Why Your Fridge Isn’t Turning On: 7 Common Fixes

Power Supply Issues

Let’s start with the simplest things. First, check whether the power cord is securely plugged into the outlet and isn’t visibly damaged. If everything seems fine, inspect the outlet itself — it might not be supplying power. 

Also, check your circuit breaker panel: a breaker may have tripped due to a power surge or overload. 

If all power sources are working properly, we’ll explore other possible causes below — but first, let’s take a closer look at the power cord itself.

Faulty Power Cord

So, upon preliminary inspection, you found that your refrigerator is not turning on due to damaged or frayed cable. If you carefully disassemble the plug, the issue may become immediately visible. In places where a short circuit occurred, you might notice dark spots or heat deformation on the housing. The cord could also be crushed or internally damaged under the insulation.

Replacing a power cable or plug is considered a simple repair. However, if you’ve never done it before, it’s safer to seek help from a qualified technician.

Defective Start Relay

The start relay is a small component that helps the refrigerator’s compressor motor start by controlling the flow of electricity to the start winding.

Common signs of a defective start relay include:

• loud clicking or buzzing noises;
• the fridge starts and immediately turns off;
• unusual heating of the appliance.

To fix this problem, simply buy a new relay and replace the old one.

Compressor Problems

The compressor is an important part of the refrigerator, responsible for circulating the refrigerant and maintaining the desired temperature inside the appliance.

Common signs of a faulty compressor include:

• uneven distribution of cold;
• unusual noises;
• back of the refrigerator is warm;
• frequent or irregular cycling on and off;
• freezer malfunction.

Replacing a refrigerator compressor is a complex task. In case of this refrigerator malfunction, we strongly recommend calling our trained technician for professional refrigerator repair services.

Thermostat Malfunction

The thermostat controls and regulates the temperature inside the refrigerator. If the interior light is on, but the appliance is silent and doesn’t start, the thermostat might be to blame.

A faulty thermostat fails to read the internal temperature correctly and doesn’t send a signal to the relay to start the motor when the chamber warms up. This can result in the refrigerator not cooling at all or, on the contrary, freezing items even when the temperature is set to normal.

If the thermostat is faulty, it must be replaced with a new one, as repairs are typically not possible.

Control Board Failure

The control board is the brain of the refrigerator. It coordinates all main functions by receiving input from sensors and sending commands to components like the compressor, fans, and thermostat. If the board malfunctions, the fridge may not operate properly or may behave unpredictably. 

If the display LEDs are faulty, parts of the screen may fail to light up or display symbols correctly. A faulty control module can also prevent the display board from receiving power altogether.

In most cases, replacing the board is more practical and reliable than repairing individual components.

Internal Wiring Problems

If all main components seem functional, but the fridge won’t start, the problem may lie within the internal wiring. Worn, damaged, or disconnected wires can prevent power from reaching critical parts like the compressor, control board, or thermostat.

These issues are usually hidden inside the appliance and require professional diagnostic tools to detect. Improper repairs or voltage surges can also cause internal connections to burn out or loosen over time.

To sum up, if you have the proper skills and tools, you can try simple repairs yourself — such as replacing a power cord, start relay, or thermostat.

However, more complex tasks like replacing the compressor, control board, or dealing with internal wiring should always be left to professionals.

Even for minor repairs, it’s often best to call a technician, as it’s easy to accidentally damage components or make incorrect connections that could lead to bigger problems.

If your fridge is not turning on, contact our trained technicians for high-quality same-day service at an affordable price.