Fridge Freezer Fault Finding: Replacing the Compressor, Relay, Overload, and Gas Top-Up: Three ways to test fridge compressor motor start capacitors

⚠️ SAFETY MESSAGE: Always unplug the refrigerator from the mains power before beginning any repair. Capacitors store electrical energy and can deliver a sharp shock even when the power is off. Before touching the terminals, you must safely discharge the capacitor using a resistor or an insulated screwdriver.

1. The Visual Inspection

Before reaching for your tools, look for physical signs of failure.

Bulging or Swelling: If the plastic or metal casing looks "bloated," the internal chemicals have expanded.
Leaking Fluid: Any oily residue around the terminals is a sign the capacitor has "leaked" and is dead.
Burn Marks: Charring on the terminals suggests an electrical short.

2. The Resistance "Jump" Test

If you don't have a specialized meter, you can use a standard Ohms setting (Ω) to see if the capacitor is still able to store a charge.

Set your meter to a high resistance range (10k or 100k Ohms).
Touch the probes to the terminals.
What to look for: The numbers should start low, "jump" up, and then slowly move toward "OL" (Open Loop) or infinity. This shows the capacitor is taking in the small amount of power from your meter's battery.

3. The Capacitance Test (The Pro Method)

This is the only way to be 100% sure the part is healthy.

Set your meter to the Capacitance setting (labeled µF or MFD).
Check the label: Find the rating printed on the capacitor (e.g., 10µF +/- 5%).
Measure: If your reading is more than 10% away from that number, the capacitor is weak and needs to be replaced.

If you need to check the capacitor there are few different ways to do this but be careful these can be charged with enough energy to kill so make sure you discharge them before and after testing and before handling them or even undoing a bolt on them < discharge them first.

To discharge i use a set of VDE approved insulted pliers to short out the terminals of the capacitor.

sorry for some reason my camera set to toy mode but they will do lol.

So first test is capacitance mode if you meter has it use it its easy and accurate set meter to capacitance mode and connect test leads to capacitors terminal leave it for few seconds to calculate and then take reading.