Vintage GM Frigidaire Coldwall not cooling

[J-Mac]

Model Number

Coldwall

I have a vintage GM Frigidaire Coldwall refrigerator. It’s always ran really well and cold then the compressor would just humm and not want to start. This is fitted with a YG-2 relay and no starter capacitor. I ohm’ed out the capacitor and got 9, 4 and 5.2. Wiring diagram attached. I isolated the issue to the YG-2 relay and fit it with a 3n1 using the napkin diagram attached. Now the refrigerator runs and the ice box gets sub 15 degrees then it just warms up to room temp while compressor is still running. ALWAYS ran extremely well and cold until new relay was put in. Maybe I have something wired incorrectly. What’s your thoughts.

 

[Dan O.]

then it just warms up to room temp while compressor is still running

The compressor running is what generates the cooling. As long as the compressor is running it should be cooling.

The compressor running but not cooling can only be a problem with the refrigeration system. That is either the refrigerant or a problem with the compressor. A refrigerant problem would be permanent and not intermittent so it is not the cause.

Maybe I have something wired incorrectly

There is no wiring problem that would allow the compressor to run but not cool. As long as the compressor is running, it has to be wired adequately and it should be cooling.


I'd suggest you double check your stated symptoms before condemning the compressor. That's the only thing it can be if it is definitely running but not cooling.

JMO

Dan O.

 

[Old Fridge Guy]

When you installed the 3 in 1 to replace the relay did you remove or replace any of the wires at the compressor? If you did, check the area of the compressor for signs of oil leakage. The electrical terminals on the compressor have rubber seals on them that keep the compressor oil and refrigerant in the unit. Over time they can deteriorate to the point where the force needed to remove the terminal caps to remove the wires can disturb the seals and start one or all 3 leaking. Unfortunately if this is the case the compressor is done.