Freezer not cooling at all; interior is warm and compressor is not running.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Critical safety warning: Unplug the freezer before removing the rear panel or touching compressor wiring. High voltage is present.
Steps to diagnose no cooling with silent compressor:
- Verify power: Confirm the outlet has power by plugging in another device. Check that the freezer's power cord and plug are intact.
- Check control settings: Ensure the temperature control is not set to OFF or the warmest setting. On mechanical-dial Costway freezers, turn the dial from OFF to mid-range and listen for a click.
- Listen for relay click: After plugging in, listen near the compressor for a brief click. No click may indicate a control or relay issue.
- Access compressor compartment: Unplug the unit and remove the rear lower panel. Inspect the PTC start relay and overload protector on the compressor for burns or loose connections.
- Test continuity: With a multimeter, check continuity through the overload and start relay. Replace any open components with compatible Costway parts.
- Check wiring harness: Ensure the harness from the control board to the compressor is not damaged or disconnected.
- Control board check: If start components are good but the compressor never receives power, the main control board or thermostat may be faulty and require replacement.
When to call a technician: If the compressor receives proper voltage but does not start or trips the overload repeatedly, the compressor is likely failed and needs professional replacement.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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