E9 displayed and the compressor may not start or may short‑cycle frequently
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
Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator. The compressor circuit carries mains voltage and high current.
Step 1 – Access compressor components:
- Pull the refrigerator away from the wall.
- Remove the lower rear cover to expose the compressor and its electrical box.
Step 2 – Inspect start relay and overload:
- Remove the plastic cover on the side of the compressor.
- Carefully pull off the start relay and overload protector.
- Check for burn marks, rattling pieces inside the relay, or melted plastic.
Step 3 – Test components:
- Use a multimeter to check continuity through the overload protector; it should be closed at room temperature.
- Test the start relay according to its type (PTC or mechanical); an open circuit or visible damage indicates failure.
Step 4 – Replace faulty parts:
- Order a compatible start relay and overload for your compressor model.
- Install them onto the compressor terminals exactly as originally configured.
- Ensure all connections are tight and the cover is reinstalled.
Step 5 – Evaluate compressor health:
- If new start components do not resolve E9 and the compressor still fails to start or overheats, the compressor itself may be failing and will require a professional sealed‑system repair.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
We may earn a commission from links on this page.