Help! Frigidaire Humming and Warm - Sounds like a Weather Alert

[Dan O.]

Originally Posted by jeffpas

is there any way one can tell which is the problem?

A service technician would usually connect the compressor to a test cord directly, bypassing the relay and overload, to see if it would run and to also check its amperage draw. If all tested Ok, they might reinstall the devices and check the amperage draw at the time the overload tripped. If the amperage was Ok when the overload tripped, just the overload might be assumed to be defective and replaced. But when the symptoms point to either the relay or overload, often both are just replaced together.

If the compressor was found to be drawing excessive amperage, the compressor itself would be assumed to be the problem... as long as the power supply to the fridge was adequate.

I have heard that taking the starting relay out and shaking it, listening for a rattling sound, indicates it has gone bad.

That is a sure way to wreck even a good part. The type of relay used on your model has numerous moving internal parts. It will rattle... if you make it. That says absolutely nothing about its condition.

Violent shaking is not a test for any appliance part and should not be done, EVER!

I would assume if the compressor has broke, it would no longer heat up at all.

A compressor can be broke in any number of different ways. It doesn't necessarily have to be 'dead' as a doornail.

Surely there is some trick of the trade for determining which has failed.

No 'trick', just testing and deduction.

BTW. Your fridge model doesn't look to use any sort of capacitor so I wouldn't suggest you go on too long of a wild goose chase looking for one. A compressor 'hard start kit' (see the following link) might be able to be used if the cause of the starting problem is just the compressor starting to get 'tight' with age and use. They have to be wired in place though and it isn't always easy determining the correct terminals to put the wires onto, depending on the make of compressor in your fridge model. The kit will have directions for a couple of different wiring setups.

LINK > Refrigerator/Freezer Compressor 'Hard Start' Kit

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[jeffpas]

Dan O,

Thanks for your information.
Absent this test cord device and hard start kit, which I would have to buy anyway, I suppose I will buy a starter relay then overload in turn. I am not sure what the 'capacitor' is. As you well know, as the bill starts mounting up to $100, $150, etc, you may as well cash in on a new box. If that happens rest assured it won't be a Frigidaire.
If only a parts supplier were kind enough to let me try and return each in turn.

lol as far as shaking perhaps you need to straighten this 'expert' out:

http: +
// +
www +
.fixya.com/support/t129448-frigidaire_side_side


jeffpas

[Dan O.]

Originally Posted by jeffpas

as far as shaking perhaps you need to straighten this 'expert' out

With the relay type (ie. 'solid state') used on the specific fridge being discussed, shaking wouldn't hurt it and it would be true that if parts fell out of it, it would be defective (as is likely with anything else that fell apart). Unfortunately, doing that with the relay type used on your fridge could easily damage it. Shaking in either case is not a true 'test' and should be avoided.

Let us know how you make out.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~

[jeffpas]

One last question- as an afterthought, it was mentioned the occasional 'dragon gurgling' might be the compressor starting sometimes. I can't determine exactly where this sound is coming from.

If that's the case, then that would mean the starter IS starting the compressor (working), but it keeps quitting over and over again. Is this correct logic? Or could it arguably still be the starter relay.
Thanks

[Dan O.]

Originally Posted by jeffpas

If that's the case, then that would mean the starter IS starting the compressor (working), but it keeps quitting over and over again.

It could be starting the compressor yes, but just not every time it is suppose to.

could it arguably still be the starter relay.

Yes it could... or the overload or the compressor. If it is shutting down prematurely, a problem in the overload or compressor are possibilities. If it is NOT starting up every time, a problem in the relay, overload or compressor are all possibilities.

BTW. Compressors are much more common to have problems starting up than they are to shut down prematurely as your deduction assumes is occurring but neither are outside the realm of possibilities. That's were proper testing comes in.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~

[jeffpas]

Well I got in to the local parts store, all they carry "anymore" is a 3 in 1 START, relay overload start capacitor combo.

It was pretty simple to hook up, other than the fact that the compressor has no labeling whatsoever on it as to which color wire goes where..........nor do the directions. However, it does show a small drawing on the directions, I assume with the capacitor facing up, a circle with three dots with the common (black) at the top, start (white) at the left and run (red) at the right.

I replaced as instructed. Upon replugging the refrigerator made a distinct startup sound like a washing machine starting to spin. However, now it's been running for quite some time (about 15 min) and no change whatsoever in temperature in either the freezer or the fridge.
I still seem to still hear the tone, although it's much quieter now. The 'gurgling dragon' has left the building.

Waiting to see if anything improves..................

[jeffpas]

Well, four and a half hours and the hi pitched hum and gurgling are both gone, refrigerator running like normal (lights, fans regular noise). But both refrig and freezer remain at a stubborn 61 degrees, same as when it was off.

I can only assume it is the compressor and therefore the box is trashed.
Will give it until tomorrow and then possibly make burial arrangements.......let me know if anyone has any ideas.

[jeffpas]

I pulled the refrigerator out, and felt the compressor, it's even hotter than it was yesterday. I unplugged the refrigerator.

[jeffpas]

Does anyone have an opinion out there if Frigidaire refrigerators are junk? I have been reading EOpinions and seen many of them get very low ratings (like 1 Star).

Is a Frigidaire by default a 'crappier' refrigerator than say, a Whirlpool?
I have noticed also that they tend to be cheaper priced. I realize of course you get what you pay for, (and most U.S. appliances I assume nowadays are made on the cheap in Mexico or China by virtual slave labor) but there is I assume something to be said about brand names.

? ? ?

The irony of this is I'm looking at another Frigidaire at Lowe's ($598, which is about all I can afford) which also matches my newer Frigidaire dishwasher. It is an FRT18IL6DM. I don't see reviews on it anywhere.
I could pick up a low end Whirlpool for about $600, which doesn't match, or tighten the belt and eat warm food until I can save up a grand or two for some other brand. I don't need anything fancy, just a freezer and refrigerator.

I noticed Consumer Reports "not for profit" site now requires your credit card and automatic payment schedule set up just to read one of their reviews.............very nice

[Dan O.]

** [installed] 3 in 1 combo... the compressor, it's even hotter than it was yesterday. **

Are you sure it was wired in properly? A hot compressor could very well result if it wasn't.

** Frigidaire refrigerators are junk? **

I wouldn't say that.

** Is a Frigidaire by default a 'crappier' refrigerator than say, a Whirlpool? **

Every manufacturer's products experience problems at some time but I don't know any company's products that I would paint with a single brush colored "crappy".

** I noticed Consumer Reports "not for profit" site now requires your credit card and automatic payment schedule set up just to read one of their reviews **

It always has had fees AFAIK besides the few articles they make available for viewing as samples. You could always go to the library and look up previous printed issues for free?

BTW. No one buying their magazines (because they can get the same information online for free) and no online income = NO Consumer Reports.

** another Frigidaire matches my newer dishwasher. **

I myself likely wouldn't have any qualms about purchasing a run of the mill Frigidaire (nor Whirlpool) refrigerator. You'll have to make up your own mind.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~