How to Test the Compressor on your Refrigerator 

I just tried your method of troubleshooting and found my relay to be bad. I got ohm readings like yours on all my terminals off the compressor and good voltage reading to the compressor. It's people like you that make my day. Thanks so much for your video.

I'm gonna give this a try. I'm disabled and cannot afford even a dollar to pay a service tech to come out and look at this fridge. Plus, I prefer to do my own home repairs, etc, if I can. I had to stop working in 2019 because of my illness and lost several thousand dollars per year in income. I got this beautiful refrigerator for free and it's one I desperately need because I don't have to bend so much and bending causes horrific pain. This is a 2017 Kenmore grab and go fridge with French doors. It's a common problem, I guess, with these refrigerators for them to have problems with cooling. I'm glad I discovered your videos. Pray that this is the solution 😢

It’s real life, kids, animals, I appreciate the consideration of you explaining but you owe no one an explanation. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you. I’m hoping it’s my relay. It’ll be my first refrigeration fix (woman here). Try to find a fix before paying anyone. Thank you, I appreciate the detailed information.

Between multiple videos you shared, I think I found it. I wanted to let you know I appreciate the effort you put into creating informative refrigerator repair...Thank you.

Thank you very much. I needed a refresher cause it’s not something I do every day. My water cooler isn’t cooling. Last time it was the thermostat. Fingers crossed the compressor isn’t shot. Appreciate your video.

Bill, sorry, my 9 year old son was angry about being grounded from the computer and made the comment. I enjoyed your video. It helped me troubleshoot my fridge problem very quickly. Thank you for your work.

This was awesome! It just saved me 1) Buying a new compressor and hiring someone to install. 2) A new fridge! I went to check the compressor, not knowing about the relay, only to see the relay was melted. Popped in new relay today and POOF! Fridge is working like a champ again! Thanks!

Thanks Bill. I started off thinking it was the evaporator temperature sensor, then the compressor, but I quickly found out otherwise by watching a couple of you videos. Ordered the motherboard on Saturday morning and will install on Monday. Thanks for saving me so much time and keeping me from giving in to hiring an appliance technician. Very clear and easy to follow instructions.

A lot of vids say show to test w/o actually showing, thanks for actually showing!

Thanks for the help! I picked up a 3&1 on eBay and fixed my freezer! It was $8.79. Thanks again!!!!

I ordered a replacement control display, replaced it and the freezer now works fine! Thanks for the expertise.

just fixed my fridge with your help, thank you.

UPDATE! I got it going! As i stated i had already replaced the relay, so i thought it was the compressor. It turns out, during the process of me taking the wires off of the old relay, i had loosened the connector, so therefore it was a weak connection. I decided to check it out one last time, because everyone i talked to said it was probably the relay, since it rattled when i shook it. I was going to move one of the 2 wires to another prong, thats when i noticed the loose connection. Tightened it down, and BOOOOOM! Frig working again! Thanks for helping with all the video's! You do an excellent job at it! Just don't forget to emphasize on the tightness of the connectors, that connect to the relay and the overload, because it took me another day on this thing to figure out such a little screw up!

This saved me today, thank you. Long hunt for a good compressor test video. Heavy stress evaporated thanks for info.

You're the first guy that states what setting to set the meter on.

Thanks for ur vid, don't apologize whoever doesn't like it they can take a hike...

Just want to thank you. I see that this video is several years old. I don't know if you respond to comments. But, I'm just a chick trying to help with parents upright freezer. 6 months past warranty. If I could help save them the cost of having someone come out. Still trying to troubleshoot what's even wrong. But I appreciate videos like yours. I did watch the video about hooking up the 3 in 1 to the compressor too. Probably won't do that because we need a permanent solution.

From a pro.... nice job Bill. Very easy to follow for a DIY'er.

Great video Bill, thanks for the information. After watching several other videos, I came across yours which was the most informative and helpful by a long shot. Compressor ended up testing well, but after plugging the relays in and plugging in the power, the compressor would crank up and then very quickly slow down and cease after a loud click from the relays (sounded like a finger snap). I'm replacing the relays as we speak and look forward to resuming normal life. I appreciate your taking time to post the video, cheers! Whirlpool refrigerator model: ED2FHEXVS00 Maunfacture date: 04-2008

You suggest that the resistance values you read across the CRS pins on those compressors is typical of all single-phase compressors. Different make/model compressors have different resistance values, and those model-specific values are typically printed on the compressor's spec sheet or printed on a schematic that is affixed to the refrigeration unit.

Great video, the rooster really made the whole thing come together. THX

Been trying to diagnose my compressor on my boat... I'm thinking wiring issue, since I hear no relay click. Thanks for this video, now my understanding of fridge systems is a bit better. :)

IT WAS VERY, VERY HELPFUL, BESIDES THE ROOSTERS ARE HILARIOUS. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP AND ALL YOU OTHER VIDEOS

Hi! I'm Billy from the Philippines. Like your tutorial video. Learned something from it.

Thanks for the info. I wish I would've seen this video before I bought the 3 in 1 starter kit. I did the ohm test in the same order you did on a mini fridge and my readings were 37, 18, and 21. So I guess my compressor is bad because it does not start. And by the way the rooster bit was hilarious!

I was trying to keep it simple, if you would like to explain it, by all means post a video response or put it in the comment section. Any addition information to this is always welcomed. Thanks for Watching and Commenting!

The best detailed troubleshooting video! Respect 👍

The explanation was too good, easily understandable..

Love the rooster cameo. He steals the show.

Thanks for the info, it was a great help!! It helped troubleshoot my Fridgidaire. Motor was fine and so was the cap. Replaced the compressor controller and it started right up.

Awesome, easy to understand segment. Thank you so much.God bless.

Thanks Bill, great video. You keep things simple-that's right up my ally! Thank you, this was very helpful!

Great job. I had an LG Repair guy out to check our frog (not cooling)... All he did was call LG and they told him to replace a bunch of parts WITHOUT even testing the compressor.... I will no personally check the compressor to better diagnose where to spend my money - Thank you for the video!!

Very helpful and nicely explained! Loved the rooster subplot as well! Thanks!

Replaced Relay and Overload ( without testing them), when compressor not running, fridge not cooling, but internal fans all running. Cost $43 including S&H. Compressor still not running. Bought a multimeter ($20) to check compressor. Although readings bounced around they settle to similar reading as yours. (I assume its the dirt/dust on pins). So compressor is good. Now I'm Looking around at your videos to see what else it could be. Would like to test the 120VAC to compressor as you stated. But I'm worried I may stick multimeter pins on things I shouldn't. Hoping you have other videos. Thanks for this video. Very Helpful! I'm thankful to know I may still be able to save my fridge!

Love this video! Clear, concise, informative -- and funny! THanks for the testing tips...

Coming back to this video. Bummer I can like 2x 😁. Thanks for sharing!

Great Video,,, its short simple to the point. And the added funny of Mr. noisebox is a laugh.

great explanation no matter souring sound.. its helpful. thanks

Wow! Great video. This saved me a couple hundred bucks.

Thank you for the video. Tested my 4-year-old Kenmore Elite/ LG compressor. Bottom center to top left pin gave me an up and down wandering reading between 10 and 15. Top left to top right did not register. Top right to bottom center, no reading. Imagine my disappointment finding a blown compressor on a machine that cost me upwards of 1500 dollars and only four years old. I may just paint this thing yellow and set it in the front yard with their corporate logo's and a lemon sign on it. Really happy that the corporations are making out so well building this junk overseas.

Impressive knowledge, Bill. Great wisdom on the alternative idea of the universal capacitor, will not hurt a thing. The shop in the background looks well organized, I need mine fixed up like that.

Nicely explained, tnx mate.

That was a very clear video Thanks! And roosters? yes,, I know all about those, especially the young ones that go all day long.

Thanks Bill...first for your service, secondly for your video. My fridge died yesterday and my compressor is the culprit. My readings were 7.6, 5, and 3. Obviously the problem. At least now I can get a repairman out here and with a part. THANKS!

These recent videos are my house and garage. I only do repairs for friends family and co workers anymore. lol I used to sub contract for Lowes on my own, for a long time doing warranty service. My nine to five is as an electrician in state college. You may see some electrical videos in the future. Thanks again!

you made it look simple...thank you for making this awesome video.

Great simple video, thank you Bill!

Hello Bill. This video is outstanding and very helpful. I also enjoyed the Rooster crowing. Thanks for posting this video. Clint

Thanks for your videos dude. I have learned so much as a newbie technician. Thanks again 👍

Thanks.. Cool roosters like yours must have some type of relays that never break down...!!

Hi there. My name is Nafees. I watched your video & liked it very much. its really a wonderful video which I was looking for. Thanks.

497 Dislikes for this kind of Help? You guys are just Fully Dunce. Great Content My Guy 😉

Thanks a lot for a lot of IMPORTANT info.

Thanks Lester for your advice, but I think I got the fix. FYI, the back panel plays a very important role. When I had it off, the compressor did not get cool enough and draw huge amount of current afte a few minutes and finally gave in. I put another fan directly pointing at it. With this experiment, I realized that the panel has to be installed so the air can circulate inside. The frig works like a champ now.

Let em crow brother. Just keep the videos coming. Nothing to apologize for!

Thanks for your video. It helped me greatly on how to use and check with my multimeter. One thing could’ve been a tad more definitive on what to set my multimeter dial. Relay didn’t rattle. Problem was motherboard burnt through on the back side. Local store had it in stock. $200 and I’m back in business,

Good info. We have the same soundtrack at our place 😂

Thank you for this video. It has been very helpful.

i never ever buy relays and capacitors,cuz i dont trough these things when a comp is faulty.i,m a cooling technician,like your way of teaching.thank you sir.

Great video and an no problem about the rooster 🙂

Thank you. My old one was 10, 6, and 5.

Thanks Bill for posting this excellent informational video!

Thanks for this video!! It was spot on and an amazing video to save me tons of money on buying a new compressor instead of just the relay!!

very good vidio. very easy to follow and understand..... thank you

Great presentation. Easy to understand Thank You!

I see after market start relay and capacitor combos on ebay new for $7 to around $15. Some name brands like the Shizuki capacitor that came with this fridge are quiet expensive. I just sent an email to a seller with the fridge model and serial number to make sure the one he has for $7.24 will work on my neighbor's Amana made by Whirlpool. While waiting for a response I will check the compressor prongs for the ten- six- four Ohm readings. Thanks Bill for those specs.

SWEET BILL Thanks for sharing Going to test my Freezer tomorrow

very educative. thank you.

I viewed several of your videos and was able to perform the ohms test on the compressor, the amperage draw by the compressor and remove and replace the relay. The relay is slightly different (upgraded) and cost $67 at local parts vendor. My Whirlpool Gladiator from 2003 is cooling again. I have always had the problem of the defrost drain line freezing up and then the defrost eventually spills into the freezer on the bottom. Thanks

Superb demonstration

I enjoyed listen to you explain your video

Thanks Bill. very handy knowledge! Love the roosters

Great tutorial, thank you very much. You were informative and easy to listen to. Will definitely check your channel for other problems I may have in future.

Thank you. I really like your patch cable to with a relay and cap to test running the compressor. I'm going to make myself one of those.

I have to say, after watching many other videos.You are fantastic with your explanations and mostly helpful.

The rooster is not distracting, he's adding a good country tone to the lesson. Now, background music! That's offensive. But you don't add that. So thanks for the fridge compressor lesson.

Great explanation, congrats for your post and appreciate your time and commitment, best regards

Loved the rooster intermission :) Thanks for the help

Great video Bill!

Good Video, My air cond. had quit on me. I went to Heat and Air company for parts the woman asked me IF i knew what I was doing ? I say yeah, I am not giving the guy who lives 1/4 mile from my house $60 to come over and take a look. She would not sell me the parts. She said I might hurt myself or tear something up. So I went to another place and got the parts. I got one of the universal types like the one you shown but I do not remember it having wires. It had tabs for a plug.. At any rate I got it working. Every time I pass by that heat and air place I think about that woman asking me if I know what I was doing. And it keeps getting funnier.

Very good explanation!

Great video. Thanks for giving your time to make it.

Great instructiona with images.... Thank you!

Thanks for the video. Fixed my fridge in about an hour! It was the relay on the compressor, cost with tax $39.00.

I have a mini fridge that I just bought 4 months ago and it worked fine for a while, but then started freezing everything no matter where I set the thermostat. Before I really got a chance to start troubleshooting it it just stopped cooling at all. It makes a click apparently trying to start the compressor, then after 8-10 seconds, clicks off. I replaced the thermostat and still got the same. I measured across the pins on the compressor and the (apparently) good news is that I don't have any OL (I never knew that meant "out of limit" until a different video I watched yesterday) readings across any of the pins. My readings aren't like yours though. Across the 2 bottom pins I read 24.8 ohms - left bottom to top = 7.9 ohms, and right bottom to top = 16.8 ohms. I went ahead and ordered the starter relay - so I'll try that. In case you're wondering why I am not pursuing repair/replacement under warranty, I am. It's just that the manufacturer does not actually offer service. If they determine that you qualify for warranty replacement, they just cut you a check. So I though I may as well see if I can fix it. In the Chicago suburbs, you can't just put it out on the curb. You are supposed to take it into an electronics disposal/recycler and they want 45 bucks to junk it. By the way, full disclosure, I am a semi tractor/trailer truck driver and had the fridge installed in my truck which does a fair amount of rattling around. If I end up replacing it, I will (uncharacteristically for me) spring for the extended warranty. I appreciate your video and went ahead and subscribed to your RU-vid channel. If you get a chance, please let me know if there is anything I'm overlooking. Thanks.

Very insightful thanks 🙏.

Very nice video sir. I'd think you would also test all 3 pins to the housing of the compressor to make sure nothing is shorted to ground I'm no pro though, and the symptoms might be a little more dramatic with a short to ground. Very clear video though, great job regardless of any environmental disturbances hehe.

thanks Bill I can use this on a current refridgerator that I am repairing.

very nice explanation. thank you

Lmao I love the roosters dude!!!

Check your bottom 2 pins get your number in this case 10 then check one pin to common which is 6 the other which is 4. Then add them together and you should get the what the bottom pins together equal. 6+4=10. The compressor is eclectically good. 3+1 hard-starts are the thing to use if a relay has went bad or capacitor.

hey Bill it make sense please also training how to charge refrigerant to compressor air dryer step by step

H Bill, easily a 10 video. The rooster adds a very nice touch. I have all the same things going on. with a 3in1 for $23. It has the labeled parts for the compressor coils and two power ( which much attach to direct power in. I am going to check there web site. If it goes to coil with no earth ground, not sure it makes a difference. but for GFI installs may make a difference.Many need to make it more clear how to connect a 3in1 because of the above (power lines in are not normally both back for hot and return). Of course this 3in1 is made in china. Also I think the black section of the original is the over power relay not the capacitor you mentioned in the vid. The cap is part of the starter. A very important part of the starter.

Thank You Bill, another great video

Great explanation easy to understand l have question for you what it could be the cause when the refrigerant compressor is hot thankyou

the chicken is ready to put in the fridge.nice tutorial bro!

Thanks! Great DIY video. Really helpful. Rooster was good too.

Good video Bill, thanks. My fridge freezer at work stopped working today and I had a quick look to see if I could find the problem. It's getting power to the connector on the compressor, tested with a multimeter, but no fan and no compressor. The lights on the top of the fridge don't come on either. (it has no bulb inside so can't use that to see if there's power). It's a Hotpoint FFA74. I will check the compressor as in your video tomorrow but the fact the fan isn't working concerns me.

Good video. Yours gives Ohm readings for the 3 pins. Better than just a continuity check. Mine had 11.6 ohms/9.1 ohms/2.0 ohms so I guess it is bad.