HVACopediaAll brands · Refrigeration troubleshooting
Pressure/temperature control faults (refrigerators, coolers, freezers)
What is going on
Possible causes and checks for: pressure/temperature control faults (refrigerators, coolers, freezers).
Likely causes
- Corroded/pitted contacts
- Overload
- Lost bellows/diaphragm charge
- Sensing element not tight on evaporator or mounted in wrong place
Check in this order
- Ohm across contacts for resistance (replace, filing is temporary)
- Press the bellows — charged ≈
- Psig+ won't compress by finger, easy to squash = lost charge → replace element/control
- Re-clamp bulb on last third of evaporator with cleaned surfaces
More refrigeration guides
Take it to the job
All guides, error codes and tips work offline in the HVACopedia app.
Source: General HVAC service practice — verify per model. Written in our own words; check the manual for your exact model.
For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.