How Do I Reset My Refrigerator Compressor

A refrigerator compressor is the part of the fridge that compresses the refrigerant and circulates it through the evaporator and condenser coils. The compressor is responsible for maintaining the temperature and cooling performance of the fridge. Sometimes, the compressor may malfunction or stop working due to various reasons, such as power surges, overheating, or clogs. In this case, you may need to reset your refrigerator compressor to restore its normal function.

Resetting your refrigerator compressor is a simple process that involves unplugging the fridge, turning off the fridge and freezer controls, pressing the reset button on the compressor, and plugging the fridge back in. However, before you reset your refrigerator compressor, you should check for any signs of damage or leaks and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

How to Reset Your Refrigerator Compressor

Here are the general steps on how to reset your refrigerator compressor:

• Unplug your fridge from the power source and wait for a few minutes for it to shut down completely. You may hear some noises or clicks as the fridge cools down. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
• Turn off the fridge and freezer from the control panel inside the fridge. Set them to zero or off position. This will prevent any power fluctuations or surges when you plug the fridge back in.
• Locate the compressor at the back or bottom of the fridge. It is usually a black or silver cylinder with wires and tubes attached to it. You may need to remove a cover or panel to access it.
• Find the reset button on the compressor. It is usually a small red or black button near the terminals or wires. If you can’t find it, refer to your owner’s manual or contact your manufacturer for assistance.
• Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds until you hear a click or beep. This will reset the compressor and clear any errors or faults.
• Reconnect any wires or tubes that you disconnected from the compressor. Make sure they are secure and not loose or damaged.
• Plug your fridge back into the power source and turn on the fridge and freezer from the control panel. Set them to your desired temperature settings.
• Wait for at least 24 hours for the fridge to stabilize and reach its optimal temperature. Avoid opening and closing the fridge door too frequently or placing hot food inside.

Why You May Need to Reset Your Refrigerator Compressor

There are several reasons why you may need to reset your refrigerator compressor, such as:

• The fridge is not cooling properly or at all. This could be due to a power outage, a faulty thermostat, a dirty condenser coil, or a low refrigerant level.
• The fridge is making loud or unusual noises, such as buzzing, humming, rattling, or clicking. This could be due to a loose or worn-out fan motor, a blocked fan blade, a faulty relay switch, or a defective start capacitor.
• The fridge is leaking water or refrigerant. This could be due to a cracked or clogged drain pan, a damaged water line, a faulty ice maker, or a punctured refrigerant line.

When to Call a Professional for Your Refrigerator Compressor

Resetting your refrigerator compressor may not always solve the problem. Sometimes, you may need to call a professional appliance repair service for help. Here are some situations when you should call a professional for your refrigerator compressor:

• The reset button does not work or is missing. This could mean that the compressor is damaged beyond repair and needs to be replaced.
• The compressor is hot to touch or smells burnt. This could mean that the compressor is overheating or short-circuiting and poses a fire hazard.
• The compressor is leaking oil or refrigerant. This could mean that the compressor is cracked or corroded and poses an environmental hazard.
• The compressor makes loud or constant noises even after resetting it. This could mean that the compressor is failing or has internal problems that require diagnosis and repair.

Conclusion

A refrigerator compressor is an important component that keeps your fridge cool and fresh. If your fridge is not working properly, you may need to reset your refrigerator compressor by following some simple steps. However, if resetting your refrigerator compressor does not fix the problem, you may need to call a professional appliance repair service for help.