Need helping identifying possible power supply damage (not for a PC)

Sir Dude · December 30, 2020

I've got one of those 6 can mini-mini fridges (more specifically this thing by Frigidaire https://www.homedepot.com/p/Frigidaire-0-3-cu-ft-6-Can-Retro-Mini-Fridge-in-Black-EFMIS129-BLACK/305758778) except it died. That's not surprising, it was like, $20. However I've always wanted to get into hobby electronics and I want to see if I could do some minor upgrades as well as repairing it. I've made a post about this thing a year or two ago but I've finally got the pieces I need to get started.

Before I do though, I was wondering if anybody can help identify some damage on it's power supply.

There's some brown discoloration in the middle left of the yellow board. I know enough about electronics to identify the parts (along with help from a graphic created by a user named Mariushm from my old post, pictured below) but I don't know what exactly happened here. My guess is heat damage, but from what, and why? This thing has been sitting disassembled for about 2 years and I do remember that damage being there when I first took it apart, however I don't recall ever smelling anything burning while it was in use. I'm not exactly concerned if this thing doesn't work after repairs, it's cheap after all, I'd just like the insight so I can learn more about electronics and help identify problems in the future with this real world example.

Mariushm's grahpic:

SlashedM · December 30, 2020

The transformer looked like it melted some to me

Moonzy · December 30, 2020

@mariushm this person?

mariushm · December 30, 2020

Can't see the discord pictures.

Sir Dude · December 31, 2020

@SlashedMI don't think I see any kind of melting.

@mariushmIf you can see your original graphic, you can see it just below the large capacitor and above the transformer. That's what I'm talking about here.

Right now I'm in the process of replacing those bottom two capacitors, as the originals were starting to wear out. I've got them put in but I'm hearing a fast ticking sound, and the LED by the power switch is blinking rapidly. Would that be a short/mistake on my end? If so, what can I do to troubleshoot it? I don't remember hearing that last time I plugged it in.