Frigidaire Refrigerator OP: Compressor Overload Protection Tripped

What OP Means

The compressor has an internal or external overload protector that trips when the compressor draws excessive current or reaches excessive temperature. OP appears when the board detects the compressor circuit has tripped its overload, meaning the compressor is attempting to start but is being shut down by its own safety device.

Why the Compressor Overloads

Dirty condenser coils (most common). Dust, pet hair, and kitchen grease accumulate on the condenser coils, preventing heat dissipation. The compressor runs hotter to compensate, eventually tripping the overload. Clean the coils (brush and vacuum, accessed from beneath or behind the unit).

High ambient temperature. A refrigerator in a garage, near a heat vent, or in direct sunlight works harder. Combined with even mild coil dust, this can push the compressor over the overload threshold.

Start relay failure. The start relay and start capacitor help the compressor motor accelerate from standstill to operating speed. If the relay fails, the compressor motor stalls on startup and draws locked-rotor current (5-10x normal), tripping the overload.

Sealed system issue. Low refrigerant charge (from a leak) or a partially blocked capillary tube forces the compressor to work harder, increasing current draw.

Diagnosis

1. Clean the condenser coils first. This is free and resolves a significant portion of OP cases.
2. After cleaning, unplug the refrigerator for 30 minutes (allows the overload to cool and reset). Plug back in. If the compressor starts and runs normally, the coils were the issue.
3. If the compressor clicks, hums for 5-10 seconds, then clicks off, the start relay has failed. Remove the start relay/overload assembly from the compressor terminal cover. Shake it. A rattling sound confirms a failed relay. Replace: $10-$25 part.
4. If the start relay is good and coils are clean, a sealed system problem is likely.

Start Relay Replacement

Part: model-specific, $10-$25.

The start relay plugs directly onto the compressor terminals at the bottom rear of the refrigerator. Unplug the unit. Pull the terminal cover. Unplug the old relay (it pulls straight off the terminals). Plug in the new relay in the same orientation. Replace the terminal cover.

Cost

FAQ

Will OP damage the compressor? The overload protector exists to prevent damage. Each trip cuts power before damage occurs. However, repeated cycling (start, overload trip, cool down, restart) stresses the compressor windings and can shorten its life over time.

OP appeared after moving the refrigerator. Related? Possibly. If the refrigerator was tilted during the move, compressor oil may have migrated. Let the unit sit upright and unplugged for four hours, then plug in.

Can I clean the condenser coils myself? Yes. Remove the front grille at the bottom. Use a long-handled brush and vacuum to clean the coils underneath. This takes 15 minutes and should be done every six months.

Frigidaire refrigerator cycling on and off? OP usually means dirty coils or a failed start relay. Book a diagnostic.