Hello dear experts. I have similar issue than the one explained in the http://forum.appliancepartspros...-fridge-not-cooling.html thread.

The compressor keeps going on and off and the freezer is only getting to 32F.

So I am about to order the overload and relay kit for the model, here is my question though. The expert suggested to also test the compressor windings and grounding, but I am not sure I understand how to do so. I mean I know how to test Ohm, but I am not sure I understand where to find the windings and how to test the grounding as well.

If you can just point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

Attached the diagram of the Upper Unit Assembly with the compressor and other parts.

Thank you!

Ola

Dear Richappy,

Thank you for your reply. all other causes were tested already, but thank you for listing them, that gives me confidence that we actually did the proper testing to identify the problem.

Here is what really happen - the compressor would not start after a power surge or my kid left the freezer door open, or both. The repairman came and replaced the relay with 3 in 1 HS810 relay. Since then the compressor behaves like I described. The technician said that it might be a faulty thermostat and suggested to order a new one. I started to have second thoughts about validity of the whole story and decided to educate myself.

What I have found is that the HS810 not only should not be used in my fridge but more importantly only can be used up to 1/5 HP. My compressor is at least 1/3 HP if not more - I have 30 QF big mama refrigerator.

Thinking that this relay and the built in run capacitor simply have not enough juice to power on the compressor for extended period of time to get it the freezer to freeze.

this is why the first thing I did is to order genuine parts for the refrigerator relay and overload + run capacitor (just in case, even though I think it is fine) and replace the 3 in 1 with the proper relay. If that does not work then we probably have the control board issue.

Thoughts?

For all folks reading this post here is the link to the post how to test compressor windings.

How to Test Refrigerator and Freezer Compressors

Also great site to educate yourself on appliance repairs.

As professional refrigerator repair in Virginia I love your post. It really helped me to understand something that I was't know.

Thank you

The hp rating is set by the internal device overload trip point, the start capacitor may be a different value.
There are two major problems with these devices;
1) no thermal overload and the internal overload is not a crisp acting Klixon type
2) The start capacitor provides destructive overload currents to the start winding during power spikes.
This device will provide up to 60 amps of current during power transients. If the transients are close together, the rms power will exceed 6 kwatt! This level is a educated guess as power line inductance, proximity to the substation, use of surge protector, and other factors are involved.
Typically, both windings will explode open and put molten solder on the compressor motor frame, thus shorting it to ground.
This only applies to the modern, fractional hp R134A compressors as they are designed for high efficiency, but with no impedance protection.
I do not even recommend them for the old R12 compressors as they can cause house fires!