Fridge sat turned off for some time, maybe months. transported fridge 20kms - turned on after sitting approx 8 hours immediately started beeping three times & paused. Returned next day and all day incessent beeping. Fridge/freezer cold, doors closed. Tried re-positioning fridge, turning off/on after 30 min interval STILL BEEPING driving me nuts... pls help

It is possible damage will result. Your fridge's compressor motor is suspended inside the compressor housing on three or four springs. These springs are designed to hold the motor load in a vertical position. Transporting a fridge on it's side can stretch or break these springs which can cause a shudder stop condition (the fridge makes a shuddering banging noise everytime the compressor stops and sometimes when it starts).

It's a good idea to let a fridge sit for a bit anytime it is moved. Over night won't hurt but an hour is more than enough time.


the internet consensus seems to be that you should limit the amount of time the unit is not upright. And as stated above, leave it upright at least overnight before starting it. Apparently damage can arise from mixing of lubricant and coolant, so damage is more likely in an older unit with worn seals.

I have a Samsung srs618dp side by side fridge. I have just turned it on after 5 months and it seems to be working however every 30 seconds it keeps beeping, very annoying. There is no ice build up.

Hi,
Here is a tip that I wrote on moving refrigerators...if you did not do it thisway then you may well have ruined a perfectly good refrigerator.

Moving a Refrigerator What is thebest way

If you already have moved it wrong, you can sometimes get it working byplugging it in and unplugging it a number of times with an hour or so inbetween.

heatman101

Good day,
If it's being delivered by an appliance company, they know that the machine has to be transported upright. So no. You should be able to plug it in as soon as it's set up.
IF the machine is transported on it's side, then yes, a minimum of 24 hours is necessary to get the oil back into the compressor.

False . If it was delivered laying on its' side , back , or front , 24 hrs is necessary . If delivered standing up , no need to wait .

Not true. Refers since the 1950's are sealed units but for safety's sake let it sit for awhile after you move it.

The short answer is yes, but the key is to make certain not to plug in and start the fridge for at least 24 hours once it is upright and in the final location.

The reasons manufacturers caution against transporting/moving a fridge on it's side also has to do with the possibility of damaging the doors and hinge plates. The big reason is because people tend to want to start filling up their new fridge with food right away, so they plug it in once it's in their house.

If a fridge has been shipped on its' side, the compressor oil tends to wick/flow into the piping and can cause a failure, if not allowed to drain back into the compressor when the fridge is placed back upright.

Although not the best way to transport, you can do it if you allow time for things to settle back before powering it up.

Unplug your refrigerator from the ac outlet, and 0open theref door for approx. 5 minutes. Then plug it again, after you hear the beeping close the door. wallah it's fixed.

The key here is that you must let the unit stay upright for a period of time BEFORE you plug it in. So, yes it is ok to transport it on its side. Let the unit sit in its correct position for 4 hours or so and you should be fine. The issue is the oils and freon (or equivalent) that must be allowed to pool in the bottom before you attempt to run it.

Dan