Help with a refrigerator problem?

Question

my fridge was cooling slow , then when it got turned to colder it stop cooling all together now the compressor don't turn on at all . how can i test or jump the compressor to see if it still works or if i just need a temperature switch .

Answer 1

Most likely the compressor is gone; safe yourself the money and effort and start looking to purchase a new refrigerator. You can try unplugging the unit, let it completely defrost for 24-48 hours and trying to restart it.

Answer 2

As you suspect, the temperature switch may be broken.  You can check to see if the compressor is getting power by using a non-contact probe made by Greenlee:

http://images.lowes.com/product/783310/7...

This probe costs around $15 and can be bought at Lowe's.  It will chirp and a light will flash when you bring it into proximity to a live power wire.  It is not necessary to make contact with the conductor in a wire.  It's a handy tool to have if you do any home electrical work.

With this probe, you can easily determine if there is power going to the compressor.  If there is no power at the compressor, then the temperature switch or possibly the defrost timer is malfunctioning.  If you have a wiring schematic, the probe will help you to find the problem.