I woke up and my freezer had stopped working. Moved all the food, so that’s not a problem. Here’s the real question: I plug in the freezer and it hums like it’s about to start working again, but then I hear a click, and it remains dead. What’s going on there? Thanks.
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Cause 1
Start Relay
The start relay provides power to the compressor. If the start relay isn’t working properly, the compressor may run intermittently or not at all. If the compressor won’t run, the freezer will not cool. To determine if the start relay is defective, unplug the freezer and remove the start relay from the compressor. Use a multimeter to test the start relay for continuity between the start and run terminals. If the start relay does not have continuity, or if it smells burnt, replace it.
This is probably your part and the video shows you how to test it:
https://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/...
Cause 2
Compressor
The compressor is a motor which compresses the refrigerant and circulates the refrigerant through the evaporator and condenser coils. Use a multimeter to test the continuity between the electrical pins on the side of the compressor. If there is an open circuit, the compressor is defective. If the compressor is defective, it must be replaced by a licensed technician. If the compressor does not appear to be defective, test the start relay and run capacitor. If the start relay or run capacitor are defective, they will prevent the compressor from running.
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Hi,
To add to the answer, here's a link to just one supplier of the parts for the freezer. (click on the "cabinet parts" link in the webpage)
It mentions a 'relay cover" but not the relay itself. If there is one there should be markings on it to identify it.
There is also a run capacitor mentioned as well.
I'd start with either of these two first and see if that fixes it.
You could always see if their returns are applicable if the part you order is not the cause of the problem. Just a thought.
Thank you so much. I'll try these steps/ideas. Makes a lot of sense.
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2 Comments
Hi ,
What is the make and model number of the freezer?
Sounds as though the compressor is trying to start and can't.
It may be a start relay or capacitor problem, hopefully not a compressor problem
by jayeff
Hi, thank you for answering. The freezer is a Magic Chef brand. Model: MCUF88W.
by sxdavis1