The refrigerator is an indispensable electrical appliance in the home. One common problem faced by many customers is that the refrigerator runs for a few seconds and then shuts down.
This makes the refrigerator unable to maintain the required temperature inside it to cool food and meals, so some foods spoil quickly due to the lack of the required temperature for cooling.
There are a number of reasons why a refrigerator may not be working efficiently, running for a few seconds and then shutting down.
The refrigerator runs for a few seconds and then shuts down.
Every home needs a refrigerator to keep food, vegetables, and fruits at the right temperature. There are many reasons why a refrigerator might run for a few seconds and then shut down, including:
1. There is a problem with the thermostat adjustment.
A problem with the thermostat adjustment can cause a malfunction. If the thermostat temperature rises above the normal range or the thermostat malfunctions, you will find that the refrigerator operates for a few seconds and then shuts down.
Therefore, you must set the thermostat to the required temperature shown in the operating manual and ensure that it is working properly.
2. Layers of ice form inside the cooling chamber.
Accumulated ice buildup inside the refrigerator compartment or on the cooling coils and pipes can cause the refrigerator to run for a few seconds and then shut down. This problem can be solved by using a hot hair dryer to melt the accumulated ice.
3. Lack of adequate ventilation in the refrigerator
Good ventilation is one of the most important things to consider when placing a refrigerator in its designated location. When ventilation behind the refrigerator or on the sides is insufficient.
The problem may be that the refrigerator runs for a few seconds and then shuts down due to the high temperature of the air surrounding the refrigerator motor, which causes the thermal sensor to disconnect the electricity. Therefore, a space of at least 10 cm should be left at the back and 5 cm on the sides for ventilation.
You should also avoid placing the refrigerator near any heat source such as a stove or heater.
4. Problems related to the power supply
Too much or too little power to the refrigerator can cause the refrigerator to run for a few seconds and then shut down.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that the refrigerator receives regular electricity. This can be confirmed by using a power tester connected to the appliance.
Also, avoid connecting the refrigerator plug to an electrical outlet that has more than one plug to avoid increasing the pressure on the outlet.
5. Neglecting to regularly clean the refrigerator coils.
Dirt and dust buildup on the refrigerator coils can cause the refrigerator to run for a few seconds and then shut down. This problem can be eliminated by thoroughly and regularly cleaning the refrigerator coils located at the back of the refrigerator.
Use a vacuum cleaner or a small brush to reach even the smallest areas and clean them easily. Accumulated dust on the refrigerator coils can cause the compressor to overheat, causing the motor to shut down and restart.
6. Low voltage to the compressor
The motor requires a specific voltage of up to 220 volts to draw in the Freon gas and convert it from a gaseous state to a liquid state. The Freon gas then flows through the condenser pipes.
If the voltage drops below the required level, the motor cannot operate properly, which leads to high amperage draw, causing the motor temperature to rise, which leads to the thermal sensor being disconnected. Therefore, the refrigerator operates for a few seconds and then shuts down.
7. There is a blockage in the motor operating circuit.
The motor's operating circuit consists of an evaporator, compressor, condenser and capillary. If any of these pipes become blocked, the compressor will draw excess amperage.
This will cause the compressor to overheat and cause the temperature sensor to disconnect. You will find the refrigerator running for a few seconds and then shutting down. Therefore, you must ensure that there is no blockage in the motor circuit.
8. Torsion of any part of the compressor body.
When the compressor temperature rises for any of the reasons we mentioned earlier, or if a problem occurs with the electrical current that leads to a problem with the compressor temperature rising.
The compressor body may warp due to overheating, which can disrupt the motor's operation and cause the refrigerator to operate for a few seconds and then shut down.
9. Refrigerant charge defect
Every refrigerator requires a certain amount of refrigerant charge. If the refrigerant charge is more or less than the required amount, it causes a problem in the refrigeration circuit because the compressor draws more amperage, which causes its temperature to rise and the motor to automatically shut down.
10. Capacitor problem
Capacitors vary in type from one refrigerator to another. A capacitor depends on the compressor for its operation. If a problem occurs with the compressor, causing it to draw high amperages, it will experience a significant temperature increase and then automatically shut down to protect it from damage.
Signs of a burnt refrigerator motor
Many customers who experience problems with their refrigerators are experiencing food not being cooled. This could be due to a burnt-out motor. So, what are the signs of a burnt-out refrigerator motor?
- When the refrigerator motor is running, it makes a sound indicating that it is working. When the sound disappears, this is evidence that the motor is defective.
- The engine noise is constantly loud and annoying.
- There is no cooling inside the refrigerator to keep food cold.
How many hours does the refrigerator run and then shut down?
Refrigerators typically need between 4 and 8 hours to operate before shutting down. Newer models are designed to operate for 901 TP3T, and in extremely hot areas, up to 1001 TP3T.
Some people may be concerned about the long period of operation, believing that this affects the efficiency of the motor or reduces the lifespan of the refrigerator. However, this is a misconception. Running the refrigerator without disconnecting it preserves the lifespan and strength of the motor.
The refrigerator shuts down and does not work
Some refrigerators suffer from malfunctions that cause them to shut down and stop working for long periods. The most prominent of these causes are:
- There is a problem with the refrigerator thermostat that prevents it from working.
- Setting the refrigerator to a lower temperature than required.
- There are many layers of ice in the refrigerator or freezer.
A clicking noise in the refrigerator motor
Some people are surprised by a crackling or gurgling sound coming from the refrigerator motor, which causes some concern or discomfort for customers, who wonder about the reason for this sound, which we summarize as follows:
- The fan in your freezer may be causing this noise, especially if it is not properly installed.
- Some internal parts of the refrigerator expand and contract due to temperature changes during the cooling process, which is accompanied by crackling sounds.
- Some refrigerators have an ice maker. When the ice maker starts working, it may make sounds similar to water running inside the refrigerator.
- If the electrical current to the refrigerator is weak, this causes the voltage to drop to the compressor, which overloads the compressor and causes it to make clicking sounds.
English 
Arabic 
French 
Spanish 
Portuguese