GE Arctica Refrigerator Help!!!!!

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
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1

Hello all. I am new to this site. I have been browsing around and this seems like a very helpful site with lots to learn.

I came home today to all of my frozen food not so frozen.
Noticed that the fan was running but now blowing cold air.
I removed the back panel inside the freezer and the coil was not cold.
I then removed the back plate on the refrigerator and noticed that the fan was blowing but the compressor was not turning on. I unplugged the refrigerator and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes. When i plugged it in the compressor turned on and then within 30 sec it shutdown.
I saw that there is a capacitor under there with a orange wire and white wire connected to it. I removed this capacitor and now the refrigerator will stay running. Is the solution just to replace the capacitor?? Is there something else wrong that can cause this?? I also noticed when i pulled the fridge out from the cubby that it is recessed in that the back intake vents and coil were extremely covered with dust. i cleaned it all off. could this have caused the compressor to overheat and not turn on. after cleaning all of this i then reinstalled the capacitor and fridge has been running for about 2 hours now with no issues. did the compressor just need more than 3-5 minutes to reset itself. any ideas???
sorry for all the questions, just trying to learn and not get ripped off.

thank you,
Greg

3

I would test that capacitor just to be sure, but its probably not the issue. the issue most likely WAS all that thick dust, preventing any cooling of the compressor. the reason it finally started after you cleaned the dust, the compressor had a chance to cool down, since the compressor itself will shut off if it gets too hot. make sure the fan motor by the compressor is running fast, the blades should be a complete blur if its rotating fast enough. Lastly, since it is in a cubby hole, make sure you have enough ventilation for the warm air that naturally is emitted from a refrigerator, can vent into the kitchen air.