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How to Bypass Start Relay on Refrigerator

If you know anything about the working of a refrigerator, you understand that the compressor doesn’t work the whole time.

Instead, a compressor runs sporadically, meaning it goes on and off during the cooling cycle, maintaining an ideal temperature inside the refrigerator cabinet.

Now, given a refrigerator compressor cant run continuously, it requires jump-starting; a role left for the refrigerator relay.

A start relay is an electrical switch that helps boost the compressor inside the refrigerator. It tells the compressor when to turn on/off, depending on the need for cool air inside the refrigerator unit.

Now, in case the relay fails or burns out, the compressor may fail to kick in, meaning the interior of the cabinet will fail to freeze.

Given the compressor is a crucial component in the refrigeration system; you must have a functional refrigerator start relay for your refrigerator to work.

So, how do you bypass the refrigerator’s relay system? But before then, what are some of the signs of a broken relay system?

Signs of a Broken Start Relay System

As we’ve seen, the compressor doesn’t run all the time, only during the cooling cycles. It also needs to heat up each time the cooling cycle begins, and this is the job of the refrigerator compressor relay. Now, if your relay system is not working, it’s easy to notice the signs of a failed system. These signs include:

1. Refrigerator not Cooling

The most obvious sign of a failed relay system is the lack of cooling since the compressor doesn’t startup. If the temperature inside the fresh food compartment and the freezer starts to rise, there’s a good chance the relay isn’t functioning properly.

2. Clicking Noise

Every time the start relay kicks in, there’s usually an audible click. It always happens whether the compressor comes on or not.

Now, if the compressor fails to start, then the relay is likely to kick again in a short time. Repeated clicking is a likely signal the start relay has failed and needs replacement.

How to Bypass the Relay

Before attempting to place your refrigerator into bypass mode, you first need to unplug it and turn the power off at the circuit breaker.

If possible, get the help of another adult to help you move the fridge away from the wall-while refrigerators aren’t typically heavy, they pose a tripping hazard.

Bypassing the relay is a simple process, but you need to follow your refrigerator start relay wiring diagram on the user manual. Generally, however, here’re some of the common guidelines you should follow when bypassing the refrigerator relay;

Tools Required

  • Regular screwdriver
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Electrical tape

Steps on how do you fix a refrigerator relay

  1. Locate the cover plate at the bottom rear of the refrigerator protecting the relay system and remove it with a screwdriver
  2. Push or flex the metal box on the lower right rear of the fried to disengage it- this way, you should see the refrigerator relay system.
  3. Using a flathead screwdriver, press down space in between the relay and the casing. Then press the relays itself before removing it.
  4.  Remove the metal connectors that attach to the relay system.
  5. The use plier to strip some of the wire on either side
  6. Using an electrical tape connects both ends of the wire back to the relay housing to allow bypassing of the missing relay, while at the same time completing the circuit.
  7.  Replace the relay system box cover and the cover plate at the rear of the refrigerator
  8. Restore power and plug the refrigerator back

Conclusion on how to bypass start relay on refrigerator

It’s not recommendable to leave your refrigerator in bypass mode for long. This is just by a quick and temporary fix; you should consult a professional technician to help with the repair of your relay.

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