KA Fridge 1996 Shorter Cycle Noisier Start

[baumgrenze]

We have a KitchenAid KBRS21KDWH01 refrigerator that started serving us late in September 1996, so it is 22+ years old. Recently it seems to run on a more frequent, shorter cycle. The first 5-10 seconds After it stars up it is louder, like the compressor might be starved for lubricant or refrigerant. The freezer has no trouble running at 0 +/- 5 degrees although I just put my hi/lo thermometer in an  hour ago. I have an Elitech data logger I could install, too, but I think it needs a new battery.

My guess is that it may be time to retire it gracefully. It has been a wonderfully quiet and reliable device, so I'm asking if it is worth checking to see if it has lost refrigerant. I tried a search to see what it was charged with when it left the factory and not remarkably I was presented with a lot of 'false positive' answers for replacement parts.

Thanks for any samurai wisdom,

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[16345Ed]

Makes sure compressor and condenser area is cleaned up. That can cause it to run more often.