The refrigerator turns on and after a few seconds turns off: possible causes and solutions

The refrigerator is an indispensable device in every home. The breakdown of such necessary equipment causes great inconvenience. During operation, the refrigerator motor does not work constantly, but is periodically turned on and off, and this is the norm. Depending on the mode selected, the periods of work and rest are different. But when the refrigerator turns on and turns off after a few seconds, this clearly indicates its breakdown. Depending on the causes of the breakdown, repairs can be made at home, or by contacting a qualified technician for assistance.

Why does the refrigerator quickly turn off?

The problem is that the refrigerator turns on and after a few seconds turns off - it can be caused by several reasons, among which:

1. Differential voltage or stably low voltage in the network.
2. Malfunction that occurred in the start-up relay (it may be broken or burned out).
3. Faults, failure in the electronic board (only in modern units).
4. The compressor, the part, which is responsible for the movement of the coolant through the cooling system, broke down.

To determine the cause of the breakdown, you can listen to the sound when the refrigerator turns on and immediately turns off. For example, if the device only works for a couple of seconds, and then turns off with a loud click, then most likely the problem is a compressor fault or a start relay that starts the motor.

In the case when the duration of the intervals of operation of the refrigerator is violated, it is worth checking the electronic unit of the refrigerator. It can give incorrect signals about turning on and off.

To correct the breakdown, you need to find out the reason for this behavior of the unit.

Electrical instability

To begin with, one should exclude such a banal reason as the voltage drop. It is enough to turn on the incandescent lamp and track its operation. If the lamp flashes, the intensity of light changes slowly (it becomes dimmer, then brighter), then the reason that the refrigerator turns on and after a few seconds turns off is the insufficient voltage in the network. In this case, it is necessary to disconnect the equipment from the network in order to avoid its breakdown. If the fluctuations occur frequently, then it's worth thinking about network filters, stabilizers, fuses, or about setting up a transformer and optimizing the supply of electricity to the premises.

Improved operation of the start relay

In refrigerators of old models and assemblies of domestic manufacturers, the compressor motor is controlled by a start-up relay. Its main function - the adjustment of the motor, turning on and off after a certain period of time so that the motor does not overheat. In the event of a breakdown of the relay, the refrigerator turns on and after a few seconds switches off arbitrarily. To determine such a malfunction, you can visually inspect the disassembled part. Such a breakdown is frequent and easy to fix.

The starter relay is inexpensive, so its replacement will not affect the pocket of the owner of the refrigeration equipment.

The compressor broke down

If the voltage and start relay are all normal, you should check the "heart" of the refrigerator. Compressor breakdown is also common, however, replacement of this part will entail great costs. In the case when the refrigerator is old, the more correct solution is the purchase of a new unit. But if the owner is sorry to part with an old friend, then the replacement of the compressor will be quite expensive.

The compressor is the most important part of the refrigerator. It pumps the Freon, which is in the gaseous state from the evaporator and feeds it to the condenser under pressure. The gas is compressed and cooled, passing into a liquid state. In the liquid state Freon again gets into the evaporator and absorbs heat. The refrigerator does not work without a compressor. To determine the integrity of the compressor, it is sufficient to measure the resistance of its windings. If the device showed a nominal value, then the reason is different. The failure of the compressor can be caused by damage to the winding, the closure between its turns, wedging the motor. In this case, the motor continues to work, but with increased load, which leads to its overheating. In turn, the relay switches off when the motor overheats, which causes the refrigerator to turn on and turn off after a few seconds. The compressor is not being repaired, this part needs to be replaced to solve the problem.

The operation of the electronic control unit is broken

In modern refrigerators in the diagnosis should pay attention to the electronic board (electronic unit). In the age of technology, household appliances are increasingly supplied with electronic cards. With their help, the refrigerator is switched on and off. In the case when the electronics are broken, the commands start to act systematically, so there can be a situation when the refrigerator turns on and immediately turns off. What to do in this case? The malfunction of this board may be a defect during soldering during production, falling on the electronic condensate unit, etc. It is possible to detect such a breakdown only with full diagnostics using specific equipment. The electronic unit may need to be flashed for further work, or its replacement is necessary.

Conclusion

If the refrigerator turns on and after a few seconds turns off, the reasons can be different. You can try to eliminate them yourself, for example, replace the relay, or arrange the supply of electrical energy under sufficient voltage. In more complex cases, when special knowledge and skills are required to repair the breakdown, it is better to invite an experienced master. He has all the necessary equipment and spare parts for diagnostics and repair of household appliances, as well as will give a guarantee for spare parts and work performed.