Refrigerator compressor cycles on and off

[gromit805]

I've got an old Kenmore frostfree refrigerator. The compressor turns on for 3 seconds and then turns off. This repeats itself every 15 seconds or so, sometimes doing this for hours. Eventually the compressor turns on and runs as it should. Then the next time the compressor needs to run it goes through this same routine.

Is this something I can fix myself with just a part or two?

Is it safe to run the refrigerator like this or do I need to get it fixed immediately?

Thanks.

[nomind]

Hi gromit805,
- this sounds like you may need a new compressor , or at least a technician to re-charge the coolant. :cool:

Do it Right -Do it once.

[GregH]

gromit805,

The compressor will be cycling on the thermal overload protector and there could be a few things causing this.

If yours has a fan underneath near the compressor to cool the condenser coil it could have failed. If you have a condenser coil on the back of the fridge you will not have a condenser fan underneath.

The condenser of either type could be dirty causing the compressor to overheat.

It is possible that a low refrigerant level could cause the compressor to overheat but if the fridge cools properly when it eventually runs this will not be the problem.

There is a possibility that the thermal overload is weak and tripping prematurely. This could be caused by the condenser coil being dirty over an extended period of time. It is located on the compressor along side the starting relay.
The starting relay could be defective. This would cause the compressor to not start right away.

Last is the possibility that the compressor is starting to go.
A mechanical problem couild be causing the overload to do its job by cutting out the compressor when it overheats.
Compressor would need to be replaced if this was the case.

You could try cleaning the coils if it is needed and then attempt to replace the relay and overload but other than cleaning it may be a bit frustrating if you have never done this before.
Often the wires within the relay compartment never want to go back into the box as easily as they come out.
I'd say call a qualified repair person.

I would suggest you deal with this soon as the compressor can be damaged by this if there is nothing wrong with it.

[gromit805]

Thank you for the detailed replies. I guess I will get a qualified repairman to look at this.