Compressor runs, overheats and shuts down..fan does not run...

Humidity is low enough that control thinks it no longer needs to run, or control (humidistat) is bad, or hopefully not the compressor motor is not happy and shuts down due to overheat. Double-check your filter and possibly the coil dirt buildup to be sure this is not the cause of compressor motor overheat.

Depending on the time sequence you have this unit set to run, Fredrich's are designed so that the fan runs almost constantly, to keep the air moving. When it senses a rise in humidity above the level you have it set on, the compressor turns ON and runs until the level of humidity is lowered. This is especially true, if you are operating this unit in continual mode.

Hope this helps you and thanks for choosing FixYa.

Robinson, it really sounds like the compressor is overheating. This may be caused by a low refrigerant gas in the compressor. Or the compressor's oil has leaked down. But, if you took the unit apart to clean it, I would think that you would have noticed an oily residue. If it is the compressor (other than needing to be recharged) it would cost almost as much to replace it, as it would be to buy a new unit.
At least with a new one, you'd have a one year warranty and more, if you purchase an extended warranty.

Hope this helped you.

Hi,
It could be a bad compressor, circuit board, or maybe even a sensor or dehumidistat...
Here is a tip about dehumidifiers that run but do not extract water from the air..

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4662409-dehumidifier_running_but_no_water_in

heatman101

i would do a continutity check on you relay and overload, other than that
what is the humidity level in the room, as well as the ambiant temp. these mahines cycle for that very reason, the fan will come on, do a check and then determine if it should start the compressor.
check if you have voltage at the compressor when its supposed to be running ( just a last thought)
ive seen compressors ohm out, but in fact be bad

sounds like the compressor is seized.

Sounds like bad relay on compressor or bad compressor. There is only so far you can go yourself without knowledge in electrical and AC units. Suggest you call a service tech or if you can take it to service cemter near you. Russ

Lifeguard, there are generally no user accessible safety items in dehumidifiers. You are likely describing the start relay which is used to 'boost' the compressor on starting. Jumping it will not help you. It sounds like the compressor is defective. Economically, there is no justification for servicing these units unless they require refrigerant gas or if the fan motor has seized, something you can readily determine. If you don't hear the compressor hum when it should, there is no service procedure available for these sealed units.

attempt to feel the metal fins on the back of the unit. If they do not feel cool, then unit is either out of freon or compressor has failed or compressor is not running. If fins are cool, then insufficient air flow through unit -check fan- or room has very low humidity and humidistat is defective; not shutting down compressor.

Check to make sure the fan works. I have one with a broken internal fan and it will appear to work but will not collect water. Do not be fooled by the noise from the compressor. If your fan is broken, the compressor will run until it overheats. There should be airflow that you can feel behind the unit which should be cool and not hot.