How to Test Your Compressor Motor and Its Overload Device on an LG refrigerator.

ID: 167684

Description: Use this guide to test the linear compressor...

Steps:

1. Unplug your refrigerator before you begin your repair.
2. If you are testing or repairing the following items, you may also need to shut off and disconnect the water supply:
3. Condenser fan motor
4. Compressor motor and thermal overload device
5. Water supply valve assembly

6. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws securing the condenser cover to the rear of the refrigerator.

7. Tilt the top edge of the condenser cover toward you.
8. Lift and remove the condenser cover.

9. Squeeze and pull down the compressor connector to disconnect it.

10. You should wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges in this area
11. Use your multimeter to measure the resistance between the two pins on the connector.
12. Acceptable values are between 7 and 14 ohms
13. This test checks both the compressor winding and thermal overload device.
14. If you get an open reading, it could be either the motor or the thermal overload device. Follow the next steps to continue diagnosing.

15. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw(s) securing the connector cover to the compressor.
16. Slide the connector cover off of the compressor.
17. Don't try to fully remove the connector cover as it is still connected to the compressor.
18. The thermal overload device is located in the cover and is wired in series with the compressor.

19. Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry the power connector off of the compressor.

20. Use your multimeter to check the resistance between the bottom and top left pins.
21. The correct resistance value is 7.2-9.2Ω for a FLA075LANA or FLB075LANA compressor; other models show 6-8Ω.
22. If you were reading an open circuit in the first test, and now you get good resistance readings for the compressor, your overload device is faulty; replace it.