Why does my refrigerator compressor keep turning on and off?

An incorrectly adjusted thermostat can cause the freezer’s compressor to start and kick off. The inside temperature of the freezer determines when the thermostat sends the signal to power the compressor. Set the thermostat to a lower setting to see if the compressor starts and then stays on.

What is refrigerator short cycling?

Continuous starting and stopping of the compressor is called short cycling in refrigeration system. Plainly speaking short cycling means the constant repetition of refrigeration cycles within short intervals. This may be caused by a low pressure cut out or high suction pressure cut in, during short time interval.

How often should a refrigerator compressor cycle on and off?

It is typical for a refrigerator compressor to run anywhere between 4 to 8 hours straight before shutting off. In fact, newer refrigerators are expected to constantly run 80-90 percent of their lifetime.

Where is the start relay on a refrigerator?

To find the start relay, locate it by looking in the same compartment where the compressor is located (this is usually plugged somewhere in the back of the main compartment of the fridge). Disconnect the fridge from the power source before opening up that main compartment.

What causes a refrigeration compressor to short cycle?

Compressor short cycling. Insufficient oil in the system. Oil trapping in the system. Probably in the evaporator. Excessively low suction pressure. Excessive liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor (flood back). Defective oil pump or the oil pump inlet screen is restricted.

What does short cycling in refrigeration system mean?

Plainly speaking short cycling means the constant repetition of refrigeration cycles within short intervals. This may be caused by a low pressure cut out or high suction pressure cut in, during short time interval.

How to troubleshoot a HVAC and refrigeration compressor?

Troubleshooting Index Page Compressor – Loss of oil, Loss of oil pressure, or Cuts off on oil pressure control. Compressor short cycling. Insufficient oil in the system. Oil trapping in the system. Probably in the evaporator. Excessively low suction pressure. Excessive liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor (flood back).