compressor seems to run but nothing is cold

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
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1

Hi,

I have researched this site and performed any tests that seemed relevant to my model.

I went overseas for 1.5 years and food was left in the unit while being unplugged.

In the process of cleaning, I damaged (moisture/water) the Control Box (W10175589), so I replaced it from your site. [This part includes the Electronic control (2307037)].

Unit passes all the diagnostic tests except the last one that tests the evaporator fan relay.

The condenser and evaporator fans stay on constantly.

I did this test for the Main Control Board suggested for a similar Model by "Gene":

http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/refrigerator-freezer-repair/281216-no-cooling-either-freezer-refrigerator-sections.html

It passed.

I also did the Compressor test that Gene provided a link to, and it passed.

The compressor seems to be functioning, and I can hear trickling noises of refrigerant coming from the Evaporator coils located inside the freezer.

The compressor sounds very quiet, and does not get hot at all, but I can hear it start and run when I am sitting next to it.

Again, both fans and compressor run constantly, but no heat.

Any ideas?

Can the compressor run, but just not at a high enough power level to cool?

I have a very large hammer and a dull axe, thinking I should create my own testing procedure!

Thanks for any feedback, Mark

3

Hi, Mark.
Open the evaporator cover in the freezer and check the frost pattern on the evaporator coils.If you see the ice forming in one corner or the frost is covering only one row , then it’s a sealed system problem and you need a pro to fix that.
That also could be mucho dinero.

Thank you. Post the results.

Simon.

4

Thanks for the response Simon.

The closest ice is 8 miles away at the Quickie Mart :wink:

This unit has absolutely no cooling at all. Plugged in, with everything ‘working’, or unplugged, is the same.

Thanks, Mark

5

If the system was out of refrigerant, the compressor would get hot. Feel the compressor to see if it is vibrating, if not, you have a starting device problem.

6

Thanks richappy.

Compressor not hot.
I wouldn’t even call it warm.
It is running, however.
Sitting next to the Comp when I plug in the unit, I can hear the control box make a pleasant little click, then the Comp and Condenser fan start simultaneously.

The Comp vibrates, and seems to be working without any stress.
No Rx bottles nearby, so it must be natural. :wink:

Voltage to the Inverter: 124V.

Voltage from each leg from the Inverter to Comp:

All three show 120V from leg to ground. (120V, 121V, 120V)

All three show 205V when tested leg to leg. Does my explanation make sense?

Note: They were 207V…maybe dropping as resistance increases a little?

Thanks, Mark

7

I have left the unit plugged in.
After 3 hours, freezer and refer compartments stay at 70 degrees, surface of compressor has leveled off and stays at 103 degrees.

Power from Inverter to Comp has dropped to 190V (from initial 205V) on all three possible tests between legs/wires.

Can the problem be the inverter?

Control unit?

Can either of these be ruled out?

Thanks, Mark

8

All evidence shows a bad compressor/refrigerant leak. Gauges on the compressor would confirm it.

9

Thanks richappy.

I have an inverted ordered but will return it.

I am confused by your response since the Comp is not hot, which you previously used to rule out refrigerant leak.

I guess it is time to give up and buy a new unit.

Thanks for all your help!

Mark

10

HI, Mark.

I agree with Richappy’s diagnostics. Bad news.

Simon.