Magic Chef Short Cycling of Compressor

Freezer cycles on and off rapidly (short cycling), with compressor starting and stopping every few minutes.

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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.

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Possible Causes

Faulty thermostat or control board, Overheating compressor due to poor ventilation, Weak start relay or overload protector

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Unplug the freezer before accessing compressor components or controls.

Steps:

  • Improve ventilation: Ensure adequate clearance around the unit and clean condenser coils.
  • Check start relay and overload: Replace if they are clicking repeatedly or show signs of overheating.
  • Test thermostat/control: For mechanical thermostats, check for erratic operation. For electronic controls, inspect for loose connections and consider board replacement if other causes are ruled out.

Note: Persistent short cycling can damage the compressor; address promptly.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Compressor Start Relay
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