How to Troubleshoot a Refrigerator That Died

What Causes a Refrigerator to Defrost & Refreeze?
Published: Aug 17, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Step 1

Check the power plug for the unit. Ensure that the outlet is a good and that it can handle the voltage of the refrigerator.

Step 2

Inspect the circuit breaker of the home and check for flipped switches.

Step 3

Unplug the unit for 24 hours then plug it back in. If the unit turns on, the compressor is shorting out once the unit warms up.

Step 4

Pull the unit out from the wall to expose the back of the unit. Kneel down to access the compressor and the overload protector. The overload protector is a small metal box that has wires going inside.

Advertisement

Step 5

Pull off the cover of the overload protector and inspect the wire connections for corrosion. Pull up on the spring clip holding the overload protector in place and pull it out.

Step 6

Set a multimeter -- a device used to test voltage -- to the X1 setting. Touch the multimeter to each probe of the terminal. You should receive a reading of zero ohms. Replace the unit if you receive anything other than that reading.

Photo Credits

Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

Cleveland Van Cecil

Cleveland Van Cecil is a freelancer writer specializing in technology. He has been a freelance writer since 2008 and has published extensively online, writing articles on subjects as diverse as boat motors and hydroponic gardening. Van…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.