Why does the refrigerator turn on and then turn off after a few seconds: reasons and solutions

Everyone wants their favorite things to last as long as possible. But household appliances tend to break down and fail. This also applies to refrigerators that we use every day. A common situation is the device suddenly turning off a few seconds after turning it on. If this happens systematically, then immediately start looking for the problem and find out how to fix it.

If the refrigerator systematically turns off after a few seconds of operation, then you definitely need to find ways to solve this problem before the device completely fails.

Features of self-shutdown of the refrigerator

Many people wonder why the refrigerator may turn off. Do not immediately panic and look for the causes of the breakdown. The fact is that such switching on and off is systemic, because equipment also needs to rest.

It all depends on the temperature inside and outside the chamber. Sudden changes in external and internal temperatures create additional stress on the parts of the device. Therefore, continuous operation is contraindicated for it, otherwise it will overheat.

Continuous operation of the refrigerator can lead to permanent equipment failure.

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Reasons for the refrigerator to turn off quickly

Periodic starting of the motor-compressor is a normal operating mode of the equipment. At the same time, the refrigerator periodically turns on and off. It works according to this scheme to reduce energy costs, and at the same time the cost of paying for electricity. In addition, this method of operation of the unit makes it possible to reduce the wear rate of working units. Before moving on to the most complex reasons, we consider the simple ones:

• loose fit of the door to the body (cause - deformed seal): cold air gradually leaves the chamber, as a result the motor-compressor tries to make up for the losses, in such conditions it works at the limit of its capabilities, which is why it breaks down faster;
• overloading the refrigerator chambers with a large number of products, as a result, the unit begins to pump in cold more actively, this leads to a reduction in the downtime period, often in such conditions the refrigerator begins to work constantly without turning off.

You can check how the refrigerator works by the characteristic sound that the motor-compressor makes. It differs for different models. For example, the Atlant and Zanussi refrigerators have different noise levels. There are no other sounds when turning it on and off. If they begin to appear (starting and stopping the compressor is accompanied by a click), and the refrigerator turns on and turns off immediately, these are reasons to contact a service center.

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Failures and power surges

Household appliances are designed to withstand significant voltage drops in the network, and they do not turn off under such conditions. This indicator may deviate from normal (220 V) within 170-280 V. But this happens infrequently (in case of unforeseen situations, such as network overload or short circuit). Under normal conditions, the indicator rarely corresponds to 220 V, more often it constantly fluctuates, but the deviations are not too significant for a refrigerator: 215-240 V.

To check what voltage is in the network, connect a voltmeter to the outlet.

An alternative option is to install a voltage relay on the panel, which will allow you to constantly monitor the degree of deviation of this indicator. The refrigerator will turn off and on only if the voltage rises or falls too much. You can also watch the light bulb when it is on: when the voltage changes, it will blink.

Problems with the control unit

Main symptoms: the unit often turns on and off. The reason is a malfunction of the control unit. This node is responsible for the correct operation of the entire device. The reason why the refrigerator often turns on and then turns off, or operates inconsistently, is because the control unit has failed. This node is highly susceptible to any negative influence. If a failure occurs, the power supply will turn the motor-compressor on and off more often. At the same time, there is no consistency (no breaks between work cycles are observed).

Compressor failure

This structural element breaks less often, because it is relatively reliable. However, if all possibilities have been checked and other reasons for the fact that the unit often turns on and off are excluded, then a malfunction of the motor-compressor is considered. It is sewn into a casing and depends on the operation of other components: start-up relay, control unit. If these components are operational, look for another reason for compressor shutdowns:

• mechanical damage;
• the motor is jammed;
• short circuit in the winding turns.

The equipment does not always turn on and off. The refrigerator often stops turning on, regardless of the temperature inside the chambers. To make sure that the compressor is the cause of the malfunction, you should measure the resistance on the windings. If it is not possible to remove this unit and dismantle the casing, a specialist is invited to eliminate the cause of the breakdown.

Malfunction of the start-up relay

Reasons for failure (frequent shutdown, startup or complete failure) of this unit: overheating, wear of the bimetallic plate, malfunction of the contact group. The unit will often turn off, this can happen a few seconds after the refrigerator turns on, but sometimes the relay will work for a while (and turn off if it overheats).

Changing the operation of the refrigerator is based on heating the metal plates inside the start-up relay, which leads to a change in their shape. Accordingly, at this stage the unit can normally be turned on and off from the network without causing suspicion of a breakdown.

Description of problems and their characteristics

If you experience that the device turns off immediately after turning it on, this indicates its abnormal operation. There are several reasons for this “behavior” of the unit.

In addition to the main ones, there are indirect causes of refrigerator failure:

• Thermostat malfunction. The reason here may be not only its breakdown, but also incorrect configuration. The temperature setting inside the freezer may be too low for the system to handle.
• The device quickly loses its temperature. Check to see if the door is depressurized, which allows cold to escape outside.
• The compressor is overheating. In this case, the temperature regime is not maintained as expected.
• The amount of refrigerant is insufficient for normal operation. Check the system for leaks. If they are found, refill the device with freon and fix the leaks.

The main cause of failure may be overheating of the compressor.

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Failures and power surges

Before looking for faults in the device, check if you have voltage failures. This can be done easily using an incandescent lamp. If it blinks, then the reason that the refrigerator often turns on and off is not a breakdown, but an unstable voltage.

In this case, all equipment is disconnected from the network to prevent its breakdown.

Those who experience voltage fluctuations in their home as a frequent occurrence should think about purchasing an electricity stabilizer, surge protector, and fuses. It is advisable to install a transformer that optimizes the supply of electricity to the premises.

To prevent equipment from malfunctioning due to voltage failures in the electrical network, it is worth purchasing a voltage stabilizer.

In older refrigerators, the compressor is controlled using a start-up relay. It regulates turning the motor on and off to avoid overheating. When the relay breaks, the device begins to turn on spontaneously and then turn off.

Upon visual inspection of the parts, such damage is immediately visible. It is easy to fix on your own, especially since it is a very common problem.

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Causes of malfunction

Let's start with a list of reasons. These are standard, common breakdowns, but fixing some of them will be quite expensive.

• The compressor motor has failed.
• The start-protection relay has broken (burnt out).
• Problems with the electronic unit (if the refrigerator is modern).
• Low mains voltage.

Determining the correct cause is the first step towards troubleshooting. They always start with the simplest things. First, they check what voltage is in the network, whether there are surges or sudden drops, inspect the outlet, check the contacts. Then they call the compressor, inspect the relay, and check the condition of the electronic control unit.

Problems with the control unit

If you have a modern refrigerator at home, then check its electronic board (control unit). She is responsible for turning the refrigerator on and off. When it fails, commands to stop and resume work are issued chaotically.

The refrigerator control board is responsible for turning the device off and on.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to diagnose such a breakdown without specialized equipment. The unit can be repaired by reprogramming, or it may need to be completely replaced. Both can be done only in repair shops.

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Causes of breakdowns

The causes of the malfunction may be:

• mechanical wear of the contact group in the relay;
• wear of the compressor for pumping freon;
• power outages, high or low voltage in the network;
• improper operation of the refrigerator;
• bad place for installation (for example, near heating radiators).

Let's take a closer look at the most common of them.

Start-up relay

As the name implies, this relay is designed to protect the engine from overheating and short circuit.
The start-protection relay itself fails extremely rarely; to diagnose its operation, it is possible to connect the relay, bypassing the control circuit, to the supply network and see how the engine will operate. In the event of a compressor malfunction (when it jams), the engine will operate with increased current consumption, the relay goes into protection and cuts off the supply voltage from the engine contacts. Therefore, the unit may not start for long-term operation, but work in “jumps” for 3–5 seconds.

Compressor

The most common component that fails.
This is due to the fact that it is constantly in intensive use mode. The compressor usually jams, the engine cannot crank it, and the relay turns off the power. This type of malfunction cannot be eliminated on your own - you need to replace the engine block, which includes the compressor, and after installation, refill the refrigerator with freon. The cost of such repairs can reach up to 50–60% of the cost of a new refrigerator.

Control block

The control circuit is usually located under the top cover or inside the refrigerator. When turning the unit on and off (after 3–5 seconds), the following malfunctions may occur:

• incorrect adjustment when the device simply does not turn on;
• capillary tube clogged;
• thermal relay failure;
• clogging of the contact group.

The stores sell all the necessary components; you can change them yourself without calling a technician.

The compressor has failed

If the previous two points are excluded, then it is worth checking the very “heart” of the device. The compressor, unfortunately, has a tendency to fail, and replacing it will be quite expensive. If you have an old device, then it would be more advisable to buy a new one rather than purchasing a compressor separately.

Buying a new refrigerator will cost less than replacing a compressor.

The compressor is the main part of the refrigerator. It is thanks to him that freon circulates. Without it, the refrigerator cannot operate.

To determine if a compressor is faulty, measure the resistance of its windings. If the measurements show a normal value, then the cause of the breakdown must be looked for elsewhere.

Why a compressor may break:

• Closing the winding turns.
• Winding damage.
• Motor jamming.

It is impossible to repair the compressor, you can only replace it.

These reasons contribute to the load on the motor, which, in turn, leads to overheating. Therefore, the relay turns it off a few seconds after it is turned on.

The compressor cannot be repaired - it is only possible to replace the part.

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Possible reasons

A refrigerator is a household appliance that consists of a large number of components and parts. And the more expensive the equipment, the more complex its design. The malfunction of any of the parts has a significant impact on the performance of the refrigeration unit. The occurrence of malfunctions is due to certain reasons that are associated with a malfunction of a particular part or unit of equipment.

Failures and power surges

Before you come to the conclusion that the reason for the malfunction of the refrigerator lies in the equipment itself, you should make sure that the voltage of the household electrical network is stable. To do this, just pay attention to the light of the switched on lamps - if they are blinking, then there are obvious problems with the network.

Important! To avoid troubles, it would be useful to purchase a voltage stabilizer or surge protector.

Usually this unpleasant phenomenon is temporary, but there may be frequent cases of voltage drop. Manufacturers equip every modern refrigerator with all kinds of protective devices to ensure safety from problematic electrical networks. But the sharp and frequent nature of voltage drops negatively affects the performance of expensive equipment.

For normal operation of the refrigerator, the voltage should not fall below 170 V and rise above 280 volts.

Problems with the control unit

This is another reason why the refrigerator immediately turns off after it turns on. This is an important element that is present in many electronic devices. But it also makes the technology vulnerable.

The control unit is an electronic module that sets the cyclic mode of operation of household appliances. That is, this is the so-called “brain” of household appliances, to which voltage surges, as well as contact with water, cause serious damage. If the programmed program is violated, the electronic module begins to send signals at different intervals, which leads to chaotic operation of the compressor.

Important! Reprogramming the board allows you to fix the problem, but the operation must be carried out by a specialist.

A possible reason for the breakdown of the control unit lies in the instability of the household electrical network.

Compressor broke

If the electronic module is the “brain” of the entire system, then this unit is its “heart”. Similar to its human counterpart, it drives freon in a closed circuit, and therefore its importance should not be underestimated.

Typically, a problem with a compressor manifests itself with a number of symptoms:

• strong heating of the unit body;
• buzzing;
• characteristic clicks;
• mechanism jamming;
• After turning on, the motor turns off after 2 seconds.

Compressor repair is associated with certain difficulties and the average consumer is not able to perform it.

Often the cause of the malfunction is a shorted winding. This renders the unit unusable, therefore the refrigerator no longer freezes.

Start protection relay malfunction

Another important detail that affects the performance of household appliances. It can also fail due to overheating or natural wear and tear. In almost every refrigerator, a biometric plate is placed inside the relay, which reacts to the incoming current. As a result, it heats up and, bending, thereby opens the electrical contact. Thus, the motor is turned off and the cyclic operation of the refrigeration unit is based on this.

Due to a breakdown of the relay after turning on the motor, it stops working after a few seconds. The reason here may lie in the following:

• overheating of the biometric plate;
• jamming of the moving contacts closing the core;
• wear of the working plate itself.

Important! A characteristic sign indicating a relay malfunction is frequent clicks. This is the sound that the bending plate makes.

Sometimes, even with a working relay, the refrigerator can function properly for some time. However, in any case, it is necessary to eliminate the relay malfunction as soon as possible, since it negatively affects the operation of the “heart” of household appliances.

The start-protection relay is malfunctioning

Physical wear and tear of this part becomes a frequent cause of its failure. This breakdown is easily repairable, and the cost of such work will not break the bank.

Before replacing this part, you can try to fix it yourself. Check the core. Craftsmen recommend installing a regular ballpoint pen refill in place of the failed core.

Repair of the start-up relay of the refrigerator.

Keep in mind that the method only works on older refrigerator models. The new ones have a slightly different structure, having a tablet-shaped solenoid.

If you don’t want to take risks, then call a specialist to your home. He must have some spare parts with him, so repairs and replacements are done at home.

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How to Diagnose the Problem

The refrigerator is not designed for trouble-free operation. Therefore, its shutdowns are not sudden, and occur only for a short period of time to give the compressor a rest. The difficulty lies in determining whether the refrigerator is really faulty, or whether such outages are considered normal.

When the refrigerator is turned off, the compressor rests.

Let's try to resort to mathematics to solve this problem. Let’s say the compressor can work for 2 minutes, and then rest for the next 10 minutes. Normal operation is assessed by a numerical coefficient value from 0.2 to 0.9. If we take our example, the coefficient is 0.166, according to the formula 2: (2+10).

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How to diagnose a breakdown

The refrigerator is designed in such a way that it works periodically. Therefore, if the equipment turns off, it will not be for long, only to give the motor-compressor time to “rest”. But, if the refrigerator turns on and turns off immediately, this indicates a breakdown.

To diagnose whether it is working normally, that is, what operating intervals are considered normal, you will have to remember mathematics.

If the refrigerator constantly turns on and off, you should listen to the sounds during operation

This was said at the very beginning, but it is better to briefly duplicate the information. Example: the refrigerator operates for 2 minutes, then rests for the next 10 minutes.

Normal operation coefficient – ​​0.2 – 0.9. If we calculate according to the formula indicated in the article, the coefficient will be 0.166 - this is not the norm.

Another diagnostic method is by sound. If the refrigerator is constantly turning on and off, you should listen to the sounds during operation.

The characteristic click will tell you a lot. The volume at which the engine operates also plays a role. It happens that it is louder than before - this already indicates a malfunction. And the cause could be anything: a compressor, a relay, an electronic board.

Main reasons:

• The motor gets very hot, and when turned off the refrigerator makes a loud clicking noise. The problem lies in the compressor malfunction;
• the frequency of work/rest is disrupted. The problem is in the control board, which signals premature shutdown;
• The refrigerator turns on and turns off almost immediately, with a clicking sound. It's probably a problem with the start protection relay. It's the easiest to replace.

There are not many parts in the refrigerator that cause difficulties. But you still need to be able to determine their malfunction.

How to determine a malfunction by sound

You can understand the cause of the breakdown through sound analysis. Listen to the device as it turns on and off. Was there a clicking sound before it turned off? Another important point: the volume of the engine sound. If it “buzzes” louder than before, then there is clearly something wrong with it. It could be a relay or a compressor. Another possible cause is a faulty electronic board.

You can determine a refrigerator malfunction yourself using sound analysis.

How to fix the problem:

• If the compressor burns out, it needs to be replaced. It is important to choose a model that meets the technical specifications for your freezer. Connect it correctly. If you don’t know how to do this, look at the guides, or call a specialist.
• The same manipulations are carried out with the relay.
• If the problem is in the control unit, use the services of a specialist. They will reprogram it for you or replace it completely.

A qualified technician can determine the exact cause of the refrigerator breakdown.

In some cases, it is easier to buy new equipment than to repair old equipment. Every year, models are equipped with new functions, so why repair old “junk” when there are so many new and “advanced” things in stores.

Recommendations and advice from the experts:

• The average person only reads a device's manual when something goes wrong. This is a big mistake. You need to read the instructions carefully before you turn on the refrigerator.
• Install the refrigerator strictly level. If you have a crooked floor, place something under the legs of the refrigerator.
• The location of the device is of great importance. Ideally, it should be located away from the sink, stove and radiator. Also, you can’t place it close to the wall. A distance of at least 3-5 cm is needed to ensure air circulation.
• The device must have its own outlet. If shared, it may cause a fire.

To make your refrigerator last much longer, you need to close the door tightly every time.

Here's what experts advise on caring for your equipment so that it serves you for many years.

• Close the door tightly and do not keep it open for long. Modern devices for these purposes have a special signal indicating that the door has been open for too long.
• If the device does not have the No Frost function, then you will have to defrost the freezer section regularly. This is done once a month.
• Keep the rubber gasket clean, because it prevents depressurization.
• Hot foods are not placed in the refrigerator. Only cooled to room temperature.
• Do not fill the refrigerator to capacity. This creates additional stress for him.
• Do not cover the shelves with anything. This way you allow air circulation inside the cabinet.

The location of the refrigerator can play a big role.

Additional Information. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with tips for organizing proper food storage:

• The freezer is used exclusively for food, but not for bottles. They may split.
• All products are stored in packaging. This will prevent the appearance of mold, which can not only harm your health, but also affect the functioning of the cabinet.
• Eggs, juices and other drinks are stored on the side doors.
• The middle shelves store prepared meals, as well as cheese and meat.
• If you store medications in the refrigerator, follow the temperature range indicated on the package.

Glass bottles and jars cannot be left in the freezer.

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What to do if the refrigerator turns on and turns off after a few seconds

The compressor in the device runs for a certain time. Shutting down is normal for him .
How can you tell if your refrigerator is turning on and off too often? To do this, measure the duration of periods of its operation and idle time. Then the coefficient is calculated using a special formula: the operating time of the compressor is divided by the cycle duration (the duration of work and rest together). A mode in which the obtained value is in the range from 0.2 to 0.9 is considered normal. So, if the unit works for 2 minutes and rests for 12 minutes, we get 2/(2+12) = 0.14 . This indicates a failure. When the refrigerator runs for 10 minutes and is idle for another 15, the coefficient is 0.4 (10/(10+15)) - a normal value.

If the working time coefficient is less than 0.2, this indicates that the equipment is turned off immediately . Then you need to look for the causes of the malfunction. Often they involve failures and power surges. To check, turn on the light in the room and look at the light bulb. If it blinks and shines unevenly, it means that the refrigerator is not turning off due to a breakdown.

Advice. During power surges, all equipment is disconnected from the network so that it does not break.

Modern refrigerator models are equipped with systems that protect against unstable networks .
If voltage problems occur frequently, it is better to buy a stabilizer, surge protector, or install a transformer. The latter optimizes the supply of electricity to the house, otherwise the equipment will not withstand interruptions and will fail. This will lead to expensive repairs. For the unit to function normally, a voltage of 220 V is required. When it is below 170 V or above 280 V, the refrigerator compressor turns on and turns off immediately. Check the voltage with a voltmeter. It is connected to the contacts of the socket. If the indicators do not correspond to normal, call a specialist.

If everything is fine with the voltage, more serious causes are identified . Most often this happens when they break:

• compressor;
• starting and heat protection relay;
• electronic control unit.

To troubleshoot problems , replace faulty parts.