Refrigeration Troubleshooting

1.) Thermostat:

We’ve discovered one of the most common problems with the True freezer is the factory-installed thermostat. There are easy and practical ways to test the thermostat. See Trouble Shooting Thermostat for details and information on how to verify if this is the problem.

2.) Capacitors:

For several reasons, the start capacitor, run capacitor, and/or relay may fail. Often this is misdiagnosed as a compressor failure. In particular, when the starter capacitor fails, the unit often will make a humming noise or a clicking noise. Fortunately, this can be a very inexpensive and easy fix. See Diagnosing Starting Components for further info and details.

3.) Lights:

The True has male/female plugs near the compressor for the door lights. If one of these plugs comes undone, none of the lights will work. This is often overlooked but is extremely common as there is very little room for the plugs. If we overlook it when pushing the condensing unit in, the lights will not work.

The True is also prone to burned-out electrical sockets. This is not because of design flaws but is always due to improper bulb installation. Replacement bulbs are expensive and there are bulbs from discount home improvement stores that will “fit” the sockets. The problem is, the discounted bulbs are a 12w bulb and are too powerful for the sockets which are wired for a 10w bulb.

ALWAYS USE THE FACTORY RECOMMENDED BULB!

4.) Ballast:

Sometimes the ballast will need to be replaced. Providing everything else has been thoroughly checked over/diagnosed. You would then check the ballast. This is fairly simple to replace and oftentimes can be purchased from the discount box stores. We strongly suggest you buy the same “size” ballast as the old one. Here again, wrong or incorrectly sized replacement parts can and will cause other costly damage down the road.