How to reset a refrigerator compressor

Fast fix

• Troubleshoot the fridge’s connection to the power outlet.
• Reset the refrigerator compressor.
• Remove dirt and dust from the back of the fridge.

A fridge malfunction is a huge inconvenience, especially if you’ve fully stocked the appliance with your family’s favorite foods and beverages. One common culprit is the compressor, a dome-shaped canister at the back of the fridge that circulates refrigerant gas to help maintain cold temperatures.

But how can you tell if the compressor is really the problem? And before calling in a professional for fridge freezer compressor repair, what fixes or checks can you safely and easily try yourself?

At Asurion, we help people fix home tech issues and get the most out of their appliances. Whether it’s providing a checklist for fridge maintenance, explaining why appliances fail, or offering refrigerator and freezer protection plans, we help you troubleshoot common issues quickly so you can keep your home running smoothly. Here’s how to tell if a fridge compressor is bad, and what you can do about it before repair.

Identifying common refrigerator compressor issues

A normal refrigerator makes a faint humming sound that comes and goes when the appliance is on and functioning. That sound is the compressor doing its job.

If your fridge is completely silent when you turn it on, or it’s no longer keeping food cold, don’t assume the worst right away. Start with a few quick, easy checks first:

• Make sure the power cord is firmly plugged into the outlet.
• Test the outlet with another device to rule out a power supply issue.
• Clean the condenser coils. Unplug the fridge, remove the base grill or back panel, and vacuum-clean the components to remove excess dust.

If those simple checks don’t solve the problem, and you suspect the compressor may be to blame, the signs below can help you confirm whether the compressor (or a related component) has gone bad:

Unusually loud humming noise

A constant or very loud humming noise that doesn’t shut off when the fridge is on, rather than a soft hum, indicates that the compressor is broken and struggling to run properly. In that case, it might be time for fridge freezer compressor repair or replacement.

The fridge is on, but nothing is getting cold (or inadequate cooling)

This sign could mean the compressor is running but isn’t properly circulating refrigerant throughout the refrigeration system.

Fridge compressor clicking

Repeated clicking sounds every few minutes usually mean the compressor is trying to start but can’t. Your compressor clicking is a sign of a faulty refrigerator start relay, which helps power the compressor’s motor.

The start relay is a separate plug-in part, usually housed in a small plastic box on the side of the compressor. You can replace it without changing the compressor. Replacements are typically inexpensive and easy to find online.

How to reset your refrigerator compressor

Refrigerator compressor reset can sometimes resolve temperature issues and other temporary malfunctions. Here’s the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Unplug your refrigerator

Remove your fridge’s power cord from the outlet. Keep the appliance unplugged for about five to ten minutes. The reset won’t work if you re-plug the power cord too quickly.

Step 2: Set your temperature controls to zero

Inside your fridge, look for the refrigerator thermostat, usually a small dial with numbers from 0 to 10. Turn the dial to the zero position. If your fridge has a digital control panel, use the display to turn off the thermostat.

Next, plug your fridge back into the power outlet.

Step 3: Set the ideal freezer and fridge temperatures

The ideal temperatures may vary with fridge make and model, but the general rule of thumb is 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In a refrigerator with temperature settings 0-10, that’s about level four or five.

After that, wait for at least 24 hours for the cooling temperatures to stabilize.

When it’s time for a professional fridge freezer compressor repair

You can handle refrigerator issues on your own when the fix involves basic checks like troubleshooting power connections, resetting temperature controls, and cleaning the appliance to remove dust. But compressor-related problems are too technical and often require specialized tools and training.

You may need a professional compressor repair if:

• You’ve ruled out easy fixes, and the fridge still isn’t working properly.
• You hear repeated clicking or an extremely loud, continuous humming.
• You don’t hear any humming sound when you turn on the fridge — the compressor won’t start at all.

A qualified technician can accurately identify whether the compressor itself has failed or if a related part is the problem.