True Refrigeration Troubleshooting
True is a mainstay in commercial refrigeration, cooling everything from beverages to key ingredients with ease. That's why plenty of restaurants, hotels and cafeterias rely on these units 24/7.
In spite of their impressive durability, any machine that runs for hours and hours is sure to have some hiccups pop up from time to time. In order to help you keep your machine in good working order, our True refrigeration troubleshooting guide offers tips on how to identify and resolve issues quickly and easily.
This information is applicable to a range of units, such as the T-49 refrigerator, T-19F freezer, GDM-12 merchandiser cooler and the TUC-27G undercounter refrigerator. Also, note that any in-depth repair should be completed by an authorized technician.
Unit Won’t Turn On
- Refrigerator isn’t plugged in - Plug in the unit.
- Power cord is loose - Push in the electrical cord to make a firm connection.
- Circuit breaker is off or tripped/fuse is blown - Turn the circuit breaker on. If issues persist, contact a licensed electrician for assistance.
Refrigerator Not Cooling
- Condenser coil is dirty - Clean the condenser coil. Refer to our True refrigeration cleaning tips for more information.
- Evaporator coil is frozen - Schedule a service call with a licensed technician to solve the issue.
- Gasket is dirty or cracked - Clean or replace the gasket. See our True refrigeration door gasket replacement article if you need step-by-step instructions.
- Door is open - Close the door tightly.
- Condenser fan motor is faulty - Call an authorized technician to remedy the issue.
- Wire connections are improper - Seek the assistance of a licensed technician to handle the issue.
- Thermostat is faulty - Reach out to an authorized technician for assistance.
- Thermostat setting is too high - Lower the thermostat setting.
- Refrigerant charge is low - Make an appointment with a licensed technician to take care of the problem.
- Air circulation around the unit is inadequate - Relocate the machine to an area with more clearance around the unit in order to promote better air circulation.
- Air movement within the unit is insufficient - Don’t overload the interior cabinet with product so that air can flow freely.
Compressor Isn’t Running
- Voltage is incorrect - Contact a licensed electrician to address the issue.
- Line disconnect switch is open - Seek help from an authorized technician to remedy the issue.
- Fuse is blown - Replace the fuse.
- Overload protector is tripped - Call a licensed technician to solve the problem.
- Wiring is improper or loose - Arrange a service appointment with an authorized technician to correct the problem.
- Control is stuck in the open position - Schedule a service call with a licensed technician to handle the issue.
- Unit control is in a cold location - Move the control to a warmer location.
Compressor Starts, Then Trips on the Overload Protector
- Voltage is low - Reach out to an authorized electrician to remedy the issue.
- Wiring is incorrect - Call a licensed technician for assistance.
- Start or run capacitor is defective - Contact an authorized technician to address the issue.
- Relay fails to close - Schedule a service appointment with a licensed technician to solve the problem.
- Winding is open or shorted - Seek the assistance of an authorized technician to correct the issue.
- Liquid refrigerant is in the compressor - Arrange a service call with an authorized technician to take care of the problem.
- Discharge pressure is too high - Get help from a licensed technician to resolve the issue.
- Suction pressure is too high - Call an authorized technician to remedy the problem.
- Overload protector is defective - Contact a licensed technician to address the issue.
- Compressor is faulty - Seek out an authorized technician for help.
Compressor Starts, But Doesn’t Switch Off Start Winding
- Wiring is improper - Contact an authorized technician to remedy the issue.
- Voltage is low - Call a licensed electrician to address the issue.
- Relay fails to open - Schedule a service call with an authorized technician to correct the problem.
- Run capacitor is defective - Seek out a licensed technician to handle the problem.
- Discharge pressure is too high - Arrange an appointment with an authorized technician to solve the problem.
- Winding is open or shorted - Call a licensed technician to take care of the issue.
- Compressor is faulty - Reach out to an authorized technician for assistance.
Unit Short Cycles
- Temperature differential is too close - Adjust the thermostat setting so that there’s a larger difference between the temperatures at which the unit begins and stops cycling.
- Overload protector is defective - Contact a licensed technician to address the problem.
- Air or water supply to the condenser is incorrect - Seek the assistance of an authorized technician to handle the issue.
- Refrigerant is overcharged or undercharged - Schedule a service appointment with a licensed technician to remedy the issue.
- Air is in the system - Call an authorized technician to handle the problem.
- Liquid line solenoid is leaking - Reach out to a licensed technician for assistance.
- Compressor valve is leaking - Arrange an appointment with an authorized technician to correct the problem.
- Expansion device is restricted - Seek the help of a licensed technician to resolve the issue.
Machine Runs Continuously
- Refrigerant is undercharged - Contact an authorized technician to remedy the problem.
- Control contacts are stuck or frozen closed - Clean the contacts or replace the control.
- Refrigerator is overloaded with product - Remove some product to improve airflow.
- Unit is too small for the load - Replace the current machine with a larger one.
- Door is ajar - Make sure that the door is closed completely.
- Gasket is dirty or worn - Clean or replace the gasket. If needed, see our True refrigerator gasket replacement guide for detailed instructions.
- Evaporator coil is frozen - Seek the assistance of a licensed technician to handle the issue.
- Condenser coil is dirty - Clean the condenser. For more information on the procedure, check our True refrigerator cleaning article.
- Filter is dirty - Clean or replace the filter.
- Refrigeration system has a blockage - Reach out to an authorized technician for help.
Refrigerator Is Leaking
- Drain is clogged - Use a brush or pipe cleaner to clean out the blockage.
- Gasket is dirty or damaged - Clean or replace the gasket. Take a look at our guide on how to replace a True refrigerator gasket for detailed instructions.
- Drain pan is damaged or isn’t installed properly - Call a licensed technician to address the issue.
Unit Is Noisy
- Parts or mountings are loose - Tighten the parts or mountings.
- Tubing pressed against the unit is rattling - Reposition the tubing so that it isn’t touching the machine.
- Fan blade is bent - Schedule an appointment with an authorized technician to remedy the problem.
- Fan motor bearings are worn - Seek out a licensed technician for assistance.
Door Won’t Shut
- Gasket is broken - Install a new gasket. If necessary, use our article on replacing a True refrigeration gasket for clear and concise instructions.
- Unit isn’t level - Level the machine. For detailed information on how to adjust the casters and insert shims, see the owner’s manual.
Light Isn’t Working
- Unit isn’t plugged in - Plug in the machine.
- Electrical cord is loose - Be sure that the power cord is pushed into the outlet securely.
- Bulb is loose - Check to make sure that the bulb is attached firmly.
- Bulb is burned out - Replace the bulb.
- Socket is faulty - Contact an authorized technician to address the issue.
Capacitor Is Open, Shorted or Blown
- Relay contacts aren’t operating properly - Call a licensed technician to remedy the problem.
- Start cycle is too long - Schedule an appointment with an authorized technician to handle the issue.
- Short cycling is excessive - Reach out to a licensed technician to take care of the problem.
- Capacitor is improper - Contact an authorized technician for assistance.
- Voltage is incorrect - Seek the assistance of a licensed electrician to solve the issue.
Relay Is Defective or Burned Out
- Relay is improper - Arrange an appointment with an authorized technician to correct the problem.
- Mounting angle is incorrect - Call a licensed technician to address the issue.
- Voltage is too high or too low - Seek out a licensed electrician for help.
- Short cycling is excessive - Contact an authorized technician to handle the issue.
- Run capacitor is improper - Schedule an appointment with an authorized technician to take care of the problem.
Suction Line is Frosted or Sweating
- Expansion valve is passing excess refrigerant or is oversized - Call a licensed technician to remedy the issue.
- Expansion valve is stuck open - Contact an authorized technician to address the problem.
- Evaporator fan isn’t running - Seek the help of a licensed technician to resolve the issue.
- Refrigerant is overcharged - Schedule a service call with an authorized technician to correct the problem.
Liquid Line is Frosted or Sweating
- Dehydrator or strainer is restricted - Reach out to a licensed technician for assistance.
- Liquid shut-off valve is partially closed - Open the valve fully.
Common True Refrigeration Error Codes
Listed below are common error codes that can help you identify issues with your machine. Check your owner’s manual for a complete list. If necessary, contact an authorized technician for assistance.
P1 Alarm/E1 Code
Thermostat probe failure
- "P1" displays on units with Dixell controls – T-49, TAC-48, TAC-48GS and TAC-72RC
- "E1" appears on models with LAE controls – T-23, T-49 (select only), TFP, TPP, TSD, TSSU, TWT, GDM-26-HC, GDM-49-HC and GDM-69-HC-LD
P2 Alarm/E2 Code
Evaporator probe malfunction
- "P2" shown on models with Dixell controls – T-49, TAC-48, TAC-48GS and TAC-72RC
- “E2” displays on units with LAE controls – T-23, T-49 (select only), TFP, TPP, TSD, TSSU, TWT, GDM-26-HC, GDM-49-HC and GDM-69-HC-LD
P3 Alarm/E3 Code
Auxiliary or display probe failure
- "P3" displays on machines with Dixell controls – T-49, TAC-48, TAC-48GS and TAC-72RC
- “E3” shown on models with LAE controls – T-23, T-49 (select only), TFP, TPP, TSD, TSSU, TWT, GDM-26-HC, GDM-49-HC and GDM-69-HC -LD
HA Alarm/thi Code
The machine is at maximum temperature.
- "HA" displays on machines with Dixell controls – T-49, TAC-48, TAC-48GS and TAC-72RC
- "thi" appears on models with LAE controls – T-23, T-49 (select only), TFP, TPP, TSD, TSSU, TWT, GDM-26-HC, GDM-49-HC and GDM-69-HC-LD
LA Alarm/tLo Code
The machine is at minimum temperature.
- "LA" displays on models with Dixell controls – T-49, TAC-48, TAC-48GS and TAC-72RC
- "tLo" appears on units with LAE controls – T-23, T-49 (select only), TFP, TPP, TSD, TSSU, TWT, GDM-26-HC, GDM-49-HC and GDM-69-HC-LD
Door Open (do) Alarm
Door is open, cracked or won’t seal shut. This may be the result of faulty hinges.
- “do” shown on machines with LAE electronic controls only – T-23, T-49, TFP, TMW, TPP, TSD, TSSU, TWT, GDM-26-HC, GDM-49-HC and GDM-69-HC-LD
For more information on how to use and maintain your unit, take a look at the large library of True refrigeration manuals and diagrams on our site.