Traulsen Refrigerator & Freezer Troubleshooting
Traulsen makes some of the best commercial refrigerators and freezers in the foodservice industry. Restaurants, hotels and many other commercial kitchens use their wide variety of reach-in and undercounter models to chill ingredients and beverages.
While it's not common, issues can pop up over time, especially when the freezer is running nonstop every day. Don't be caught off guard if something isn't right. From G-Series models to ULT undercounter units, we have easy Traulsen freezer troubleshooting tips.
Refrigerator or Freezer Not Cooling/Freezing
- Door won't seal shut – Gaskets with tears and cracks can prevent the door from sealing shut. If you notice damage, replace to ensure the door closes properly.
- High control setting – The control setting might be at a high temperature. Check your operation manual for instruction on how to the change the setting properly.
- Large amounts of warm food – If you place a large amount of warm food into the cabinet, give it time to readjust to regular temperature.
- Door was open too long – When the door is left open too long, the cabinet can get warm. Once the door is closed, give the cabinet enough time to readjust to regular temperature.
- Dirty condenser coil – If the condenser coil or filter has a buildup of grease or coil, clean it properly. Check the operation manual for proper instructions.
Interior is Too Cold
- Low control setting – The control setting might be at a low temperature. Check your operation manual for instructions on how to increase the temperature setting correctly.
- Large amounts of cold or frozen food – If you place a large amount of cold or frozen food into the unit, give the cabinet time to readjust to regular temperature.
Condensing Unit Won't Start
- No power to unit – Make sure the unit is plugged in. If it is, check for damage on the power cord. Have the damaged cord replaced.
- Incorrect control temperature setting – See if the control temperature setting on the unit is correct. Check the operation manual to adjust accordingly.
Condensing Unit Operates Continuously
- Dirty condenser and filter – If the condenser coil or filter has a buildup of grease or coil, clean it properly. Check the operation manual for proper instructions.
- Doors not closing – See if the doors are closing properly. A damaged or dirty gasket or a broken hinge could keep the door from sealing shut.
- Icy evaporator coil – When the evaporator coil is iced, you'll need to defrost it manually. Check the operation manual for defrosting instructions.
- Refrigerant leak or shortage – If there is a refrigerant leak or shortage in the unit, contact an authorized service technician to repair.
No Power
- ON/OFF switch is in "OFF" position – Check if the switch is in the "OFF" position. If so, turn it to the "ON" position.
- Unplugged or damaged power cord – See if the power cord is unplugged or damaged. If there is damage, have cord replaced.
- Tripped or damaged power supply breaker – See if the power supply breaker is tripped or damaged.
Compressor Issues
Below are some common issues associated with compressors. These issues should be repaired by an authorized service technician.
Compressor Hums But Won't Stop
When the compressor hums but doesn't stop, the issue should be handled by an authorized technician to avoid the manufacturer warranty from being voided.
Compressor Short Cycles
There could be improper airflow over the evaporator coil, or the following components could be damaged:
Compressor Runtime Too Long
- Opening the door too much – Make sure the door isn't being opened too much. This can overwork the compressor.
- Too many items inside – If the cabinet area is overloaded, the compressor might run too long.
- Contaminated items inside – The refrigeration system might have contaminants that harm the compressor's operation.
- Damaged door gaskets – If there are cracks or splits on the door gasket, the door won't seal shut, causing the air to escape and the compressor to keep running. Replace the gasket immediately.
There also could be improper air flow over the condenser coil, or the following components could be damaged and need to be repaired by an authorized technician :
- Cabinet air sensor
- Cabinet coil sensor
- Condenser fan
- Control
- Relay module
Compressor Continuously Operates
- Opening the door too much – Make sure the door isn't being opened too much. This can cause the compressor to operate nonstop.
- Loss of refrigerant - If there is a refrigerant leak or shortage in the unit, contact an authorized service technician to repair.
- Damaged control or cabinet air sensor – Check if the control or cabinet air sensor are broken or damaged. Either component will need to be repaired or replaced by an authorized technician.
Blank Control Display
The power might not be supplied to the unit. See if the ON/OFF switch is off or the power cord is unplugged or damaged. There also could be a damaged relay module or control. Have either repaired by an authorized service technician.
Need more help troubleshooting a Traulsen refrigeration unit? Explore our collection of Traulsen manuals for assistance.