Sears Home Services
Sears Home Advantage
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
telephone logo646-440-2692
RepairHome WarrantyTune-Up & MaintainFencingShop Parts
Resources
RepairHome WarrantyTune-Up & MaintainFencingShop PartsResource CenterGlossaryHelp
sears home advantageSears Home Advantageappointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
  1. Repair

Freezer compressor not running

Common reasons your freezer compressor not running

The most common reasons your freezer compressor is not running are a failed compressor, malfunctioning electronic control board or a bad evaporator.

  • 63%

    63% of the time it's the
    Compressor

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Evaporator

  • 21%

    21% of the time it's the
    Something else

  • Use The Repair or Replace Calculator

    Determine What's Best For Your Appliance

    Product Type
    Home Appliance Brand
    How Old Is Your Appliance?

    Common freezer repair parts you may need

    Replacing one of these freezer parts may fix your problem.

    Compressor Replacement

    If your freezer compressor isn't operating, a malfunctioning compressor motor might be the culprit. The compressor's role is to compress and circulate refrigerant gas within the sealed system, extracting heat from the freezer to keep it cold. When the compressor motor malfunctions, the freezer won't cool properly. Because refrigerant handling and disposal are regulated by the EPA, it's essential to have a certified technician handle the repair. Arrange a service appointment with Sears Home Services, and we'll dispatch a certified technician to your home to address the issue with your freezer.


    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    If your freezer compressor isn't running, a faulty electronic control board might be to blame. This board gathers data from different sensors to oversee the freezer's temperature. Based on this information, it regulates the operation of components like the compressor, fans, and defrost cycle. Issues like a defective internal relay or corrupted circuit board logic can disrupt the flow of electricity to the compressor, hindering cooling. If your freezer isn't cooling and the compressor remains inactive, arrange service through Sears Home Services. Our technician will come to your home and address the cooling issue in your freezer.

    Evaporator Replacement

    If the compressor in your freezer isn't running, a malfunctioning evaporator could be the culprit. The evaporator is responsible for cooling the air inside the freezer. When it's damaged and begins to leak refrigerant from the sealed system, the electronic control board detects the issue and shuts down the compressor. Repairing or replacing the evaporator involves recovering and recharging the refrigerant in the sealed system. Because the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates regulations for handling and disposing of refrigerants, a certified service technician is necessary to carry out the repair. If your freezer fails to cool properly, schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services Technician to address and resolve the issue.

    What to expect when you experience a freezer compressor not running issue

    How to fix a freezer when its compressor is not running

    Fixing most issues where the compressor isn't running typically requires replacing either the compressor, electronic control board, or evaporator. However, since there could be various underlying causes, a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to determine the extent of the repair and associated costs.

    Sears Home Services advice for a freezer compressor that is not running

    If the freezer compressor isn't running, several factors could be at play. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we advise having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians are skilled at diagnosing various freezer malfunctions.

    What to look for with a freezer compressor not running diagnosis

    Understanding and diagnosing modern appliances without adequate knowledge and training can pose challenges. Attempting to fix freezer issues without employing proper diagnostic methods often results in replacing parts without certainty. Over the past decade, appliances have significantly advanced, with many featuring intricate electronic components that are challenging to assess. DIY repairs on newer appliance models are progressively becoming more complicated.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Fridge repair.

    Bradley was on time very professional had the fridge repaired in less than an hour up and going. Cleaned up and got us going for our Thanksgiving day. we had a great experience with Sears.


    Curt C, Mount Carmel, IL

    Happy!

    Pedro was on time and super friendly. He seemed to know the job and was helpful in explaining everything. Showed me the controls and where the problem was. So nice, would definitely use your service again. Another company was going to take 3 days to come and service us. You guys came same day, what a lifesaver!


    Lisa M, Sahuarita, AZ

    Freezer repair

    Great service. Freezer repaired in a timely matter. Cleaned up work area. Would recommend


    Lynwood L, Dayton, TX

    Repair Freezer Resources

    Title image for blog article "How Do Chest Freezers Work?"
    8 min readDec. 10

    Learn how chest freezers work and how to troubleshoot common problems.

    Title image for blog article "How Do Frost Free Freezers Work?"
    7 min readNov. 27

    Find out how frost free freezers work and how to troubleshoot common problems.

    A homeowner thoughtfully examines his upright freezer.
    5 min readOct. 07

    Is it worth repairing a freezer? Explore the pros and cons and make the right choice for your budget with Sears Home Services.

    A homeowner inspecting the seal on his freezer
    6 min readJul. 12

    Learn how to tackle and prevent ice buildup in your freezer with our practical guide. Discover common causes, effective removal techniques, and tips for maintaining a frost-free appliance.

    Glossary Terms

    A manual defrost freezer is an appliance that needs to be switched off and allowed to thaw periodically to remove accumulated ice, ensuring efficient operation and storage space maximization.

    A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

    A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.

    A furnace blower motor is a crucial component of a home heating system that drives the fan responsible for circulating air throughout the HVAC system and into the living spaces of the home.

    Common freezer symptoms to look out for