Expert tips for testing & replacing the compressor start relay in an upright Frigidaire freezer

Wondering if your Frigidaire freezer has a bad compressor start relay? We’re here to help you find out without the need for an expensive service call. And if you need to replace it, we’ll walk you through the process so you can get your unit back up and running correctly.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Frigidaire freezer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The testing and replacement information in this article is based on model LFFH20F3QWC and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• Multimeter
• Needle nose pliers

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: 10 Hacks For Better Food Preservation In Your Freezer 

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Read more:  Refrigerator or Freezer That’s Too Warm: Top 6 Reasons and Fixes

How to test the compressor start relay

Determine the condition of your freezer’s compressor start relay by following these easy steps.

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the freezer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Pull the freezer out from the wall so you can access the compressor area.
2. Make sure the unit is plugged into the power outlet.
3. Set your multimeter to measure AC voltage.
4. Use the meter probes to check the voltage on the yellow wire going into the start relay.
5. Check the meter reading. You should see 120 VAC.

If voltage is present, then the start relay needs to be replaced.

How to replace the compressor start relay (if needed)

Change out a bad compressor start relay in your Frigidaire freezer by following these steps.

1. Make sure the unit is unplugged from the power outlet.
2. Disconnect the single connector going to the start relay.
3. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the wire clip that holds the relay in place.
4. Gently work the relay off of the compressor by moving it side-to-side.
5. If the run capacitor is attached to the old relay, remove it and install it on the new relay.
6. Position the new relay on the compressor and use the wire clip to secure it in place.
7. Reconnect the wire connector to the new relay.
8. Plug the freezer back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.

Read more:  Freezer Too Cold: Top 5 Reasons & Fixes

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Frigidaire freezer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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