How to Troubleshoot a Freezer to Replace a Start-Up Capacitor

Freezer units operate under the same principles as refrigerators. A coolant circulated through the appliance expands into gas after passing through an expansion valve, which rapidly removes heat from the surrounding air and keeps the freezer compartment cold. The compressor that helps to circulate and compress the coolant requires a good deal of electricity to start, which is where the capacitor comes in. The capacitor acts like a storage battery, keeping a reserve supply of electricity on hand to help the compressor start. Troubleshooting a capacitor problem and replacing a start-up capacitor can be done without any specialized repair tools.

Screwdriver
Hex head screwdriver
Alligator clips (4)
2 lengths of wire (about 10 inches)
150K Ohm resistor
Capacitor

Instructions

- 1
  Open the freezer compartment and check the temperature inside. If the capacitor is blown, the compressor on the freezer won't start and the temperature inside the unit gradually begins to rise. Listen for a clicking sound. This indicates that the compressor is trying to start, but, because the start-up capacitor isn't working properly, there isn't enough power in the circuit to start the compressor.
- 2
  Unplug the freezer from the socket where it is connected to the electricity. Move the freezer away from the wall or any obstructions so you can access the freezer panel at the rear.
- 3
  Remove the rear panel screws with either a screwdriver or hex-headed screwdriver as needed. Set the panel aside.
- 4
  Look for the capacitor inside the freezer chassis. These fixtures are cylinder shaped, much like a household battery. Two terminals at the top connect the capacitor with wires to the rest of the freezer wiring. Make a note of which wire connects to which terminal for when you reconnnect the new capacitor.
- 5
  Connect two lengths of wire to alligator clips at either end. Connect one alligator clip from each wire to the wires at either end of a 150K-ohm resistor. Connect the free alligator clips at the end of the wires to each of the terminals on the capacitor. This will create a circuit and discharge the capacitor safely.
- 6
  Disconnect the terminals at the top of the capacitor, either by unclipping or unscrewing the terminals. Loosen the clip or retaining ring holding the capacitor in place on the chassis and remove.
- 7
  Insert a new capacitor into the freezer and secure in place. Reconnect the terminals at the top of the capacitor.
- 8
  Replace the access panel and secure with the screws. Move the freezer back to its original location and restore the power.

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