How to Fix a Wine Fridge Not Cooling

The wine cellar is handy for storing bottles in a secure place, even when you don’t have a cellar to store them. This device will keep a temperature adapted to the bottles to avoid their oxidation and a loss of quality. When the wine cellar is no longer cold, you don’t have to return it to the wine cooler shop.

You have to act quickly when there is a breakdown because a change in red wine temperature storage can damage the bottles.

It will first be necessary to check whether the compressor is running. The parts which can induce the failure, and which must therefore be checked depending on the behavior observed on the compressor:

  • If your compressor is not running, you will need to check:
    • the thermostat,
    • the safety klixon,
    • the starting device: the thermistor or the starting relay,
    • the start capacitor,
    • the compressor windings and its power supply.
  • If your compressor is running normally, you will need to check:
    • the evaporator,
    • the fan,
    • defrost resistance
    • and thermal safety.

1. CHECK THE COMPRESSOR

The compressor of a refrigeration appliance is an electrical device used to compress a gas (refrigerant), making it possible to transfer heat from one side of a refrigeration circuit to the other. It looks like a large metallic black bell, and it’s usually located at the bottom, rear of the device.

If you don’t feel anything, neither heat nor vibration, the compressor is probably not receiving power.

2. TEST THE THERMOSTAT

If your compressor is not running, it may not be electrically powered. If your device is equipped with a thermostat, it will have to be tested. It is used to regulate the temperature of your wine cellar and is usually housed in the light bulb compartment.

3. CONTROL THE KLIXON

The compressor is fitted with a thermal safety device, also called klixon. It is attached to the compressor at the rear of the device.

If you have a value, the Klixon is good, and if you have a one or OL displayed, it is defective.

4. CHECK THE BOOT SYSTEM

Your compressor is equipped with a starting device. It can be a thermistor, a start relay, or a compressor management board.

In all cases, the test must be carried out with the multimeter set to the lowest value in ohms. If a value is displayed, the part is working; if you get one or OL, it will need to be replaced.

5. CHECK THE START CAPACITOR

Some devices are equipped with a start capacitor located at the bottom of the wine cooler. The capacitance of a capacitor is expressed in micro Farad, indicated on the label.

6. TEST THE COMPRESSOR POWER SUPPLY

It may be the compressor power supply that is at fault.

  • Set your multimeter to voltmeter mode.
  • Turn on your device, then position your test probes directly on the starting device.
  • You must have a value between 220 and 240 volts alternating. If this is not the case, then it is surely the defective electronic card.

7. CHECK THE EVAPORATOR

If the compressor is hot and seems to be running normally, you should test the evaporator located at the bottom of the wine cellar. This part is, like the condenser, a heat exchanger.

8. EXAMINE THE FAN

If the fan is iced up or defective, cold air circulation will not occur, and the temperature will rise in the enclosure.

  • Spin the fan by hand to see if it is blocked. It should spin freely without hitching.
  • Then get a multimeter and set it to ohms. Place the contact tips on the fan terminals.
  • If you find no value, the fan is faulty and will need to be replaced.

9. CHECK THE DEFROST RESISTOR

The defrost heater is used to defrost and thaw any formation of ice. It is present on some models, inside the appliance, in contact with the evaporator. If your device is equipped with it, you will have to test it using a multimeter.

10. CONTROL THERMAL SAFETY

The role of the thermal safety device is to deactivate the heating of the defrost resistor in the event of abnormal overheating. This security is generally in contact with the evaporator.

If you have a value, it is passable and therefore in good condition. On the other hand, if you have one or OL displayed, it is defective.

Conclusion:

Proper maintenance of the wine cooler (cleaning and dusting) will keep them in optimal conditions. In the event of a breakdown, we hope the preceding guide will be helpful.

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