To determine if your freezer compressor is running, check if it emits a low hum, feel for a warm, slight vibration at the lower back of the unit, and verify that food stays frozen. A functioning compressor—the heart of the cooling system—regulates temperature through active cycles.
Testing a freezer compressor requires checking its electrical windings and ground using a multimeter to ensure they aren't shorted, broken, or grounded.
To reset a freezer compressor, disconnect the unit from power (unplug or flip the circuit breaker) for 5 to 10 minutes. This clears system faults and allows internal pressures to equalize. Restore power, then verify the temperature controls are properly set.
Reset Power
For Refrigerators and Freezers to maintain the proper temperature, the compressor will run much of the time. Refrigerators and Freezers have compressors that are designed to run 80% to 90% of the time.
Factors To Consider
Your compressor will usually last 8-10 years. If you start having issues with your compressor before this time frame, it might be worth looking into options for repair, but if it's hitting the average lifespan, it might be more worth it to replace entirely.
On average, most refrigerators run for about 45 minutes to an hour before taking a break. This means the compressor is actively cooling your food for around 80–90% of the day. The cycling rate also depends on factors like room temperature, how full the fridge is, and how often the door is opened.
The most common cause of refrigerator compressor failure is overheating. Overheating places extreme thermal stress on the motor and internal moving parts, ultimately leading to mechanical seizure or motor burnout.
If your fridge compressor isn't working, it’s usually because of a faulty start relay, a bad start capacitor, or an overheated overload protector. Often, an inexpensive replacement of one of these parts can save you from buying a new refrigerator.
When a refrigerator compressor fails, it stops circulating the refrigerant required to absorb and remove heat. Consequently, the appliance loses its ability to cool. The internal temperature will rise, causing food to spoil rapidly, and you will likely hear strange clicking or humming noises from the back of the unit.
Most freezers do not have a dedicated, physical "reset" button. Instead, you can reset the freezer's internal computer or clear system errors by performing a hard power cycle. Unplug the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes, then plug it back in to reboot the system.
Green = Run. The green run light indicates the compressor is running. If the indicator is dark it does not mean the unit is off. The compressor only runs when the compartment temperature is too high.
The reset button is almost always located on the electric motor itself—usually on the side or back near the terminal box. It typically sticks out as a small rubber-covered or exposed black/red button, sometimes labeled "Circuit Breaker".
Yes. If the device has separate compressors for the fridge and freezer then it's perfectly possible for one to fail and the other keep working. Generally the cheaper the fridge/freezer the more likely it is to only have a single compressor.
The compressor, coils and control board are the most expensive repairs. Your fridge's brand, model and size, plus your location, will impact repair costs. If your refrigerator is more than 6 years old and it will cost you more than half its original price to repair it, consider replacing it instead.
If your fridge is making loud clicking noises, constantly running without cooling, or failing to turn on entirely, the compressor may be bad. You can confirm a failing compressor by checking the electrical pins with a multimeter or observing the motor's physical behavior.
Compressor Troubleshooting Guide
Most refrigerator compressors are designed to last 10-15 years with proper maintenance. Premium models may last up to 20 years. However, factors like ambient temperature, usage patterns, and maintenance significantly impact lifespan.
Whether fixing a refrigerator compressor is worth it depends mostly on the age and cost of the fridge. Compressor replacement typically costs $500 to $1,200+ for parts and labor. If your appliance is over 8–10 years old or the repair exceeds 50% of the cost of a new fridge, you should generally replace the appliance instead.
A common sign of compressor trouble is a repeated clicking noise as it tries and fails to start. You may also hear loud humming, buzzing, or knocking sounds. When the compressor isn't working properly, refrigerant may not circulate correctly, leading to frost or ice inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
How to reset a refrigerator compressor
Refrigerator compressor replacement typically costs between $350 and $1,250 total, with average repairs landing right around $500 to $700. This wide range depends heavily on your location, the refrigerator's brand, and the specific size of the unit.
Check for any tripped breakers or blown fuses that might be cutting power to the refrigerator or freezer. This simple check can sometimes solve the problem without further intervention. Start Relay Issues: If the unit has power but the compressor isn't running, the problem might be a faulty start relay.
If your refrigerator is working but the freezer isn't, the problem usually comes down to airflow restriction, a failing defrost system, or a faulty fan. Because the fridge relies on cold air from the freezer, a blockage stops the freezer from reaching freezing temperatures while keeping the fridge somewhat cool.
Testing a refrigerator compressor relay involves removing the relay from the compressor and checking for continuity or resistance using a multimeter to confirm it is not burned out or faulty. A faulty relay often causes a clicking sound and prevents the fridge from cooling.