Lesson 1Parts selection and sourcing: identifying OEM vs compatible parts, reading part numbers and spec sheetsBuild skills to find right replacement parts using model labels, original maker lists, and detail sheets, compare original and market options, check electrical and mechanical fit, and dodge usual ordering and swap errors that waste time and money.
Locating and decoding appliance model tagsReading OEM part numbers and revisionsUsing exploded views and parts diagramsComparing OEM and aftermarket componentsVerifying electrical and mechanical compatibilityLesson 2Compressor and relay testing: start relay/capacitor diagnosis, amp draw testing, locked rotor identificationLearn to test fridge compressors and starting parts with meters and clamp tools, spot bad relays and capacitors, know when rotor is stuck, and decide if compressor is too far gone electrically or mechanically for simple fixes.
Identifying compressor terminals and winding layoutTesting PTC and mechanical start relaysStart and run capacitor inspection and testsMeasuring compressor amp draw and LRADiagnosing locked rotor and internal shortsLesson 3Customer communication scripts: simple explanation of cause, recommended repairs vs replacement, cost/benefit and maintenance tips to prevent recurrenceBuild good habits for talking to customers by explaining faults in easy words, showing repair or replace choices, guessing costs, and giving care tips that stop future breaks and extra visits, keeping everyone happy.
Explaining diagnosis in non-technical termsDiscussing repair versus replacement choicesPresenting written estimates and optionsSetting realistic timelines and outcomesProviding preventive maintenance adviceLesson 4Electrical and sensor tests: multimeter checks for continuity/resistance of defrost heater, thermistor testing, fan motor current drawPractice safe electrical checks with multimeter and clamp meter for continuity, resistance, and current on defrost heaters, thermistors, fan motors, and wires, telling normal from open, shorted, or off readings clearly.
Multimeter safety and test lead setupContinuity and resistance checks on heatersThermistor resistance versus temperature chartsFan motor voltage and current measurementsTesting door switches and harness connectionsLesson 5Interpreting symptoms: warm fresh food, cold freezer with back-wall ice, continuous compressor operationLearn to read common fridge signs like warm fresh area, icy back walls, noisy or non-stop running, and spotty cooling, then link each to likely air flow, defrost, control, or sealed system troubles step by step.
Warm fresh food, normal freezer analysisBack-wall ice and airflow restriction cluesContinuous or near-continuous run-timeShort cycling and frequent startsNoises, vibrations, and rattlesIntermittent cooling and nuisance tripsLesson 6Common faults: compressor, evaporator frost/defrost system, evaporator fan, temperature sensors, thermostats, and refrigerant leaksLink usual fridge signs to likely broken parts, like compressor issues, evaporator ice problems, fan breaks, sensor errors, and gas leaks, and learn to focus tests that prove or rule out each guessed fault quickly.
No cool or warm cabinet in both sectionsWarm fresh food, cold or icy freezerShort cycling and long run-time issuesNoisy operation and vibration complaintsIntermittent cooling and nuisance tripsSigns suggesting sealed system leaksLesson 7Thermodynamics of domestic refrigeration systems and airflow patternsUnderstand heat movement in home fridges, including pressure-temperature links, evaporator and condenser jobs, and cabinet air flows, so you can tie poor cooling, icing, and short runs to specific heat-related faults easily.
Basic refrigeration cycle and key componentsPressure–temperature relationship in systemsEvaporator loading and frost formationCondenser heat rejection and ambient effectsAirflow paths in fresh food and freezerImpact of door openings and loadingLesson 8Repair procedures: replacing defrost heater, thermistor, evaporator fan, door gasket; steps to recover/recharge refrigerant (scope and contractor decision)Study step-by-step fixes for common breaks, like swapping defrost heaters, thermistors, evaporator fans, and door seals, and know when gas recovery or refill needs a licensed expert to handle safely and legally.
Safe disassembly and panel removalReplacing defrost heaters and wiringThermistor access, testing, and replacementEvaporator and condenser fan replacementDoor gasket removal and installationScope limits for sealed system repairsLesson 9Safety procedures: electrical isolation, refrigerant handling regs, PPE, pressure relief and recovery basicsUse key safety steps for fridge work, including power cut-off, lockout ways, protective gear choice, safe handling of sharp bits and moving parts, and basic gas safety rules to keep you and others out of harm.
Lockout, tagout, and unplugging routinesVerifying absence of voltage before workPPE for electrical and sharp-edge hazardsSafe handling of fans and moving partsBasics of refrigerant exposure risksRecordkeeping and regulatory dutiesLesson 10Defrost system diagnostic plan: timer, bi-metal/thermostat, defrost heater, control board checksFollow a clear plan to check defrost faults by testing timers or boards, heaters, bi-metal thermostats, and sensors, sorting electrical breaks from control logic issues that cause evaporator ice buildup.
Recognizing symptoms of defrost failureLocating defrost components by designTesting defrost heaters for continuityChecking bi-metal and defrost thermostatsForcing defrost mode from control boardInterpreting timer and control board faultsLesson 11Visual inspection checklist: seals, door alignment, ice buildup, drain and defrost heater areasUse a simple visual list to spot common fridge problems fast, like seal leaks, door fit issues, ice piles, blocked drains, damaged wires, and dirty condensers, cutting extra calls and leading to better checks.
Inspecting door gaskets and sealing surfacesChecking door alignment and hinge wearIdentifying ice buildup and airflow blockagesExamining drain pan, tube, and outletsInspecting wiring, connectors, and insulationLesson 12Refrigerant system checks: static pressure readings, leak detection methods, when to call certified refrigerant technicianLearn basic sealed system checks within rules, like static and running pressure reads, temperature splits, simple leak finds, and knowing when to stop and call a certified gas expert for the tough parts.
Recognizing sealed system componentsSafe use of service ports and gaugesStatic and running pressure interpretationTemperature split and line frost patternsNon-invasive leak detection techniquesWhen to involve certified techniciansLesson 13Post-repair tests and verification: temperature stabilization testing, run-time monitoring, sealing and airflow validationCheck fixes by watching cabinet temps, run times, and defrost work, testing door seals and air flow, and noting reads so you can finish the job sure and cut risks of calls or repeat breaks.
Stabilization time and temperature loggingChecking thermostat and sensor responseMonitoring compressor and fan run-timeVerifying door seal and light operationConfirming defrost cycle performanceFinal documentation and customer sign-off
