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How to Test a Refrigerator Defrost Timer
How to Test a Refrigerator Defrost Timer
Aug 27, 2009 11:34:35 AM
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If you discover that your refrigerator is either cooling too much or not at all—there can be a number of reasons why this is happening—but in most cases it is a result of the refrigerator's defrost timer going bad. The defrost timer helps to regulate the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer to prevent ice buildup. Rather than purchasing a brand new refrigerator, try troubleshooting the problem first and you just may save yourself a few hundred dollars! Here is how to test a refrigerator's defrost timer.
1)The first thing you will have to do is turn off the breaker that supplies power to the refrigerator or unplug it from the wall outlet. Either way will suffice, as long as you do not try working on your refrigerator while it is powered.
2)Find the defrost timer. Depending on the make and model of your refrigerator, it may be found in one of the following areas:
Behind the front grill in the freezer
Behind the cover plate in the freezer
Behind the freezer near the compressor
Inside the temperature control console
Check out the image for an example of what the defrost timer will look like
3)Once you locate the defrost timer, look on the timer and find the advance screw. Turn it clockwise until you hear it click. Turn the power back on to the refrigerator. If the refrigerator was stuck in cool mode previously, this will advance it into defrost mode. Wait for about 30 to 40 minutes and then check it again to see if it advances back into the cooling mode. You will know when it begins cooling again, as the compressor will turn on.
4)If after 30 to 40 minutes you discover that the defrost timer is not advancing, then turn the power off to the refrigerator and remove the timer. The plug that connects to the timer can only be connected one way, so it's not important to draw a wiring schematic for this job
5)If the timer did advance as it was designed to do, then you will now have to test the timer electronically. With the power off to the refrigerator, remove the defrost timer. Take the timer to a clean workspace.
6)Set your multitester to read ohms. This is usually the RX1 or X1 setting depending on the model of tester. If you look at the defrost timer, there should be four terminals. Find the terminal that is labeled "C" or "3." If the timer is not labeled, look at the connector plug to determine which terminal gets connected to the white wire; that is the common terminal
7)Touch one of your tester's probes to the common terminal. Then, touch the other probe to each of the remaining terminals on the timer. As you touch the other terminals, one or two of the terminals (depending on the timer's current setting) should read "zero" and the remaining one or two should read "infinity."
2)Find the defrost timer. Depending on the make and model of your refrigerator, it may be found in one of the following areas:
Behind the front grill in the freezer
Behind the cover plate in the freezer
Behind the freezer near the compressor
Inside the temperature control console
Check out the image for an example of what the defrost timer will look like
3)Once you locate the defrost timer, look on the timer and find the advance screw. Turn it clockwise until you hear it click. Turn the power back on to the refrigerator. If the refrigerator was stuck in cool mode previously, this will advance it into defrost mode. Wait for about 30 to 40 minutes and then check it again to see if it advances back into the cooling mode. You will know when it begins cooling again, as the compressor will turn on.
4)If after 30 to 40 minutes you discover that the defrost timer is not advancing, then turn the power off to the refrigerator and remove the timer. The plug that connects to the timer can only be connected one way, so it's not important to draw a wiring schematic for this job
5)If the timer did advance as it was designed to do, then you will now have to test the timer electronically. With the power off to the refrigerator, remove the defrost timer. Take the timer to a clean workspace.
6)Set your multitester to read ohms. This is usually the RX1 or X1 setting depending on the model of tester. If you look at the defrost timer, there should be four terminals. Find the terminal that is labeled "C" or "3." If the timer is not labeled, look at the connector plug to determine which terminal gets connected to the white wire; that is the common terminal
7)Touch one of your tester's probes to the common terminal. Then, touch the other probe to each of the remaining terminals on the timer. As you touch the other terminals, one or two of the terminals (depending on the timer's current setting) should read "zero" and the remaining one or two should read "infinity."
8)Turn the advance screw again until you hear the click and then reprobe the terminals. This time, the results should be reversed. The terminal(s) that read "zero" earlier should now read "infinity" and the other(s) should now read "zero." It the timer does not pass this test, then it should be replaced. If it does operate correctly, then return it to its position in the refrigerator. The problem with your refrigerator may be caused by another issue like a bad defrost heater or thermostat.
Hope this is helpful for you. Wish a best life for everyone!
Hope this is helpful for you. Wish a best life for everyone!
By HiSupplier.com