How to Reset Your Refrigerator Compressor When It Stops Working

What resetting the compressor actually means

A compressor reset is not a button you press. It is a power cycle — turning the refrigerator completely off, waiting, and turning it back on. This clears temporary faults that prevent the compressor from starting, such as a tripped overload protector or a brief electrical surge. The compressor itself has no reset switch.

Most compressor problems that look like they need a reset are actually the overload protector doing its job. This device cuts power to the compressor when it gets too hot or draws too much current. A reset cycle gives it time to cool and try again. If the compressor fails to start after a reset, the problem is usually something else — a bad start capacitor, a stuck compressor, or a wiring fault — and you will need a technician.

Key Takeaways

• A compressor reset means unplugging the refrigerator for at least five minutes, then plugging it back in.
• The overload protector inside the compressor cuts power when the motor gets too hot; a reset cycle lets it cool and try again.
• If the compressor does not start after a reset, the problem is likely a failed part, not a setting you can fix yourself.
• Never try to restart the compressor more than twice in a row; repeated attempts can damage the motor.

How to perform a compressor reset

Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. Do not use the power switch on the control panel — that does not cut power to the compressor. You must physically disconnect the plug.

Wait at least five minutes. This gives the overload protector time to cool and reset itself. Some technicians recommend waiting 10 to 15 minutes if the compressor was running hot or if the kitchen is warm.

Plug the refrigerator back in. Listen for the compressor to start within a few seconds. You will hear a low hum or a brief clicking sound as the motor engages. If you hear nothing after 30 seconds, the reset did not work.

Set the temperature controls back to your preferred setting. Many refrigerators return to a default temperature after a power cycle, usually around 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer. Check your manual for the default settings on your model.

Why the compressor stops and what a reset can fix

The compressor stops running when the overload protector trips. This happens when the motor gets too hot, draws too much electrical current, or both. Common causes include a very hot kitchen, a clogged condenser coil, a stuck compressor valve, or a failing start capacitor.

A reset can fix the problem if the cause was temporary — a power surge, a brief overload, or the compressor getting too hot because the kitchen temperature spiked. Once the motor cools, the overload protector resets automatically, and the compressor can start again.

A reset cannot fix a mechanical failure. If the compressor is stuck, the start capacitor is dead, or the motor windings are burned out, unplugging and plugging back in will not help. The overload protector will trip again within seconds or minutes.

When to try a reset and when to call a technician

Try a reset if the compressor has never started since you plugged in the refrigerator, or if it stopped running after working normally for a while. A reset is also worth trying if the kitchen was unusually hot, if you just moved the refrigerator, or if there was a power outage or electrical surge.

Do not try a reset more than twice. If the compressor fails to start after two complete power cycles, the problem is not a temporary overload. Repeated restart attempts can damage the motor windings and make the problem worse. Call a service technician instead.

Also call a technician if the compressor starts but the refrigerator does not cool, or if it cools for a few minutes and then stops. These signs point to a refrigerant leak, a failed expansion valve, or a bad compressor — none of which a reset will fix.

Checking the condenser coil and airflow

Before you assume the compressor is broken, check whether the condenser coil is clogged. A dirty coil forces the compressor to work harder and can trigger the overload protector. The condenser coil is usually on the back of the refrigerator or underneath it, depending on the model.

Unplug the refrigerator and use a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the coil. Remove dust, pet hair, and lint. Do not use water or a pressure washer — you can damage the coil fins. After cleaning, plug the refrigerator back in and listen for the compressor to start.

Also make sure air can flow around the refrigerator. Leave at least two inches of space on the sides and back. If the refrigerator is pushed against a wall or surrounded by cabinets, the motor cannot cool itself, and the overload protector will keep tripping.

What happens inside the compressor during a reset

The compressor is a motor that pumps refrigerant through the cooling system. Inside the motor is an overload protector — a thermal or electrical switch that cuts power when the motor gets too hot or draws too much current.

When you unplug the refrigerator, the motor stops immediately and the overload protector cools down. The internal switch resets to the "ready" position. When you plug the refrigerator back in, the motor can try to start again. If the underlying problem is gone — the kitchen cooled down, the coil is no longer clogged, or the electrical surge passed — the compressor will run normally.

If the underlying problem is still there, the overload protector will trip again within seconds. The motor will not start, or it will start and stop repeatedly. This is the protector doing its job: it is preventing the motor from burning out.

Preventing compressor problems in the future

Keep the condenser coil clean. Dust it every three to six months, or more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area. A clean coil lets the compressor run cooler and more efficiently.

Make sure the refrigerator has room to breathe. Do not block the vents on the back or sides. If your model has a rear vent, keep it clear of dust and debris. If it has a bottom vent, make sure the floor underneath is clean.

Keep the kitchen temperature reasonable. Refrigerators work harder in hot kitchens. If your kitchen regularly exceeds 90°F, the compressor may struggle. Make sure the refrigerator is not in direct sunlight or next to a heat source like an oven or dishwasher.

Check the door seals regularly. A leaky seal forces the compressor to run constantly to maintain temperature. If the gasket is cracked or loose, the compressor will overheat. Replace the gasket if it no longer seals tightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before plugging the refrigerator back in?

Wait at least five minutes. This gives the overload protector time to cool and reset. If the kitchen is very warm or the compressor was running hot, wait 10 to 15 minutes. There is no harm in waiting longer.

Will a reset erase my temperature settings?

Most refrigerators return to a default temperature after a power cycle, usually around 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer. Check your manual to see what the defaults are on your model. You will need to adjust the controls back to your preferred setting after the reset.

What if the compressor makes a clicking sound but does not start?

Clicking usually means the start relay or start capacitor is failing. The motor is trying to turn over but cannot. A reset will not fix this. You will need a technician to replace the part.

Can I reset the compressor using the power switch on the control panel?

No. The power switch on the panel controls the cooling cycle, not the main power to the compressor. You must unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet to perform a true reset.

How many times can I safely reset the compressor?

Try a reset no more than twice. If the compressor fails to start after two complete power cycles, the problem is not temporary. Repeated restart attempts can damage the motor. Call a service technician instead.