The refrigerator turns on and does not restart. The refrigerator does not turn on, what should I do?


Today, it is almost impossible for a modern person to live without a large number of various household appliances, where a refrigerator is an obligatory element. But, unfortunately, even the highest quality products from world-famous brands fail, so the situation when the refrigerator does not turn on occurs quite often. This type of equipment provides a person with the opportunity to preserve food, so its breakdown can be called an emergency. This problem needs to be solved urgently, otherwise a person may simply lose the opportunity to eat well at home.

Signs and possible problems

There are a number of signs that may indicate why the unit is not working. If you treat them very carefully, more carefully, you can determine the breakdown yourself. Such signs include the following situations:

    • The light is on, the motor does not work, specific clicks are heard. This may indicate problems with the compressor. Very often the refrigerator clicks but does not turn on, because the compressor has burned out and will need to be replaced. The indicated clicks are produced by the start-up relay, which is responsible for the operation of the engine. Sometimes the refrigerator may turn on and off instantly;
    • The light is on, the motor is not running. If there are no characteristic clicks, but with signs similar to the previous case, there is a high probability that the thermostat, which is responsible for detecting the temperature level in the unit, has become unusable. The control does not receive confirmation that the temperature in the chamber is high, so the refrigerator does not work.
    • The light doesn't light up, the motor doesn't work. This may indicate problems with the mains voltage or a malfunctioning plug.

As a result, it should be noted that the above-described signs are not always informative, since there is no particular variety in these signs (the light is on or off, the motor is working or not working, it clicks or does not click). Therefore, it is simply impossible to say unequivocally why the refrigerator does not turn on. It is advisable to call a specialist who has sufficient experience, the necessary tools and can very quickly identify the true cause of the problem.

Types of breakdowns and their elimination

One of the most difficult breakdowns is the failure of the motor-compressor. If the light comes on when you open the refrigerator door and the unit does not start, you need to listen to the thermostat and the noise of the compressor. If you hear clicks, then there is an almost 100% chance that the compressor has broken down.

If the owner has some experience working with electric motors, he can try ringing the compressor winding. There are three contacts here that must communicate with each other without shorting to the body. If there are short circuits between the housing and some contacts, or the resistance between the contacts themselves does not exceed 20 Ohms, the compressor cannot be repaired. It must be replaced, and only highly qualified specialists should work on this processor.

Another serious breakdown is the failure of the thermostat. If the thermostat is the cause of the breakdown of household appliances, then it is very possible that gas has escaped from the bellows. If there is no characteristic click when the thermostat starts up, most likely there is no contact and, accordingly, the reason for not turning it on is a breakdown of the thermostat.

In this case, you need to look for two wires connected to the thermostat, and then remove them from the terminal. Next, these wires need to be tightly connected. This method allows you to check the operation of the device. If the regulator reacts and turns on, it means it needs to be replaced. If this does not solve the problem, it would be a good idea to test the defrost button (if equipped).

If the defrost button works normally, you need to test other elements of the refrigerator that are powered from the electrical network. This can be done using an ohmmeter. The starting and protective relays are subject to a similar check. Often they are located in a common building. If a break is detected, the non-working part must be replaced with a new one. If no defects are identified in all of the above points, then most likely the reason lies in the electrical circuit of the household appliances, and this is a job only for a professional.

The next reason why the refrigerator does not work is problems with the network. If the problem is really in the network, then the owner is lucky. For normal functioning of the refrigerator, the electrical voltage must be in the range of 200 - 240 V. When this indicator goes beyond the specified limits, an emergency shutdown of household appliances occurs. This is especially true for modern refrigerators, which may not turn on even with minor deviations.

Most non-professionals completely forget about checking the network and start looking for the problem “internally,” which often leads to big problems and breakdowns. Therefore, if the light does not light, you must first check the operation of the socket. For example, you can try connecting the refrigerator to a different outlet that is definitely working.

Often there is no voltage problem, but the cause lies in a faulty power cord or plug. After replacing these elements, the functionality of the unit will be fully restored. This type of repair is very easy to do yourself, without the involvement of specialists.

You walked into the kitchen and...

  • opened the refrigerator and found that it was “warm”, but it did not turn on,
  • heard that the refrigerator makes clicking noises, turns on and then turns off,
  • heard nothing - the refrigerator motor has not been running for more than half an hour

This means that some problems have arisen in your equipment, which is why the compressor does not work. We will look into the reasons why the refrigerator does not turn on in our article.

The first thing to do is check if the light in the refrigerator is on. If there is no light, and the refrigerator does not turn on at all, we inspect all communications: plug, socket and cord. Perhaps the problem lies precisely there.

The second reason why a completely serviceable refrigerator does not work applies only to the newest models of refrigeration equipment: perhaps the refrigerator turned off due to improper installation, wear on the rubber seal, or damage to the door hinges. In any of these cases, warm air from the room enters the refrigerator chambers. The refrigerator “understands” that freezing is useless and simply turns off the compressors. If the refrigerator is equipped with a display, most often the corresponding error code is displayed on the screen. The light in the refrigerator itself is on.

However, such “smart” behavior of refrigerators is still rare. Most likely, if the cord and socket are in order and the refrigerator does not freeze, it means that something has broken in the unit itself.

Failures in which the refrigerator does not turn on

    If the refrigerator turns on and then turns off, the light is on in the chamber, clicks are heard periodically and it seems that the refrigerator is humming before turning off - most likely the motor-compressor has failed. An interturn short circuit or winding break may have occurred. In this case, to protect the motor from overload, a protective relay is activated and turns it off as soon as overheating begins.

    The repair consists of replacing the refrigerator motor what will cost from 2400 rubles.*

    If the refrigerator tries to “start up” and immediately turns off, while there is no light in the chamber - most likely - breakdown in the start-protection relay(the most common malfunction of Samsung refrigerators). It is this node that closes the circuit and thus turns the refrigerator motor on or off. If the relay breaks down, the motor does not receive electricity and simply cannot start working.

    To troubleshoot the start protection relay needs to be replaced, which will cost about 1500 rubles.*

    If the light is on in the refrigerator, but the motor does not even try to start, most likely the reason is a faulty temperature sensor(thermostat in electromechanical models or air sensor in electronically controlled units). This unit normally sends a signal to the control center of the refrigerator that it has become too “hot” and it is necessary to turn on the motor-compressor. If the sensor fails, the information is not received or is received incorrectly. As a result, the motor does not turn on.

    The repair in this case consists of replacing the temperature sensor and it will cost about 1500 rubles.*

    If the refrigerator does not turn on at all, turns on and then turns off, or works at uneven intervals, the most likely reason lies in a malfunction in the refrigerator’s control module.

    Diagnostics, flashing or replacement of the refrigerator control board is required- what will cost from 2500 rubles.*

*Repair prices do not include the cost of spare parts. The technician will quote the full cost of the repair after conducting a full diagnostic of the refrigerator, based on the type of breakdown and model of your appliance.

A modern home is filled with a variety of household appliances. What you won’t find here: irons, mixers, blenders, players, computers and TVs. And this is not a complete list. But the most important and necessary item in the achievement of science and technology is the refrigerator. Without it, life can truly turn into a nightmare. It is around the refrigerator that the entire life of the household takes place, and its door slams most often in the house. Even pets feel a certain reverence for this food preservation device. They know for sure that their favorite food is stored there. If the refrigerator does not work, then the whole life in the house is upset. This problem must be resolved quickly and professionally.

You should not try to repair the refrigerator yourself. Such actions can lead to disastrous results. Refrigerator repairs must be trusted to true professionals. The risk in this case is not justified. It is much easier to call a specialist (for example, through our website). Your task is to understand why the breakdown occurred. After all, you will need to communicate your guesses to the master who came to the rescue.

Sometimes a small repair can be carried out by the owner on his own. But this is rather an exception to the rule. In order not to get into trouble because of our own initiative, let's get acquainted with the signs and main reasons that lead to the failure of freezing equipment.

The main reasons for refrigerator failure

The following types of problems in the operation of freezing equipment can be distinguished: electrical and mechanical. Faults of the first type are characterized by failure of relays, fans or fuses. Mechanical problems are easier to fix than electrical problems. These include: case breakdowns, depressurization of cooling tubes or thermal insulation defects.

Is the refrigerator not freezing well or should it not freeze?

The reason that the refrigerator does not work may be a slightly skewed or loosely closing refrigerator door. You can deal with this problem yourself. It is enough to adjust the door by strong tension on the diagonal rods, which are located directly under its panel.

Another reason for the lack of tightness is deformation of the door seal. This happens mainly with old refrigerators. The seal needs to be replaced.

The refrigerator may stop freezing due to problems in the operation of the thermostat, as well as due to the performance of the motor-compressor. The first problem can be dealt with by adjusting the thermostat. In the second case, it is necessary to refill the motor with freon; it is also possible to completely replace the motor.

Poor freezing of models with the NO FROST function may be due to a breakdown of the fan, electric heater or timer. Here the only option for troubleshooting is to replace these elements with new ones.

The refrigerator is very cold

Severe freezing and periodic shutdowns of the refrigerator may be the result of accidentally pressing the button that is responsible for the fast freezing function. The function just needs to be disabled. You can turn the thermostat knob to a higher temperature.

Extreme cooling may be caused by a partial refrigerant leak or a clogged capillary tube. Here you can’t do without the help of a specialist.

Refrigerator leaking

Most often, a refrigerator leaks due to a clogged drain tube. So that melt water can flow through it without delay, the tube must be cleaned.

Another probable reason is a breakdown of the compressor and thermostat. These breakdowns lead to the accumulation of water inside the refrigeration appliance. It is necessary to turn off the refrigerator, defrost it, and call a technician to repair the breakdown.

The refrigerator turned off on its own and will not turn on again

This may happen due to a faulty power cord or plug. But this is only possible if the compressor is not working and there is no light inside the refrigerator. You can fix this problem yourself.

Nowadays it is difficult to imagine our life without household appliances. If you suddenly stopped, you won’t be able to do without it. Any technical device can fail, regardless of brand, model or cost. In order to respond correctly to the next refrigerator breakdown, you should know the reasons why it may occur. It is also necessary to remember that in many cases the refrigerator stops working due to the owner’s violation of operating rules. At the same time, there are cases when the refrigerator does not work as a result of the manufacturer using low-quality parts.

First you need to figure out whether the device is receiving power. If you have certain technical skills, this type of work can be done independently. To do this you need:

In most cases, it is possible to detect a malfunction and fix it on your own. However, there are more serious breakdowns that only qualified craftsmen can handle.

Compressor failure

The compressor is considered the main part of modern devices of any brand, including Stinol or Samsung. It does not matter whether the refrigerator is two-chamber or single-chamber. The compressor operates both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. In the vast majority of devices, this part cannot be disassembled. If the compressor stops working due to a breakdown, it must be replaced.

The reasons for compressor failure can be completely different. This can happen if the Indesit refrigerator has been running continuously for quite a long time. In this case, he could simply burn out. This situation can occur if very hot food is placed in the chamber. The compressor will work without stopping as a result of the thermostat control until the set temperature is established in the chamber. However, before this happens, the compressor may fail. There are other reasons explaining why the compressor does not work: the formation of a large layer of ice in the chamber, insufficient freon pressure in the circuit.

Thermostat failure

This device is designed to maintain a certain temperature in the chambers by automatically turning the compressor motor on and off. It is quite simple to understand that it is out of order.

If the compressor is in working order, but the food is not frozen, due to the fact that the upper chamber is not working, then the thermostat has stopped functioning.

Only a specialist can properly replace it, but you can purchase the part yourself. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the type and brand of the unit.

The refrigerator does not freeze or freezes poorly

The reason that the refrigerator does not work properly may be that the door of one of the chambers is not closed well enough. This situation can arise as a result of not very tight contact of the rubber with the body. The reasons for the deformation of the seal can be different, but basically it allows air to pass through due to its wear and tear. In this case, it should be replaced.

Some users do not consider it necessary to defrost the device as indicated in the operating instructions. If you try to break off pieces of ice from the walls during defrosting, then such actions will lead to the fact that the upper chamber of the refrigerator does not work. Freon may leak due to damage to the inner lining of the housing.

A skewed door also contributes to the penetration of air into the chambers, which causes the device to stop working normally. The situation can be corrected by adjusting it. Directly below the door panel there are diagonal rods.

Lack of normal temperature inside the refrigeration unit can lead to spoilage of the food stored in it. Therefore, after repairing the device, it is recommended to wash it thoroughly using special products that eliminate unpleasant odors. After this, let it dry thoroughly, first opening the doors.

There is moisture in the refrigerator

Drops of liquid may appear on the walls of the chambers, and a puddle may appear below. The joints of the drainage system pipes should be inspected. It is possible that one of them moved to the side. You can try to put the tube back in place, and then the refrigerator will function normally.

Water may flow down because the liquid drainage container has overfilled or changed its position, or the drain tube has become clogged, which can be cleaned using an ordinary fishing line.

The capillary tube may be clogged.

This tube plays an important role in the functioning of the refrigeration unit, since through it freon enters the refrigeration circuit. Clogging of this element can cause the device to stop working. It is not recommended to start cleaning it yourself, as such an action may damage the pipeline. Masters perform the procedure using a special hydraulic tool.

It should be remembered that you should start repairing the refrigerator yourself only when you have been able to visually determine the cause of the breakdown.

If this does not work, you need to contact a specialist.

Doing it yourself can lead to further damage. In this case, the cost of repairs will increase significantly.

If your refrigerator does not turn on, then it is unlikely that it is just a malfunction - most likely, it is a breakdown. You can’t hear the compressor, the food is spoiling, and it’s warm in the chambers? The problem is obvious. In this publication, we will figure out why the refrigerator does not turn on for a long time or at all - you will find solutions for refrigerators of different brands: Atlant, Indesit, Bosch, etc.

First, make sure there is light inside the refrigerator. If you have a new appliance of the latest model, the light is on, but no cold is produced, check that the installation is correct. If the refrigerator is not installed level, the door may lose its tight seal, allowing warm air from outside to enter the refrigerator. Electronically controlled models do not allow the engine to start so that it does not lose its performance. A failure may be accompanied by the appearance of an error code on the electronic display.

If there is no light in the chamber, even in the oldest refrigerator, you need to check the serviceability of the electrics - cable, socket and plug. If the electrical part is in order, but the refrigerator clicks but does not turn on, then a breakdown has occurred. It is worth turning off the equipment until the reasons are determined.

There are also frequent cases when equipment stops working after a power outage - it doesn’t even hum. This is quite possible if you connected refrigeration equipment without a voltage stabilizer.

When the operating mode is disrupted after defrosting, remember if you tried to break off the ice with a knife - you can accidentally damage the evaporator, and the equipment will stop working due to freon leakage.

LG refrigerator won't turn on

Many Ldzhi models operate based on the modern principle of dry freezing - No Frost. There are no special visible traces of refrigeration activity in these refrigerators - there is no ice or snow “coat”. Unfortunately, these technologically advanced models are more prone to breakdowns than their mechanical counterparts. The LG refrigerator may not turn on for the following reasons:

  1. The electronic control unit is broken. This is as important a component of the system as the motor. If the module fails, the equipment will not turn on. To restore the functionality of a part, it needs to be flashed. In extreme cases, the module needs to be replaced.
  2. The motor-compressor has failed or lost performance. The reasons are natural wear and tear of the unit, a voltage surge in the network, violation of operating rules, etc. In this case, you will need a major overhaul of the refrigerator, including reinstalling the compressor, replacing the filter drier and refilling the refrigerant.
  3. The temperature sensors have failed. If the sensor sends an incorrect signal to the electronic unit, the motor will not start, so the device will not turn on.

Why does the Indesit refrigerator not turn on?

Despite the fact that Indesit brand refrigeration equipment has modern technical characteristics, it tends to break down. There may be several reasons why the refrigerator does not freeze or does not work at all:

  • Freon leakage due to corrosion of the steel circuit or damage to the evaporator;
  • compressor breakdown;
  • malfunction of sensors (broken thermostat);
  • wear of the door seal;
  • Motor decompression - part replacement needed.

If the capillary in the Indesit refrigerator with No Frost (or in a regular one) is clogged, the tubes must be purged and the capillary must be partially or completely replaced.

The Atlant refrigerator does not turn on: reasons

It doesn’t matter what kind of Atlant refrigerator you have - a two-chamber or a regular one, if it does not turn on, this could happen for the following reasons:

  1. Failure of the starting protective relay. This part is connected to the temperature controller, which sends a signal to the relay so that it starts or stops the motor. If the PZR is broken, the equipment will not turn on. A broken component needs to be replaced.
  2. Compressor failure. If it is broken, the equipment will not work. It is worth replacing the motor, the drying filter and refilling the refrigerant - carrying out major repairs.
  3. If the Atlant refrigerator does not turn on, but the light is on, the breakdown could affect the temperature sensors or the control board. It is necessary to replace the sensors or restore the functionality of the electronic module.

Problems of the Stinol brand

If the Stinol refrigerator does not turn on, the following reasons are possible:

  1. Refrigerator automatic failure. As a rule, this is expressed in the fact that there is no cold in the chamber, but there is light, but the motor does not start. If the model has two compressors, the second motor may become very hot. The cause of the breakdown may be either the thermostat or the starting protective relay. The No Frost auto-defrosting system (if equipped) could also fail.
  2. When there is no heat in the refrigerator compartment in a model with two motors without No Frost, the problem may be a breakdown of the temperature controller or start relay. But a more likely cause would be a faulty freezer compressor.
  3. In the Stinol refrigerator with two compressors and the No Frost system, the freezer is too warm. Unfold the equipment and carefully check the temperature of the motors: if they both overheat, a failure has occurred in the compressor running the freezer. If one motor is cold, then the breakdown should be looked for in the auto-defrosting system of the freezer compartment. To determine what exactly failed, you will need accurate diagnostics.
  4. If you have a “Stinol” with only one motor, there is no light in its chambers, and the compressor does not turn on or starts and immediately turns off and heats up, it means that it is broken. A major overhaul will be required, including replacing the motor and refilling the refrigerant.
  5. "Stinol" with one motor works constantly without shutting down, the freezer is at the optimal temperature, and in the second chamber it is warm or ice is freezing - most likely there is a freon leak.
  6. The refrigerator does not turn on, there is water under the fruit and vegetable drawers. This situation indicates a clogged condensate drainage system. It is necessary to clean the drainage hole with a baby syringe, wire, cotton swab, cocktail straw or other suitable device. Proceed with caution or contact a specialist.
  7. A large layer of ice or snow accumulates on the walls of the freezer, and the refrigerator does not turn on. The rubber seal on the freezer door may have worn out. The rubber band needs to be replaced.

Malfunctions of Bosch models

  1. The plug, socket or power cord of the equipment is damaged. If there is no light in the chamber of your Bosch model, then contact with the electrical network is not established. Inspect the cord for damage - it may be pinched or torn. Also check the socket and plug. Electrical repair is not difficult for any home craftsman - you can easily do it without the help of a specialist.
  2. The temperature regulator is broken, if there is light in the chamber, but the equipment still does not start. The regulator controls the motor-compressor, determining whether it should turn on or off. If the thermostat does not give any signals, then the cooling cycle does not start.
  3. The motor stopped working. If the compressor turns on and immediately “goes out”, and this is accompanied by a clicking sound, then the problem is in the engine, which needs to be replaced.

Why the Samsung refrigerator does not start: what to do

If your Samsung No Frost (or regular one) has not started for a long time, this is a good reason for concern. Basically, refrigeration equipment of this brand fails for the following reasons:

  • broken power cord;
  • oxidation of contacts;
  • malfunction of the temperature regulator;
  • failure of the PZR (starting protective relay);
  • decompression and loss of engine power.

Refrigerator does not start: for all brands

Practicing mechanics argue that there can be a lot of reasons why equipment refuses to work: either broken sensors or more serious failures - even a breakdown of the compressor or electronics. To narrow down the range of possible breakdowns, check out the general table of symptoms and causes of malfunctions.

Signs of failure Causes of failure, your actions
The light is on, but the compressor is silent. Clicks may be heard from the back wall of the refrigerator - the motor is trying to turn on, but it does not start. The motor burned out. The clicking noise is generated by the starting protective relay (PPR), the function of which is to start and stop the compressor. As a rule, the engine turns off immediately or a couple of seconds after starting. The compressor needs to be replaced.
The electromechanical model has light, but the motor is stopped. Clicking sounds may be heard. Most likely, the thermostat (temperature regulator), which determines the temperature in the chamber, has failed. The control system does not receive signals that there is a lack of cold in the chambers, so the operation of the motor is blocked. The solution to the problem is to replace the thermostat.
In the electronic model, the motor does not work, but there is a light in the chamber. The air temperature sensor of the main chamber is broken. Like the thermostat, it does not report high temperatures to the control system, which is why the compressor remains idle. The sensor needs to be replaced.
The motor does not work, there is no light in the camera. Malfunction of the PZR. This broken part must be removed and replaced with a new one.
The refrigerator does not start. The light is on or off. Control board failure. The sensor signals are not read, which is why the compressor malfunctions and does not turn on. The electronic board needs firmware updating or complete replacement.

If you have Nord, Liebherr, Electrolux or another brand of equipment, use this table as a guide, repair the equipment yourself or call a repairman, and everything will be fine.