How To Bypass The Start Relay On A Refrigerator

Try to list off the appliances you have at home that you consider absolutely essential. It likely won’t take long before you list the refrigerator. Even just imagining what could happen if the refrigerator breaks down can be stressful for many homeowners.

Unfortunately, a refrigerator breaking down is not a rare occurrence. One common issue that can plague homeowners is a failing start relay. You can do something about that issue though, even if it is a temporary fix.

To bypass the start relay on a refrigerator you will need to remove the relay system and rework the connections by removing the wires, stripping them, and restoring the circuit using electrical tape. To gain access to the relay system, remove the cover plate and the metal box with a flathead screwdriver.

The entire process can be complicated and is not without risk. You’ll need to try it out yourself if you want your refrigerator working properly again though. Eventually, you’ll also have to request help from the professionals.

Find out more about the relay system and how it affects your refrigerator. You can also read on to learn more about the telltale signs of a busted refrigerator relay.

Before we can discuss the refrigerator relay, it’s important to know more about the compressor first. The compressor is a vital component of the machine. It’s responsible for moving the refrigerant throughout the whole appliance as it works as both a motor and a pump.

Notably, the refrigerator’s compressor is not active all the time. If it was, the refrigerator would not settle at your preferred temperature level. Sensors inside the refrigerator will tell the compressor when to start working in order to achieve the right level of cooling.

This is where the relay becomes important. The main job of the relay system is to kick the refrigerator’s compressor into gear. It’s even responsible for telling the compressor when to shut down.

Simply put, a malfunctioning relay system will lead to the entire refrigerator not working as intended. Foods you have stored may start to spoil if you don’t do something sooner rather than later. That’s why you should also pay close attention to your refrigerator relay.

Want to know if something’s wrong with your refrigerator’s relay system? Smart Kitchen Improvement recommends opening up your refrigerator to perform a quick check. Look at the items inside and check out the contents of the freezer too.

The items inside should obviously be chilled and/or frozen. If they aren’t, that’s probably because the compressor is not working as intended. That issue probably has something to do with the relay system.

The refrigerator relay usually works pretty covertly, but it does tend to produce a sound. It specifically produces a clicking noise whenever it tells the compressor to start working.

Here’s the thing though: That clicking noise will still pop up even if the relay system is busted. They won’t stop just because the compressor remains disengaged. If anything, the clicking noises will become more frequent as the fridge will keep trying to start the compressor.

Take a closer look at your refrigerator as soon as you start hearing those clicking noises. The clicking noises will be heard after every two to five minutes if the compressor remains inactive.

Related Questions

How Can You Be Certain That a Refrigerator Relay Is Broken?

Upon seeing that your refrigerator is not working properly, you may suspect that it has something to do with the relay. Looking for the symptoms will tell you something’s wrong, but to be certain, you have to perform a test.You can follow the steps above to expose the relay system, but this time, you won’t be bypassing it. Instead, you’ll be testing it.Remove the relay from the refrigerator and then shake it around. A rattling sound coming from the inside of the relay means that there’s something wrong with it. You will have to replace it sooner rather than later.

What Should I Do if the Compressor Is Broken?

Addressing the issue of a faulty refrigerator relay is one thing. Figuring out what to do when the refrigerator’s compressor breaks down is a different matter altogether.You’ll have to either call the professionals to fix that problem or replace your refrigerator. When trying to make that decision, consider what kind of refrigerator you have.More expensive refrigerators that have more features are well worth trying to repair. If you have an older and less expensive model, replacing it could be the more cost-effective option.

How Long Can You Keep the Refrigerator in Bypass Mode?

It’s important to note that keeping your refrigerator in bypass mode is not a permanent fix. Your unit could sustain lasting damage if it’s kept that way for too long.Call on the professionals soon after you put the refrigerator in bypass mode so that the relay can be repaired properly. If the relay system needs to be completely replaced, they will be able to help with that as well.