Refrigerator compressor stopped working

Terry Cox · Oct 23, 2017

No. Question, although the fan still comes on, can you hear whether the compressor tries to start, but will not run? That was our freezer symptom awhile ago. I could hear the fan come on and the compressor try to start, then after a short period it would try to start again. and so on. Called AB and after discussing the symptoms determined the Control Module was bad. Purchased a new one and that did the trick.

I had a new Control Module that I recently sold to another Hunter owner, since the fridge compressor died, but I thought a new Control Module might get it started; no luck. I would contact AB for a new unit and order it from them through Defender. Not sure but I think they stopped selling direct.

SEMPERAVANTI41 · Oct 23, 2017

Would it make sense to try connecting the compressor directly to power, bypassing the controller? This would indicate for certain whether the controller is defective. Also, does the compressor have a start capacitor? If it does I would want to make sure that is not the problem.

Hayden Watson · Oct 23, 2017

If you have the AB cold machine you actually have two control modules. the AB is the aluminum covered unit that you connect wires to and behind it there is a Danfoss control module that is black You should be able to test the compressor by removing the control board and using a couple of jumper wires to the +/- leads. If you need to replace the AB module you might consider changing it to the Isotherm module and thermostat.
https://www.fisheriessupply.com/indel-webasto-isec-smart-energy-control-sed00033aa

SEMPERAVANTI41 · Oct 24, 2017

Ah, the joys of boat ownership! So far this year I have replaced the bilge pump, the water pressure pump, the fluxgate compass, the 3 8D batteries, etc. I still have to replace the alternator as it stopped working in August and the broken bolts on my maserator. I would buy the new controller.

Terry Cox · Oct 24, 2017

Velero49 said:
Can the controller be repaired?

Again, no. Maybe you can find some electronic repair shop that will do it for a price, assuming that they have the component diagrams for your particular model (probably not). Odds are a new one will cost less, just say'n. A new Control Module will likely cost more that $200. Mine was $350 and that was three years ago.

Terry Cox · Oct 25, 2017

Velero49 said:
Terry, I found a couple of vendors that will sell them for 150 to 175 plus shipping. I just want to make sure that the controller is what needs to be replaced.

Can you hear whether the compressor tries to start? If so, likely the control module. If unsure, it might be worth talking to the manufacturer technical support, give them your symptoms and have them tell you how to confirm that it is the control module or something else. They have always been very helpful when I've called them. Worth a shot before purchasing the control module or hiring a refrigeration guy.

On second thought, after reading your original post, you have a second unit, just swap control modules and see what happens. If it starts, then purchase the new control module, which seems to be a reasonable price.

SEMPERAVANTI41 · Oct 26, 2017

Velero49, sorry for your problems. I think you can have the backlight repaired on the E120. Another option might be to look at ebay where used E120s are offered for sale. By the way I still own an 41DS with a E120 and it is a fine instrument.