaporates and mixes with the vapors of the absorber.
3. The mixture passes into a reflux condenser - a radiator of a certain design, where the refrigerant and absorber are separated. The absorber acquires a liquid state and is sent to the steam generator, and the refrigerant turns into a gaseous state and enters first the condenser, and then goes by gravity to the evaporator.
4. In the evaporator, the refrigerant undergoes similar processes as in compression units, and then, after absorbing heat, it is absorbed by the absorber and the process is repeated cyclically.

The main advantage of absorption units is their virtually unlimited operating period due to the absence of rubbing and moving elements. Such devices are not economical and consume 1.5 times more energy than compression devices.

Attention! Absorption refrigerators cool slowly and freeze poorly compared to compression refrigerators, and are also not safe enough, since ammonia is used as an absorber. In addition to the above, there are models that operate using propane or isobutane, and these gases are explosive.

Semiconductor equipment

Rarely used devices that operate thanks to the Peltier effect. The essence of the effect is that a junction of dissimilar semiconductors, as an electric current passes through them, heats up in one direction and cools in the opposite direction, which compensates for the increased temperature of the other part. This way they get temperatures down to – 40 °C and below.

However, such devices have significant negative aspects, the main of which is high energy consumption, which exceeds even low-cost absorption units. The second disadvantage is the limited resource of Peltier elements.

Semiconductor refrigerators are insensitive to mechanical stress and freeze food effectively and quickly. Also, if necessary, it is possible to change the direction of current flow, which allows you to defrost the system in a short period.

Refrigerator wiring diagrams PDF, to view PDF, click on the picture (thumbnail)

. Terms of Use.

. Removing oil from the evaporator.

. Dehumidifying the system (removing moisture).

. Devices and tools.

. Reference tables and operating data.

. Design and principle of operation of refrigeration systems.

. Drawings and principles of operation of automation elements.

And much more, you can download the textbook in two parts after payment in the amount of (50 rubles). Some chapters of which are published on the pages of our website as an announcement.

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First part

The second part

What is permissible to repair yourself?

To repair your own refrigerator, so as not to completely damage it, you need to understand which components can be repaired yourself, and what is better to entrust to a specialist. Each refrigeration unit has four circuits:

1. The cooling system is the cooling circuit itself, which also includes coils. I do not recommend fixing this circuit yourself, since unskilled repairs often result in the need to purchase a new household refrigerator.
2. Thermoregulation is the most common place for breakdowns; repairs are usually possible at home, but certain knowledge is required and there is a need to purchase specific parts, the replacement of which by a specialist, like themselves, is inexpensive.
3. Mechanical part - shelf fastenings, door hinges, compressor canopy, seals and the like. The repair is simple and can be done even by a novice home craftsman with a standard set of tools. No special knowledge is needed.
4. An electrical circuit is an electrical circuit that ensures the normal functioning of the refrigerator. This includes wiring, motor-compressor, start relay and the like. It is possible to repair it yourself, but it is important to have electrical knowledge and skills.

Attention! Malfunctions of the refrigeration system, in most cases, cannot be repaired at home due to the need to re-inject the refrigerant, which is impossible to do without specialized equipment.

How to replace correctly

When performing work to replace a faulty thermostat, you need to follow the instructions to avoid common mistakes. Violation of the rules for installing a new component can cause incorrect operation of the equipment and cause breakdowns of other parts.

Dismantling

When starting to dismantle the thermostat, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the outlet. Then you should find the location of the component depending on the type of equipment. Usually, for dismantling it is enough to unscrew the adjusting knob, remove the fasteners and the protective cover of the housing.

Common malfunctions of household refrigerators

Before diagnosing a malfunction, it is necessary to determine the type of specific refrigeration equipment - thermoelectric units are little susceptible to breakdowns, and the most common of them is the end of the service life of the thermocouple battery, which is pointless to replace due to the cost comparable to the price of the unit. But contacts can also burn, which a home technician can easily handle. There are several most common:

1. Simple - the unit does not turn on due to the power supply circuit - plug, socket, power cord, connector contacts of the compressor compartment or problems with the thermostat or protective relay. The last two details must be run through a tester, which will not show an answer in case of breakdowns.
2. When the power supply circuit is working properly, but the compressor does not work at startup or “comes to life” and immediately turns off, the problem is usually in the start-up relay. In this option, it takes up to 5 seconds to start the compressor, or it does not start functioning on the first try.
3. When the refrigerator does not freeze enough, but correctly responds to the thermostat signals, and the compressor heats up, the overheating protection reacts. The thermal protection and start relays in this version are fully operational - you need to check the working winding of the motor-compressor - an inter-turn short circuit may have occurred. When a short circuit is present in the starting winding, the compressor may not start at all, but the thermal protection and starting relays are working properly, the compression unit must be replaced.
4. Excessive freezing when the compressor operates continuously or stops working due to thermal protection. Also, there is a possibility that the unit does not actually respond to the thermostat and only switching the knob to the “0” position slows down the compressor, which is noisier than usual and absorbs more electricity. This indicates a “sticking” start relay, which is critical for the compressor due to the likelihood of it overheating and burning out.
5. The thermostat has failed when the unit does not cool enough when the regulator is in the normal position. At the same time, by the time the compressor “rests”, the condenser is heated sufficiently. The thermostat in this version is changed.
6. The refrigerator operates on a short cycle - the compressor often turns off, but does not freeze enough. In this case, you need to “suspect” the thermostat or thermal protection relay.
7. A long, sometimes continuous cycle of operation, the formation of ice in the freezer are signs of a refrigerant leak. It is necessary to look for the location of the breakdown of the sealed pipeline and refill the refrigerant into the system.
8. Ringing and knocking from the compressor and a complete lack of cooling in the chambers - there is no refrigerant completely - call a technician who will fill the cooling circuit and identify the leak point.
9. Excessive cooling and short operating cycle, with unusual compressor sound. The reason is an excessive amount of refrigerant in the circuit, which is dangerous for the tightness of the pipeline and compressor.
10. The unit freezes extremely hard, the compressor quickly heats up and makes noise, and there may be a smell of burning wiring - the reason is a weakened bimetallic plate in the thermal protection relay.
11. Noticeable vibrations, a lot of noise from the compressor, but no other alarming manifestations. Check the compressor suspension and, if necessary, calibrate it. When this does not help, the reason is increased wear. You need to think about replacing the old compressor with a new one.
12. Excessive uniform freezing of the freezer compartment or chamber is a sign of problems with the tightness and tightness of the sash or poor-quality thermal insulation. When the cause is thermal insulation, repairs are difficult and often impossible.

Attention! In addition to the common reasons listed, there are some problems that are more common in refrigerators of different brands.

Problems in the functioning of refrigerators by brand

There are some malfunctions that occur more often in units from some manufacturers than in refrigeration equipment from other companies, and vice versa. Such “diseases” are the result of manufacturers making certain systems weaker, with the goal of strengthening other components.

ATLANT technology

Belarusian-made refrigerators are quite reliable. Common malfunctions of these units are minor and their repair does not require large financial investments:

1. There is a possibility of clogging of the capillary tube, which is expressed by absent or insufficient cooling of the chambers.
2. A clogged drainage tube, which is expressed by water collecting at the bottom of the chamber, can be easily corrected independently.
3. Failure of the mechanical thermostat when the set level does not correspond to what is actually present.
4. Violations of the thermal insulation system, which is expressed by ice build-ups on the walls of the freezer.
5. Failures of the electronic control unit - information on the display is displayed incorrectly.

These malfunctions are observed over time in units of each manufacturer, while in Atlant refrigerators these breakdowns are less common than in foreign analogues.

Refrigerators SAMSUNG

A Korean brand whose units are supplemented with many auxiliary functions that complicate the diagnosis of breakdowns. However, such refrigerators have a weak point and it lies in electronics and high-precision thermoregulation:

1. Thermostat malfunctions - the compressor receives incorrect commands to stop and start, and as a result the cooling is not as good as it should be.
2. Defrost controller malfunctions when the compressor stops stopping.
3. Damage to the heating element on the evaporator - the operation of the refrigerator is completely disrupted.

All of the listed breakdowns of Samsung units can only be repaired by calling a refrigeration equipment repair specialist.

Attention! SAMSUNG mechanical failures are mainly the result of violating the rules in the instruction manual.

Indesit units

Like Atlant, a brand in demand on the domestic refrigeration equipment market, repairs of such equipment are relatively cheap. The main faults that occur with Indesit refrigerators are the following:

1. The compressor and fan motors that distribute the cold are not working.
2. Freon leakage in case of corrosion or mechanical damage to the cooling circuit (pipeline).
3. Wear of the sealing rubber on the doors, which leads to seal failures and cold leakage from the chambers.

These malfunctions occur after several years of operation of the equipment; Indesit is inferior in reliability to Atlant brand refrigerators.

Liebherr refrigerators

Liebherr household appliances made in Germany are of high quality, but this equipment is extremely sensitive to power surges that occur everywhere in the post-Soviet countries. Liebherr refrigerators usually experience the following problems:

1. Failure of the electronic module responsible for the uninterrupted functioning of the refrigerator.
2. Malfunctions of touch sensors with error F2, in which there are “allegedly” malfunctions in the freezer compartment. The problem is solved by replacing the touch sensors.
3. Compressor failure is mainly a problem with two-chamber devices; it is solved by replacing it with a new one, and specialists are called to correct the malfunction. Experts select only the compressor that has the same voltage and frequency.
4. Refrigerant leak - more common than with Indesit and Atlant.

Like other refrigerators, the rubber seal on the doors of Liebherr devices deteriorates. This problem must be solved immediately, as it reduces the service life due to faster wear of the compressor.

LG devices

The units operate for a long time, their main problem is electronic control, as well as inverter compressors. A novice DIYer will not be able to fix these faults with his own hands at home, since in the first case it is often necessary to reflash or replace the electronic control units, and in the second case a new compressor must be installed.

Ariston technology

Ariston refrigerators have the following typical faults:

• the compressor begins to make noise, knock and vibrate strongly;
• ice begins to freeze heavily in the chambers;
• the compressor fails.

Attention! Ariston's compressor usually breaks down, the only repair option is its complete replacement, which is impossible to do on your own, without professional diagnostics, specialized tools, knowledge, skills and experience.

Refrigerators originally from the USSR

Soviet units have been functioning for decades, which is why they compare favorably with their modern “brothers”. The following devices are still in operation:

• Dnieper;
• World;
• Minsk;
• Donbass;
• ZIL and others.

But even such reliable equipment can fail. The main breakdowns of such refrigerators occur due to age and are expressed as follows:

• refrigerant leak;
• “dead” compressor;
• drying out of rubber seals;
• breakdowns of mechanical handles.

Only the last two problems can be solved on your own - by replacing the seal and repairing the handle; the rest must be dealt with by a refrigeration equipment repair technician.

Daewoo Electronics units

Daewoo refrigerators have a rather complex structure and their main breakdowns are as follows:

1. Start relay - replaced with a new one, you can repair the house.
2. Refrigerant leakage - the problem can only be solved with the participation of a technician who looks for the leak, seals it and refills the system with freon.
3. Damage to the temperature sensor, which is also replaced by the master.
4. If the electronic module fails, you cannot replace or repair it yourself.

To make sure there is a problem, you need to defrost the refrigerator, and if there is a breakdown and is not a consequence of an electronics failure, call a technician.

Beko technique

Beko is characterized by the following malfunctions:

1. The compressor does not start. This could be a malfunction of the thermal relay, which can be solved by replacing it, or a failure of the compressor, which must be replaced by a technician.
2. Water in the refrigerator - the drainage hole is clogged and you can clean it yourself.
3. The rear wall is swollen - there is a refrigerant leak.
4. The refrigerator does not work due to electrical circuit violations - the body will receive an electric shock, the entire system will be “ringing”, which you can do yourself.

Often the problem is caused by a voltage drop, which foreign units are not “adapted” to, so you should always connect such equipment through a stabilizer or surge protector, as a last resort.

Bosch units

Bosch refrigerators mainly have the following characteristic faults:

1. Failure of electronics due to voltage drop and lack of a stabilizer. You can’t fix this on your own, call a professional.
2. A refrigerant leak, which is also impossible to fix at home without a specialized tool.
3. Malfunctions of regulatory systems - thermostat, sensors and start relay. You can fix it yourself; you need to replace the failed element.

The longer the service life, the more problems these refrigerators have.

Nord devices

Nord refrigerators do not respond to power surges, but they have other “diseases”:

• the set temperatures in the compartments are not maintained;
• the lighting inside stopped working;
• a “fur coat” forms in drip refrigerators;
• Puddles of water appear on the floor.

There are many reasons for such malfunctions, so professional diagnostics are needed here, for which a refrigeration equipment repair specialist is invited.

Refrigerators Oka

In refrigerators such as Oka, malfunctions rarely occur, but in most cases it is impossible to fix them yourself. Typical problems with these units are:

• the refrigerator is not cold enough;
• non-stop operation of the compressor;
• strong vibration and noise.

Most of the problems with such refrigerators are directly related to malfunctions of the cooling circuit and compressor; only a specialist must fix such problems.

Siemens technology

Siemens refrigerators have the following common problems:

• the motor-compressor does not start;
• failure of electronics;
• freon leak;
• evaporator defrost failure;
• the drainage hole is clogged - you can clean it yourself;
• malfunction of the No Frost system.

All these problems (except for a clogged drainage hole) cannot be solved at home by a person without experience and tools, so to fix them, they call a specialist who diagnoses and eliminates the breakdown.

Refrigerators Pozis

Pozis units are quite technologically advanced, but they also have breakdowns:

1. Electrical wiring problems - the start relay does not start due to burnt contacts or damaged insulation. It is possible to repair it at home by ringing these parts, finding a specific place and cleaning it or insulating it.
2. A broken thermostat can be resolved by replacing it.
3. Malfunctions of the PZR (start-up protection relay) - replace the part.
4. Malfunctions of the motor-compressor cannot be repaired at home; they call a specialist who replaces the unit.

With prolonged use, the capillary tube may become clogged; it can be cleaned, but only when the clog is nearby; otherwise, call a specialist.

Units Polyus

Malfunctions of Polus units depend on the type - absorption refrigerator or compression refrigerator. Ammonia absorption units have the following problems:

1. Ammonia leak – damage to the pipeline, accompanied by a strong unpleasant odor. It is not advisable to repair it yourself; it is better to call a specialist.
2. Clogged pipes - if you try to fix it yourself, an ammonia leak may occur.
3. Burnt-out heater - the problem can be solved by replacing the part, which can be done with your own hands at home.

Problems of compressor units:

1. The refrigerator is not cooling - there are many reasons, professional diagnostics are needed.
2. Excessive cooling - freon overflow, can only be eliminated by specialists.
3. The unit does not start - there are a lot of reasons, from a jammed start-up relay to a burnt-out compressor. You need a full diagnosis, which is carried out by a specialist.
4. Freezing of the “fur coat” - check the condition of the seal; if it is unsuitable, then you can replace it at home. When the reason is not in the sealing rubber, they call a technician to diagnose.

Attention! Polyus compression refrigerators have standard problems, which makes their solution easier, but does not make it cheaper.

Operating tips to avoid breakdowns

Many troubles can be avoided if you handle your refrigerator correctly:

• household appliances with a drip system must be defrosted regularly and correctly;
• do not put food into the chamber immediately after defrosting, wait until the compressor operates stable;
• install the unit away from heat sources, adjust the legs;
• treat the inner walls with a soda solution;
• do not ignore the appearance of water under the vegetable drawer;
• Check the refrigerator temperature settings and the condition of the seal.

Simple repair and diagnostics

When performing self-diagnosis, you need to follow the following algorithm:

1. Check the mains voltage, which must be 220 V; when it is less, the unit may not start.
2. Inspect the cord and plug - there should be no bends, creases, or other damage, the components should not heat up or spark (if this is the case, then the malfunction lies here).
3. Check the compressor terminals for functionality when power is supplied - is there sufficient voltage going to the compressor.
4. Without power supply, check the resistance of the winding terminals with an ohmmeter - if the value is up to 20 Ohms, the problem is here (damage or short circuit).
5. Check the control circuits - disconnect the relay wires and close them. If there is contact, the relay, temperature sensor and cord are working properly. When not, check each block separately, removing them.

They check each of the wires; in case of a short circuit, a malfunction of the detector is assumed, which is replaced. When the control circuit is normal, check the start and protection relays by removing the refrigerator cover.

Frequent causes of breakdowns are jamming of the coil core or spring, burnt contacts or a broken rod. These elements are cleaned, and the contacts are also cleaned. When a rod (plastic rod) breaks, it can be replaced with a cut nail. After such a repair, everything is assembled in the reverse order.

Attention! To repair more complex breakdowns, turn to a specialist, since without tools, experience and knowledge, it is virtually impossible to eliminate the malfunction and not “break” the refrigerator.

Manipulations with components

The unit is located at the lower rear of the refrigerator. It should not have any damage, and if there is any, then you are one step closer to making a “diagnosis”.

Having finished with the visual inspection, proceed to checking the windings for integrity. There is also a relay that is responsible for starting the refrigerator. If the contactor fails, the refrigerator will not be able to start.

To diagnose the relay, the flexible wires are disconnected. 99.99% of modern refrigerators have a special designation on the terminals. The integrity of the winding circuit is checked using a tester previously switched to ohmmeter mode. The free edge of the wire is fixed to the contactor of the tester, and the other end of the device is touched to the remaining terminals, monitoring the voltage. In addition, diagnostics of refrigerator malfunctions is performed in pairs.

If the tester needle does not oscillate, the circuit winding or short circuit is probably damaged. If the assumption is confirmed, then the compressor motor will have to be changed.

Results

Sometimes you can repair a refrigerator with your own hands, but a lot depends on the manufacturer and the type of breakdown. Repairing the cooling circuit, as well as electronics, at home is virtually impossible, since the tool needed for this is rarely present in the home repair kit. Even a person who does not understand refrigeration technology, but has basic electrical knowledge, can fix simple “electrical problems” or replace the seal, fix the door, etc.

Video: COMMON CAUSES OF REFRIGERATOR BREAKAGE

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Video: Diagnostics of household refrigerators

Diagnostics of household refrigerators

Watch this video on YouTube

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Mechanical damage

Mechanical damage most often causes repairs. As mentioned earlier, the fastenings for the door or some kind of rubber band may break.

The last case is the most harmless. In order to repair the rubber band on the refrigerator yourself, you will only need this same rubber band.

Often food spoils in the refrigerator precisely because the rubber band no longer fits tightly to the wall, and therefore releases cold from the refrigerator and releases heat.

In theory, rubber bands should last more than twenty years, but in practice it depends more on operating conditions. The main thing is not to harm yourself more than you already are.