Why Is the Fridge Compressor Hot But Not Running? (Fixed) -

The fridge compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the system. It is often noted as one of the most important functional components of a modern fridge.

If the refrigerant does not get to where it needs to be, the appliance stops cooling.

This is why it’s important to understand what’s going on if the fridge compressor is hot but not running.

If a fridge compressor is hot but not running, this means the fan has blown out or the compressor needs to cool down. To fix this issue, start by unplugging the fridge and letting the compressor cool for 15-20 minutes. If it doesn’t work, this means the fan and/or compressor have to be changed.

If you are lucky, it is just going to be the fan that has blown out.

However, there are situations where the fan was the root cause of the problem but it also ruined the compressor due to sudden overheating.

In most cases, you can fix the issue by unplugging the fridge and letting it settle for a bit. Try this a few times and see if it works.

Here is a detailed look at what is required when you are dealing with a fridge compressor that’s hot but not running.

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How To Fix A Fridge Compressor That’s Hot But Not Running

1. Unplug The Fridge

When the refrigerator compressor is hot, this is a sign of trouble.

It is not good for this part of the fridge to start overheating. When a refrigerator compressor overheats, you will want to immediately unplug the fridge.

The goal here is to let the fridge and compressor settle.

This can also reset the compressor and its surrounding components (i.e. the fan).

By doing this, you can see whether or not the fridge starts working when you plug it back in. If it does, the fan will start running and the compressor is not going to remain hot.

If it does not, this means the fan and/or compressor are gone.

2. Check The Fan

You will want to check on the fan to see what’s going on.

Most people will notice a change in noise when the fan is fading. It might get quieter, while others start buzzing.

It depends on what is going on with the fan.

If you notice something is wrong during the inspection, it is likely time to replace the fridge fan.

3. Replace The Fan And/Or Compressor (If Necessary)

If the fridge compressor is not running, you will have to understand the reality of the situation as soon as possible.

It is likely a repair job on your hands.

Two components can become a problem with a fridge compressor that’s hot and buzzing.

With common refrigerator compressor hot troubleshooting, you will begin with the basics like unplugging the appliance. This is good, but it might come down to the fan and/or compressor getting blown out.

It’s common for this to happen with older fridges.

Should A Refrigerator Compressor Be Hot To The Touch?

It is common for a refrigerator compressor to be hot to the touch. However, the surface temperature should remain below 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything past this number can indicate overheating and will impact the appliance’s performance.

It is recommended to keep tabs on this number when the fridge compressor starts acting up. You will know it’s overheating as soon as the fridge stops cooling.

Why Is My Fridge Compressor Really Hot?

A fridge compressor can become hot when the fan isn’t functioning properly. Since the fan doesn’t cool the compressor, its temperature begins to rise rapidly. Anything beyond 300 degrees Fahrenheit is unsafe and means the compressor is overheating. When this occurs, unplug the fridge and let the appliance cool down.

Final Thoughts

These are the best tips on how to fix a fridge compressor that’s hot but not running.

If the fridge compressor is hot but not running, the best solution is to unplug the appliance and let it cool down for 15 minutes. If it still does not work, the fan and/or compressor are malfunctioning. To fix this issue, one or both of these components will need to be changed to repair the fridge.

Look into this and double-check whether or not unplugging the fridge helps. The goal is to reset the compressor and that can happen by taking out the power.

Be patient with this strategy and change the component when you have exhausted other options.

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