Troubleshooting GE bar fridge GMR06AAPBBB runs but won't cool

[Amateur fixer]

Model Number

GMR06AAPBBB

Brand

GE

Age

6-10 years

I have a small bar fridge that was unplugged for quite awhile (wasn't needed) but now that it's plugged back in and turned up all the way, it runs but won't cool.
Temperature switch is operating properly (can turn the fridge on and off) and the fan next to the coils spins properly. Compressor gets warm to the touch after operating for awhile. I DO hear the relay click when it's first turned on which.....if the youtube videos are correct..... says the compressor is shutting down so it doesn't overload?
I pulled off the power cable to the compressor and did continuity tests between the three power connections..... each of the connections has continuity with the two others.
The relay switch doesn't rattle, which I saw is an indication of when the switches fail.

Try replacing the relay switch?

I've noted there is also what appears to be scorch marks? on the back panel which is a bit concerning.

 

[Dan O.]

Try replacing the relay switch?

It sounds like either the relay or compressor may be the problem unfortunately a replacement relay (# WG03F03441) is over $100. Kind of expensive to just try although if the compressor is responsible, it is unlikely to be worthwhile to repair at all.

How much is a new refrigerator of a similar size? It might be a better way to go?

I've noted there is also what appears to be scorch marks? on the back panel which is a bit concerning.

Are there any electrical components directly under that spot that might be responsible? If not, it might be fumes resulting from welding the refrigerant lines and the piece of sponge touching them.

Was this purchased as a 'second' or scratch and dent? I notice what looks like a big dent in the compressor's housing... not that that has anything to do with this immediate problem. Just curious.


Dan O.

 

[Amateur fixer]

Was this purchased as a 'second' or scratch and dent? I notice what looks like a big dent in the compressor's housing... not that that has anything to do with this immediate problem. Just curious.

Thanks Dan! The fridge was purchased new. The dent is actually in the design. It's a 'dimple?' that that particular make has (there's an identical one on the other side of the compressor as well). Dunno why.... just a design feature on something that's rarely seen.

I'll poke around to see if I can find an affordable price on that item.... I just didn't want to throw the whole unit out with at least doing an attempt to fix it.

Cheers.

 

[Dan O.]

The dent is actually in the design. It's a 'dimple?'

It could very well be. I'm not familiar with that particular brand of compressor.

If you can't find an OEM replacement, you might be able to find a universal relay to try. You also could try to find a local repair shop first willing to connect the compressor directly to a test cord to see if it even runs. There's no use installing a relay if the compressor is the problem.

Dan O.

 

[Amateur fixer]

Hi again Dan, I purchased a universal relay. Just want to make sure I'm doing this correctly. The fridge had a white wire and blue wire going to the old relay along with a green which went to a ground screw on the compressor. The relay plugged into the three prongs on the compressor. The universal one I'm trying (just over $30) has five leads. Three will go to those three prongs on the compressor and there are two blacks for power. Put one on the white and one on the blue? There's no difference between the two black leads on the new part so not sure if it matters which one goes to the white and which goes to the blue. Thanks so much!

 

[Dan O.]

there are two blacks for power. Put one on the white and one on the blue?

That sounds about right.

not sure if it matters which one goes to the white and which goes to the blue.

It shouldn't matter.

Dan O.

 

[Amateur fixer]

I installed the universal relay and the fridge powered properly and there were no "clicks" like with the old one. Unfortunately the fridge still doesn't cool. Compressor was getting warm like before but nothing getting cool. Guessing compressor is toast which is beyond my abilities.