I bought a used Haier HCM070LA chest freezer (manual defrost). I bought it cheap knowing it doesn't work. I'm hoping I can fix it. When I plug it in it sounds like everything turns on and it runs for about 15-30 seconds before I hear a click and it turns off. When I unplug it and wait about another 5 minutes i hear another click and I can plug it back in and have it turn on for a few seconds. This sounds electrical, but how can I know for sure?
Freezers - Haier - 7 cu. ft. / 198 liter Chest Freezer HCM070LA
Answers & Comments
Hi,
First, i will advice you check if the compressor and fan works when you plug the freezer, from your explanation, the click sound seems to me it could be a faulty compressor. Before testing the compressor motor, unplug the freezer to avoid an electrical shock hazard. Also, if the compressor uses a capacitor, it may contain a lethal electrical charge. Do not touch the terminals until you have discharged the capacitor. The problem could also be a relay problem,. The function of the start relay is to momentarily energize the start winding in the compressor motor and then cut power to the start winding as soon as the motor is running. Most of the start relays on modern compressors are solid state and use a special material whose resistance increases with temperature. So, as current flows through the relay and the relay heats up, its resistance increases to the point that the start winding is isolated from the rest of the circuit.
A common failure of these relays is that the solid state material "cooks" and breaks up, staying open and thus never allowing the start winding in the compressor motor to energize. The end result is that the compressor tries to start, usually you'll hear a humming noise, and then, after a few seconds, the compressor's overload protector takes the compressor offline with a loud CLICK. Easy way to tell if the start relay is bad is by simply removing it from the compressor's control pod and shaking it. If you hear any rattling, it's fried.
Hi,
Since you know the model, you can try order for it online, you can check ereplacementparts.com or ebay.com to order for the parts on line, you can also check any refrigerators part sellers within your vicinity to get the part.
Hello
You have a refrigerant pump that defective, it is a sealed capsule that is at the rear of the freezer, that is what caused the start relay to burn. To replace this pump assembly and get the system recharged will cost quite a sum of money for parts if still available.
Fixya has no parts resources other than a good old Goggle search. But that said I would guess if you took the compressor out and showed it to any shop that does repairs to refrigeration equipment they will know what the rating of the pump is and what would work as a suitable replacement, they might also have a used one (to save cost of repair) that can be fitted into the freezer. This is my best advice.