Lesson 1Parts Picking and Getting: Spotting Original vs Matching Parts, Reading Part Codes and SpecsBuild abilities to pick correct spare parts using model labels, original catalogues, and spec documents, compare original and market options, check electrical and mechanical fit, and dodge usual ordering and swap errors in local shops.
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 Starter Testing: Relay/Capacitor Checks, Amp Flow Testing, Stuck Rotor SpottingLearn to test fridge compressors and starters with meters and clamp tools, spot failed relays and capacitors, recognise stuck-rotor problems, and decide if a compressor is electrically or mechanically past fixing in a safe way.
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 Talk Scripts: Easy Explanation of Problem, Suggested Fixes vs New Unit, Cost/Benefit and Care Tips to Stop Repeat IssuesDevelop clear, professional ways to talk with customers by explaining faults in everyday language, showing fix versus new options, estimating costs, and giving care tips that cut down future breakdowns and return visits in Zimbabwe.
Explaining diagnosis in non-technical termsDiscussing repair versus replacement choicesPresenting written estimates and optionsSetting realistic timelines and outcomesProviding preventive maintenance adviceLesson 4Electrical and Sensor Checks: Multimeter Tests for Continuity/Resistance of Defrost Element, Thermistor Testing, Fan Motor Current FlowPractice safe electrical checks using a multimeter and clamp meter to test continuity, resistance, and current on defrost elements, thermistors, fan motors, and wires, telling normal from open, shorted, or faulty drifting parts.
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 5Reading Signs: Warm Food Section, Cold Freezer with Back Ice, Non-Stop Compressor RunningLearn to read common fridge signs like warm food area, icy back walls, noisy or constant running, and on-off cooling, then link each to likely air flow, defrost, control, or sealed system troubles in home units.
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 6Usual Faults: Compressor, Evaporator Frost/Defrost Setup, Evaporator Fan, Temp Sensors, Thermostats, and Gas LeaksLink typical fridge signs to likely broken parts, including compressor issues, evaporator frost problems, fan breakdowns, sensor errors, and gas leaks, and learn to rank tests that confirm or rule out each suspected trouble.
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 7Heat Science of Home Fridge Systems and Air Flow WaysGrasp how heat shifts in home fridges, including pressure-temp links, evaporator and condenser jobs, and cabinet air flow patterns, so you can tie poor cooling, icing, and short cycles to specific heat science faults.
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 8Fix Steps: Swapping Defrost Element, Thermistor, Evaporator Fan, Door Seal; Steps to Recover/Recharge Gas (Limits and Specialist Choice)Study step-by-step fix methods for common breakdowns, including swapping defrost elements, thermistors, evaporator fans, and door seals, and know when gas recovery or recharge needs to go to licensed specialists in Zimbabwe.
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 Steps: Electrical Cut-Off, Gas Handling Rules, Protective Gear, Pressure Release and Recovery BasicsUse key safety practices for fridge service, including electrical cut-off, lockout ways, protective gear choice, safe handling of sharp metal and moving bits, and grasping basic gas safety and rule duties.
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 Setup Check Plan: Timer, Bi-Metal/Thermostat, Defrost Element, Control Board TestsFollow a step-by-step plan to check defrost setup faults by testing timers or control boards, defrost elements, bi-metal thermostats, and sensors, telling electrical breakdowns from control logic issues causing evaporator ice.
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 Check List: Seals, Door Fit, Ice Build-Up, Drain and Defrost Element AreasUse a planned visual list to quickly spot common fridge issues, including seal leaks, door misalignment, ice build-up, blocked drains, damaged wires, and dirty condensers, cutting return visits and guiding deeper 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 12Gas System Checks: Static Pressure Readings, Leak Spotting Methods, When to Call Certified Gas TechLearn to do basic sealed system checks within legal bounds, including static and running pressure readings, temp split watches, simple leak spotting methods, and knowing when to stop and call a certified gas technician.
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 13After-Fix Tests and Confirmation: Temp Stabilising Testing, Run-Time Watching, Sealing and Air Flow ValidationConfirm successful fixes by watching cabinet temps, run-time, and defrost work, checking door seals and air flow, and noting readings so you can close the job confidently and lower risks of return visits or repeat faults.
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
