Frigidaire Fridge Stopped Working

[jmolling]

Make: Frigidaire
Model: FRT17B3JW

My fridge quite working yesterday. Figures its 2 months out of warranty...Go figure!

It's plugged into a GFI outlet and the outlet was tripped so I reset the outlet, opened the fridge door and the light inside was on but the compressor or fan weren't running. I closed the door and a few seconds later the GFI outlet tripped again. So I replaced the GFI outlet with a new 20 amp GFI outlet and the same thing happens. Light comes on but after about 15-30 secs the GFI outlet trips again.

I originally paid about $360 for this fridge and it's a second fridge for soda, beer, etc in the garage. I don't want to stick a bunch of money into it with a service charge, parts and labor. Any tips on things I can\should check to possibly diagnose the problem?? I'm somewhat technical but obviously not a repair man or I wouldn't be here.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
-Joe

[HayZee518]

try running the fridge off a different circuit that's not gfci protected. use a 12/2 extension cord. if the gfci is tripping it indicates a fault current leaking to ground. could be the compressor windings have shorted to the inside case or the fan motor is shorted to ground.

[jmolling]

Thanks for the prompt reply!

I just got back in from the garage and just for kicks I tried plugging it back in (same GFI outlet) and it's now running again?? It was sitting unplugged for about 30-45 mins.

I'll check it again in the morning and if the GFI is tripped I'll give your suggestion a try.

Thanks!