Walk-In Cooler Compressor Failure
— Downtown Montreal
A downtown Montreal restaurant discovered their True T-72 walk-in cooler had stopped cooling overnight. Interior temperature had reached 58°F. Flash Repair was called at 7:30 AM and had the unit repaired and cooling by 10:50 AM — before the lunch service.
The Situation
The restaurant manager arrived at 7:00 AM to begin prep work and immediately noticed the walk-in cooler was warm. The unit was still running — the compressor was attempting to start — but producing no cooling effect. Interior temperature was 58°F (14°C), well above the safe threshold for food storage.
With a full lunch and dinner service scheduled, the restaurant faced a critical decision: move the food immediately and call for emergency service, or risk the health code violation. They called Flash Repair at 7:30 AM.
Service Timeline
Call received. Manager describes clicking sound from condensing unit, warm interior.
Flash Repair technician dispatched from Montreal base.
Technician arrives. Immediate diagnosis: Bristol compressor hard start failure. Start capacitor blown, compressor locked rotor.
Start relay and capacitor confirmed failed. Compressor checked — windings intact, motor viable with hard start kit.
Hard start kit installed, start components replaced. Compressor test — successful start, amperage normal.
Refrigerant pressures checked — within spec. System running, temperatures dropping.
Interior temperature reached 36°F. System stable. Food safety restored before lunch service.
Root Cause Diagnosis
Primary: Start Capacitor Failure
The start capacitor provides the initial voltage kick to start the compressor motor. Once it fails, the compressor clicks but cannot start, leading to a locked rotor condition.
Secondary: Start Relay Worn
The start relay, which works alongside the capacitor, was at end of life and replaced simultaneously to prevent recurrence.
Solution & Parts Used
Bristol compressor start capacitor (replacement, OEM-equivalent)
Compressor start relay (replacement)
Hard start kit installed for reduced startup amperage
Full refrigerant pressure check — no recharge needed
Condensing unit area cleaned (minor dust on coils)
Outcome
3h 20m
Call to Resolution
$0
Food Loss (service before lunch)
36°F
Target Temp Achieved
Same Issue?
Walk-in not cooling? Call now — we can often diagnose over the phone.
438-700-9164Book ServiceCase Details
Equipment
True T-72 Walk-In Cooler
Location
Downtown Montreal
Response Time
45 minutes
Repair Time
2 hours 35 minutes
Repair Cost
$380 (parts + labour)