4 replies to this topic

[smilesdaguitar]

Hello

This is my first post here and I need some questions answered. I'm Grateful for any help I can get.

Ok. I have a Kenmore Side by Side in which I purchase May 5 2010 New from Sears. The Fridge stopped cooling on both sides. When the compressor kicks on it runs for 3-5 seconds and then a loud CLICK and then it shuts off. The first thing I done was pulled the start relay and it looks like Brand New, no burn marks, no rattles. I took the start relay in to town to purchase a new one. The person I went to tested the relay and said it was fine but I was told by someone else their is noway to test a Start Relay. He told me I had a Bad Compressor (without looking) and told me I needed to buy a "3 n' 1 Relay Overload Start Capacitor" in which I did purchase it. He told me I may get another 6-12 months use out of it and to send it to the trash pile. LOL.. really that's what he told me. Is this True? How long will it last on this "3 n' 1 relay overload"? I did get it running again and now working as good as new. But how long?Can you Test a Relay Starter? Also the divider between the unit is a little hot toward the middle, is that Normal? I never noticed it before but really never paid that much attention to it.

[RegUS_PatOff]

... compressor kicks on it runs for 3-5 seconds and then a loud CLICK and then it shuts off.
... tested the relay and said it was fine ... but I was told by someone else their is noway to test a Start Relay.
... He told me I had a Bad Compressor
... told me I needed to buy a "3 n' 1 Relay Overload Start Capacitor" in which I did
... Also the divider between the unit is a little hot toward the middle.

1) normally would be a bad Start Relay
2) depending on how it was tested... could have a Start Relay Tester, etc ..
3) could be.. if the Start Relay was good.
4) a "3 'n 1" may extend the life of a bad Compressor OR you could purchase a replacement Start Relay $$
5) yes, but make sure the Condenser Coils by the Compressor are clean

[smilesdaguitar]

Thanks for Your Help Sensei. Till today I have never ever touch or even thought about working on a APPLIANCE...lol.. Amazing what you can do when your in a tight spot. Bad part is it was under warranty till May 05 2011, why couldn't this happen then..lol

[appl.tech.29501]

How long will it last on this "3 n' 1 relay overload"? I did get it running again and now working as good as new. But how long?Can you Test a Relay Starter?

Need to be concerned with the amount of amps the compressor is drawing when it's running. You would need an amp meter for this.

If you used a 3-in-1 with a run capacitor it should be drawing about 1.5, without cap., about 2. If it's 3 or higher then you may get a year out of it.

[RegUS_PatOff]

... You would need an amp meter for this.

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