Fridge Repair in Nairobi
How GossTech Diagnoses and Repairs a Fridge That Won’t Start
When your refrigerator refuses to power on, it can be frustrating and disruptive, especially if it contains perishable food or medicine. GossTech, a leading expert in fridge repair across Kenya, offers professional, timely, and effective solutions for diagnosing and repairing fridges that won’t start. This guide explains in detail how our technicians approach this problem, the types of fridges we work on, and what causes these issues—ensuring you’re informed every step of the way.
Types of Fridges GossTech Repairs
Fridges come in different designs and technologies. GossTech technicians are experienced with all major brands and types of fridges, both domestic and commercial.
| Fridge Type | Description | Common Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Door Fridge | Compact unit with a single door for fridge and freezer sections. | Ramtons, Bruhm, VON |
| Double-Door Fridge | Has separate compartments for freezer and refrigerator. | Samsung, LG, Hisense |
| Side-by-Side Fridge | Vertical split with freezer on one side and fridge on the other. | Bosch, Whirlpool, Miele |
| French-Door Fridge | Double doors for fridge section and drawer-style freezer at the bottom. | LG, Samsung, Haier |
| Top-Freezer Fridge | Freezer located above the fridge compartment. | Hotpoint, Mika, Sharp |
| Bottom-Freezer Fridge | Fridge on top and freezer at the bottom. | Beko, Electrolux |
| Commercial Fridge | Industrial-grade for restaurants, hotels, and groceries. | True, Cold Room Units |
| Mini-Fridge | Small, compact fridge for dorms, offices, or personal use. | Armco, Ramtons, Sayona |
Common Reasons Why a Fridge Won’t Start
Understanding why a fridge won’t turn on is the first step in the repair journey. Here are the typical causes we address:
| Problem | Description |
|---|---|
| Power supply issues | Loose plugs, faulty wall sockets, or tripped circuit breakers. |
| Faulty thermostat | Thermostat fails to send the signal to cool. |
| Defective start relay or capacitor | These parts help the compressor start and stay running. |
| Compressor malfunction | The motor that compresses the refrigerant may be faulty. |
| Control board failure | The electronic control board may be damaged or shorted. |
| Overload protector trip | Safety component to protect compressor may have triggered. |
| Wiring damage | Internal wiring issues due to rodents or wear and tear. |
| Door not sealing | Causes cooling inefficiencies, sometimes misread as power issues. |
Step-by-Step Fridge Diagnosis by GossTech
At GossTech, we follow a systematic, professional approach to diagnosing a fridge that won’t start. Our process is reliable, transparent, and designed to get your appliance back to working condition as fast as possible.
1. Initial Customer Consultation
- We collect basic details: fridge type, symptoms, age of the appliance, and whether there were any electrical surges or signs before the failure.
2. On-Site Inspection
Our technicians come to your location anywhere in Nairobi, Thika, Kisumu, Siaya, or surrounding regions to perform a physical inspection.
Checklist:
- Check if the fridge is plugged in correctly
- Confirm power supply at the socket
- Look for visible damage or burn marks
- Check the condition of the power cord
3. Electrical Testing
Using digital multimeters, we test:
- Voltage at the socket: Ensures power is flowing.
- Continuity in the power cord: Identifies breaks or cuts.
- Start relay resistance: Confirms whether it’s still functional.
- Thermostat switch: Check if thermostat opens and closes correctly.
- Compressor winding resistance: Detects shorted or open windings.
| Component Tested | Normal Result | Fault Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Voltage | 220V-240V | 0V or fluctuating = socket fault |
| Power Cord Continuity | Closed loop | Open circuit = wire break |
| Relay Resistance | 3-30 ohms | No reading = faulty relay |
| Thermostat | Closed circuit at low temps | Open always = thermostat fault |
| Compressor Windings | Balanced resistance | Zero or very high = burned windings |
Fridge Repair Solutions GossTech Offers
After diagnosis, we proceed with targeted repairs using genuine parts and industry tools.
1. Power Supply Repair
- Replacing damaged cords or plug tops
- Resetting or repairing tripped breakers
- Installing surge protectors to avoid future damage
2. Start Relay and Capacitor Replacement
When these components fail, the compressor won’t start.
Symptoms:
- Clicking sounds every few minutes
- No hum or vibration from the fridge base
Repair: GossTech carries high-quality relays and capacitors for all fridge models.
3. Thermostat Replacement
If the thermostat doesn't call for cooling, the compressor stays off.
Repair: We replace the defective thermostat and calibrate it to optimal cooling levels.
4. Compressor Repair or Replacement
A burned or seized compressor can stop the fridge from starting altogether.
Options:
- Repair: In case of minor issues (e.g., overload protector reset)
- Replacement: For burnt windings or seized motors
Note: We only use manufacturer-approved compressors.
5. Control Board Repair
Modern fridges often rely on PCB control units. If there is a short circuit or chip damage, the whole unit may need replacement.
Repair/Replacement includes:
- Reflashing EEPROMs
- Replacing ICs or whole PCB module
6. Wiring and Sensor Fixes
If rodents have chewed through wires or sensors are disconnected, we rewire the fridge and test sensor calibration.
Case Studies: How GossTech Fixed Non-Starting Fridges
| Case | Fridge Type | Problem | Solution | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samsung Double-Door | Fridge dead after blackout | Replaced control board & relay | Mombasa Road |
| 2 | Commercial Cold Room | No lights or cooling | Repaired power supply, replaced capacitor | Kisumu CBD |
| 3 | Hisense French Door | Clicking, not starting | Replaced compressor & overload protector | Kileleshwa |
| 4 | Ramtons Mini-Fridge | Warm and unresponsive | Repaired thermostat and sensor wiring | Parklands |
| 5 | LG Side-by-Side | Display lit, but no cooling | Reflashed control board and reset system | Westlands |
Why Choose GossTech for Fridge Repair?
- ✅ Certified and trained technicians
- ✅ Same-day service availability
- ✅ Genuine replacement parts
- ✅ Affordable pricing
- ✅ Service across Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Siaya & beyond
- ✅ 3-month warranty on parts replaced
DIY Tips Before Calling GossTech
If your fridge suddenly won’t turn on, try these before booking a repair:
- Check the wall socket: Plug another appliance to confirm it works.
- Inspect the power cord: Look for burns, cuts, or looseness.
- Try another outlet: Rule out a faulty wall socket.
- Reset your power switchboard: Look for a tripped breaker.
- Listen for compressor sounds: Clicking or humming means the relay might be the issue.
⚠️ If these don’t work, avoid further DIY attempts—fridges have high-voltage components and refrigerant systems that require professional handling.
Service Coverage Areas
GossTech provides on-site fridge repair services in:
- Nairobi (CBD, Westlands, Kileleshwa, Parklands, Lavington, Waiyaki Way)
- Thika Town and surroundings
- Siaya and surrounding towns
- Kisumu (Milimani, Kondele, Nyalenda, Nyamasaria)
- Machakos and Mombasa Road corridor
Book Your Fridge Diagnosis with GossTech Today
A fridge that won’t start is a problem that shouldn’t wait. Whether it's a residential double-door fridge or a commercial cold room unit, GossTech’s team is ready to restore it quickly and affordably. With same-day diagnostics, mobile technician teams, and genuine spare parts, we ensure minimal downtime and maximum reliability.
📞 Call us now at 0723613664
🌐 Visit us: https://gosstech.co.ke
📍 Location: Available across Nairobi, Kisumu, Siaya, Thika & nearby towns.
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