How To Fix Engel Fridge Problems? Step-by-step Guide

Your Engel fridge doesn't get cold? Engel Compressor not working? Explore troubleshooting ideas on how to fix Engel fridge problems with our simple guidelines.

Over the years, Engel fridge-freezers have earned their top-rank reputation for their high durability, easy portability, long lifespan and user-friendly digital features. Did we tell you how environmentally-friendly it is? Unlike some other fridge-freezer brands, Engel doesn’t use harmful toxic chemicals in its making process.

Engel fridge can be the best travel buddy to have during a family picnic on the beach. Not only do they store ice cubes and keep your drinks cool like your personality, but an Engel fridge can also undoubtedly take any outdoor event to the next level.

However, little complications may pop up in the long run. It’s common for people to encounter various Engel fridge problems at some point. So, how do we figure out what the problem is? More importantly, how do we fix them? 

Keep scrolling as we’re going to explore the best troubleshooting ideas on how to fix Engel Fridge problems by yourself.

How to Fix Engel Fridge Problems? Step-by-step Guide.

Solving Engel Fridge Compressor Problems

Did you always think only humans and animals have a heart inside them? Boy were you wrong! Turns out all fridges have a heart inside them too. Yep, that’s the compressor we’re talking about. 

It’s the most important part of an Engel Fridge, in fact, every fridge on earth. If this ‘heart’ has problems, the whole appliance will malfunction. Therefore, if your Engel fridge is not functioning properly, the first culprit to blame for the issues should be its compressor. 

In the upcoming paragraphs, we will teach you how to troubleshoot your Engel fridge by outlining the possible problems it’s likely to be going through and how to resolve them.  

Problem #1: Compressor Not Working

The prime reason for why your compressor is not working properly can be because of a faulty electric unit or inadequate power supply. Hence, make sure to check if the plug connecting to the power source is loose or not.

Another thing is, if the battery happens to be in poor condition, that will automatically make the compressor weak. If the Engel fridge has been in use for more than 10 years, you may want to consider replacing the compressor with a new one for better performance instead of repairing it. 
Problem #2: Compressor Running Non-stop

A high build-up of moisture inside the Engel fridge-freezer can often lead to this. Or even worse, maybe the gasket has leaked or become damaged because of you attempting to freeze hot liquids inside the freezer compartment. 

That’s exactly why Engel fridge manufacturers have advised consumers in the User’s Manual guide to open the fridge less often to prevent warm air from sneaking in and causing moisture build-up inside. 
If you think your Engel Fridge has a leaky gasket, you can either replace it with a new one. Instead, if you want to save some bucks, you can simply buy a gasket sealer and insert it.
Problem #3: Compressor Making Rattling Noises

We generally get to hear a repetitive series of annoying humming sounds coming from an Engel fridge particularly when the mounting brackets are weak and no longer in firm position – meaning, they have become loose. The only option you have in that case is to tighten them. The problem can be self-fixed or you can also seek help from an authorized Engel agent.

Here’s a tip to lessen the rattling noise – get yourself an insulating foam. It will help to cease these sound productions when placed in between the frame of the fridge and its compressor. 
Problem #4: Compressor Becomes Extremely Hot

If your crush looks hot, that’s okay. But if it’s the compressor of your Engel fridge, then that’s definitely not okay. The compressor can feel too hot due to overheating (like duh). To break it down further, a warm internal temperature is the main reason for the compressor getting overheated. 

The first thing to do is to inspect the RV fridge fan. The overheating may be caused due to the lack of proper ventilation. If it’s working just fine, that could mean the thermostat is faulty. To fix Engel fridge thermostat problems, you should unplug the power cord, keep the fridge unplugged for at least half an hour, and then restart and reset the temperature. You may also reset the compressor if you want to defrost or adjust the temperature settings from scratch.

If the malfunctioning of the thermostat continues, you better remove the shelving, locate the thermostat and replace it with a new one.

Engel Fridge Not Cooling? Here’s What to Do

Okay, so your fridge is well-plugged in and also running but the internal temperature doesn’t seem to be cooling whatsoever? Here’s what you can do:

First Step: Check the Fuse

Well, first of all, we need to check if the fuse is doing okay. It’s located at the very bottom right next to the compressor. Unplug the fridge from an electric power source and check if the fuse has become too hot or not. If it’s too hot, you’d want to consider replacing it before the fuse blows out and the fridge stops running.
Second Step: Examine the Wiring Set

Secondly, examine the wiring condition to detect any sort of abnormalities in the polarity of connection cables. Moreover, sometimes the wires in machines and appliances can also get tangled and intertwined with each other like our hair. So, you better do a thorough check.
Third Step: Check Out the Evaporator Coils

If it’s neither of the two so far, we believe the evaporator coils and the refrigerator condenser fan blades are either damaged or perhaps smothered with ice build-up and have hardened thus. Don’t be silly and try to put the coils on fire to melt the ice accumulation. Simply unplug the power cable. Let the fridge defrost itself for 30-40 minutes. Meanwhile, you can clean the condenser coils and check up on the thermostat. After a while when the condenser coils are back to normal, you can plug it back in and restart the fridge

What Do the Engel Fridge Error Messages Imply?

What Do the Engel Fridge Error Messages Imply?

Have you seen those weird codes popping up in the LED display screen of your fridge?

Yep, these error codes are important as they signal something’s wrong. For instance, E-04 implies that the internal temperature is too low. If you rather see E-07 on the screen, that indicates a high power voltage being drawn. On the contrary, E-01 signals very low power voltage.

To learn more about these error codes, take a look at their instruction manual. You’ll find more of these enlisted here.

Now, if you do happen to see an error message show up on the screen, that means all the operations inside the fridge have automatically come to a halt. Hence, waste no time and quickly contact the Engel Service Helpline to have a licensed professional repairman come over for further inspection.

Here’s the good news – if you have a valid warranty that hasn’t expired yet, you are likely to enjoy Engel’s free repair service.

How Do You Know if Your Engel Fridge is Getting Enough Power?

Remember, an Engel fridge won’t function if the power voltage is 10V or less than that. It functions best when it’s running on 12V battery power.

The Engel fridges have a high storage capacity of 40L. When the storage is at its full, the fridge must receive at least 2.5 to 3.00 AMPS to indicate it’s getting enough electricity. However, if the fridge is filled till half, like about 20-25L, as long as it’s receiving 1.00-2.00 AMPS, it’s good to go.

However, do keep in mind that in all Engel fridge-freezers, the low power-cut voltage is pre-set at 11.5 V. This setting is non-adjustable. 

Why Does an Engel Fridge Keep Turning on and Off on Its Own?

Don’t get scared thinking your fridge is haunted. It may keep on shutting itself frequently due to problems in the circuit board, if the compressor is as old as your grandpa or if the thermostat is malfunctioning.

If the thermostat has continual exposure to high temp, the compressor will overheat and cause this to happen. Or sometimes, it may not be anything that serious. The power plug cord could simply be loose and not receive sufficient electricity.

Now, if you try to self-fix this problem by taking help from the User Manual, you are likely to worsen the situation since there can be several problems here and there for the one symptom it’s showing. Only an expert repair guy can inspect the fridge thoroughly and decide what can be done.

Do Engel Fridges Need Re-gassing?

Not only Engel fridges, any fridge may require re-gassing irrespective of the brand, model, size or age. What are the signs that indicate your fridge needs re-gassing? 

Sign #1: Issue With Gas Pipe

A refrigerator will require to be re-gassed if the gas pipe has been damaged or broken. In the occurrence of a gas leak, by national law, one must find the source of the gas leak and then get it repaired by a licensed technician. 
Sign #2: Food Freezes Easily

As your Engel fridge gradually and slowly runs out of the refrigerant, the foods and drinks inside the internal fridge compartments start to freeze up. Eventually, your fresh green salad leaves start to turn blackish because of frostbite. You’ll also observe more signs of freezer burns on your foods as time passes by.
Sign #3: Ice Build-up

Another very common sign of low gas is constant build-up of ice in the condenser plate. Not to mention, you will also smell a stinky moldy odor.
Sign #4: Big Chunks of Ice

As the level of gas further continues to slowly lessen, you will observe large blocks of ice forming at different corners of the refrigerator compartment. This is also accompanied by big accumulations of chunky ice blocks in the freezer section as well. Eventually, it becomes too difficult to conveniently close or open the refrigerator/freezer door.

Now, if one or more of the scenarios match with your Engel appliance, you need to take some immediate action. We wish we could suggest some DIY solutions that you could try by yourself within the comfort of your home, but the only way to re-gas your Engel Fridge is by contacting an expert and licensed refrigerator technician to do the job for you.

Final Thoughts

When you’ve been using your Engel fridge for a really long time, it will likely have technical problems sooner or later. Most of the Engel fridge freezer problems have easy fixing procedures. Yes, you can do the repairing work by yourself especially by following our step-by-step instructions. Remember, the key thing is to be able to do a proper diagnosis – if you can identify correctly whether the problem is with the Engel compressor or the thermostat, then you can easily solve the issue accordingly. Nevertheless, if you’re not able to detect what’s wrong and where, it’s better if you seek professional help from fridge repairer service center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Worth Replacing the Compressor of My Engel Fridge? 
Depends actually. If you’ve been using your fridge for about 10-12 years or more and haven’t changed the compressor for once yet, we think it’s high time. What’s better than repairing an old, weak, worn-out compressor? Replacing it with a new one!
Can My Old Fridge Be Repaired by a Local Refrigerator Mechanic?
If your warranty is still active, you can get free repair services from Engel authority. When you can get it done for free, why spend money on repairing by unauthorized fridge technicians.
Does My Engel Fridge Need to Be in a Flat and Level Position When Running?
Nope. The Engel portable fridge has a versatile motor which doesn’t need to be flat, unlike other portable fridge-freezers.
Can You Turn an Engel Fridge Upside Down?
Yes, just in case if you’re trying to clear any blockages in the circulation system. Otherwise, it’s not recommended to turn any fridge upside down, at least not for long periods, since there are chances of the compressor getting damaged when you turn the fridge on its side or upside down. Worst case scenario – lubricant will run out of the compressor and get into the coolant lines.
Why is My Engel Fridge Compressor Vibrating?
The compressor is basically supposed to stay attached to the mounting brackets at the bottom. When these brackets loosen up, this creates a gap between the mounting brackets and the compressor. This is why the compressor is making humming vibration noises.