Refrigerator works without interruption – 7 ways to fix it yourself

To comprehend the reason behind the refrigerator’s failure to shut off, one must familiarize oneself with the primary causes of its malfunction. The refrigerator operates in a cyclical manner: it switches on and off according to predetermined intervals. The duration of its operational and idle periods is predicated upon the chosen cooling mode and the prevailing external temperature, although at times, internal malfunctions can disrupt this delicate balance within the appliance.

This article covers a wide range of refrigerator models, including those from Russian, Soviet, and international manufacturers. It includes all types of refrigerators – single, double, and triple door models, as well as built-in options. Some of the popular brands covered in this article are Hotpoint Ariston, Ardo, Beko, Bosch, Candy, Daewoo, Electrolux, Gorenje, Haier, Hansa, Hitachi, Indesit, LG, Liebherr, Polair, Pozis, Samsung, Sharp, Shivaki, Siemens, Snaige, Stinol, Toshiba, Vestel, Vestfrost, Whirlpool, Zanussi, Elenberg, Nord, Biryusa, Yuryuzan, Atlant, Oka Sviyaga, Ocean, Minsk, and Don.

How to realize that the refrigerator is defective

It’s quite easy to notice when the products start to spoil, water starts collecting underneath the unit, and an unpleasant smell permeates the kitchen. Conversely, if the device is continuously cooling, you can identify the malfunction by observing the following indications:

1. The compressor makes excessive knocking and rattling sounds. In older models, the motor is positioned at the end and comes in close contact with the floor, frame cover, and cooling pipes on the back wall. As a result, if the motor is constantly running, its mounting becomes loose, leading to rattling and clattering noises.
2. The "Freezer" rapidly freezes. Generally, a layer of ice forms within one week after defrosting. However, if the appliance remains on, the ice layer will form within a few days.
3. Food becomes frozen. The recommended temperature in the refrigerator compartment is +2°C, as its purpose is to cool the food and prevent it from spoiling. If the food near the wall begins to freeze, it is a sign that the compressor is not functioning properly.
4. The refrigerator consumes an abnormally high amount of electricity.

What you need to pay attention to

The most common reason for a household refrigerator to keep running non-stop is usually an internal defect, damage during transportation, or a malfunctioning component. When encountering issues, it is important to check the following:

First things to check:

1. Below you will find some information on temperature settings.
2. The compressor, also known as the motor, is responsible for circulating the refrigerant in the cooling system.
3. The proper functioning of the thermostat is essential for maintaining cold temperatures. When the desired conditions are reached, the thermostat turns off, and when the temperature rises, it turns the motor back on.
4. The amount of refrigerant, a gas that provides cooling, is crucial. If there is insufficient gas, the compressor will continuously produce it to achieve the desired temperature.
5. The condenser, located at the bottom, can become contaminated with oil or dust if not repaired correctly. This contamination can clog the capillaries through which freon circulates, leading to the flow of coolant downwards. As a result, the ice in the freezer melts, while the refrigerator compartment becomes overly cooled.
6. Temperature sensor. The functionality of this device is to monitor the climate conditions and transmit the collected data to the control module responsible for the motor and fan operation. In case of a sensor failure, the thermoregulation process may get affected.

There are various reasons for excessive cooling, including incorrect configurations and damaged keyboard components.

You have set the mode of operation

Often, the refrigerator may not switch off due to an improperly adjusted thermostat.

The optimal temperature range for the main compartment should be kept between 0°C (the freezing point of liquid) and +5°C (the point at which bacteria growth slows down). However, it’s important to note that thermal stratification occurs within the cooling unit, resulting in different temperature zones in different areas. Improperly placing food items can lead to freezing. The recommended distribution scheme is as follows:

• Lower containers (+7°C) – for vegetables, fruits, and herbs;
• Bottom shelf above the containers (+2°C) – for meat and fish;
• Middle shelves (+4°C) – for dairy products, eggs, and soups;
• Top shelves (+7°C) – for garnishes and jams.

The door seal is damaged

With extended usage of the appliance, the door seal might develop cracks, peel off, or burst, leading to the infiltration of warm air.

It may prove challenging to identify when the seal has deteriorated, as warm air enters through tiny cracks and small openings. This causes the cold air to escape from the unit and the compressor to take longer to cool down.

The thermostat has failed

The refrigerator operates continuously for a specific duration to achieve the optimal cooling temperature. The motor and circulation of Freon are then deactivated. After a brief interval, the motor restarts and stimulates the refrigerant (Freon) circulation to achieve the optimal cooling and provide heat to the radiator.

If the thermostat is functioning properly, the cycles will be regular, but if it is defective, the unit will not shut off at the appropriate time.

The correct ratio of active time to idle time can always be assessed by comparing the rated output of the unit (as stated in the manual’s table) with the declared daily energy consumption (an average of 30 kW per month). If the energy consumed exceeds the rated power, the issue is most likely a malfunctioning thermostat.

Running the compressor more frequently due to high ambient temperatures, frequent door openings, or a heavy layer of ice in the freezer will result in increased electricity consumption for your appliance.

High room temperature

A similar issue arises during the summer months when the engine fails to freeze properly – it must engage in emergency cooling mode without pause, resulting in malfunction. To prevent excessive heat, it is advisable to:

• Avoid positioning the refrigerator directly opposite a window;
• Avoid placing the unit on a heated floor;
• Ensure the doors are securely closed.

Furthermore, it is recommended to install an air conditioning unit in the room, which can cool the air as needed.

The cause for the continuous operation of the compressor could be a freon leak, which typically occurs due to the wear and tear of the evaporating system or improper charging.

Visually, this issue is evident from the appearance of oily stains and rust on the walls. In the case of modern models, such as Samsung, a leakage of refrigerant can result in the freezing of snow in the freezer and malfunctions in the control module.

Compressor failure

Older refrigerators are equipped with just one motor, so if it fails, it is easy to detect as there will be no cold temperature and the motor will not be audible. However, newer two-compartment models like Whirlpool or Samsung Know Frost have two compressors, one for the freezer and one for the main chamber. In the event that one motor fails, the other one will continue to work as normal, but it will take longer to maintain the desired temperature.

If this occurs, an Alarm sign in the form of a red light will appear on the panel, indicating an error.

Evaporator nozzle failures

The evaporator nozzles are an integral part of the engine and have a significant impact on the overall cooling system. In many cases, their failure can be attributed to the formation of ice clots caused by improper engine operation or seal damage due to mechanical issues. The following are the main causes of these breakdowns:

1. Overheating: When the engine generates excessive heat and raises the temperature beyond the designed limit of the nozzles, it can result in a breach of their seal.
2. Contamination: The cooling system should ideally only have refrigerant and oil. Any other substances, such as air, moisture, dirt, dust, or debris, are considered contaminants. These contaminants can enter the system due to poor maintenance practices or improper defrosting procedures.

Issues with the control module

Modern refrigerators come with a sophisticated electronic system that safeguards against voltage fluctuations, short circuits, and other problems.

The control module is responsible for the proper functioning of all electronic systems. Problems can arise if there is a disruption in the contact integrity within the unit or if the software is installed incorrectly. An expert technician can identify the precise cause by testing the module using a computer.

If the malfunction is not due to the control module, it will indicate the location or cause of the problem by displaying an error code on the backlit display. For example, in the Bosch electronic display system, the screen will show an error code pertaining to the temperature sensors.

Single-compressor model faults

In older models, the motor cools both chambers, resulting in more frequent breakdowns compared to dual-compressor appliances. Each unit has its own specific malfunctions. For instance, Liebherr units often encounter malfunctions when the outside temperature falls below +16˚C or rises above +32˚C. Possible issues include premature breakdowns of the thermostat and motor malfunctions.

Some Nord models may experience problems with the starter relay and temperature sensors during extended freezing periods, while Atlantes often suffer from failures of thermostats and defrost sensors due to an increase in the outside temperature. Models with a single compressor necessitate more frequent part replacements and maintenance at a company service center.

• If the temperature rises immediately after transportation or defrosting;
• If there is a voltage drop in the mains, the microprocessor will restart and the motor will start again;
• If there is improper maintenance, such as loose closing of the door, irregular defrosting, or damage to the cooling plate.

Additionally, the noise from the fans of units with a No Frost system is often mistaken for a malfunction because it sounds similar to the noise of the motor.

When your equipment breaks down, it is essential to have the operating instructions, necessary tools, and knowledge to repair it.

If your refrigerator fails to shut off, there are several steps you can take to fix it:

1. Replace the door seal. Follow the instructions to remove the worn-out material and replace it with a new one that matches the original.
2. Install a new temperature sensor. Select a sensor that is compatible with your refrigerator model, and before replacing it, use a multimeter to check the entire connection scheme.
3. Recalibrate the control module. If the motor continues to run continuously, it could be due to incorrect computer settings. Consult the instructions to change the settings accordingly.