Whirlpool 25.6 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator with In-Door-Ice Dispensing System Logo
Charlie Hatfield Posted on Dec 07, 2008

Our refrigerator/freezer will stop working (not cool or freeze) then days later will begin to work again.

It starts off by making a strange noise. Like a long hum and a click. As if the compressor is attempting to come on but can't. It will do this for a couple of days then it will no longer cool or freeze. The fan is working, but blowing hot air. Then about 3 days after it has stopped it magically starts working again..and will for about 2 weeks. We have cleaned the coils as suggested in the manual, but it did not do anything to help it. Is it possible that the thermostat is going out? Our refrig is only 2 years old. We bought it brand new when we bought our house. What can we do to fix this problem? my whirlpool s by s is doing the same, stopped cooling. compressor trys to come on ,but just get a clicking sound out of white box mounted on side of compressor.fridge is about 5 years old

  • Charlie Hatfield
    Charlie Hatfield Dec 11, 2008

    replaced relay, fridge is now working like new. the interesting thing about new relay was that i had to buy a kit that came with 2 different relays ,depending upon the number on compressor,cost was 52.00 .bad enough had to replace on such a new fridge, but , you pay for extra part and other pieces not even needed.

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Anonymous

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  • Posted on Dec 07, 2008
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If you have already tried shutting off for 24 hrs. (reset), cleaning the under-bed condenser fins (vacuum and/or compressed air) and the issue still continues, you may be lucky enough to just need a relay/overload switch; the thingy connected to the compressor, which by the way takes patience and ease in removing. However, once the plastic cover is off, simply unplug the relay switch(s) and shake it, if you hear rattling (or) smell burn, the relay is toast and thus needs replacement. Simple enough, for replacement type in the model # of the compressor: (i.e.) [[ Embraco FGS 80 with relay/overload switch ]] cost around ($30-$50)... order, replace, re-plug, and if on target, the compressor will kick in. let run for 24 hours before adding foods, and all is good. Have a nice day. ee

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Anonymous

  • 237 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 08, 2007

SOURCE: Our refrigerator/freezer will stop working (not cool or freeze) then days later will begin to work again.

It's either the start device on the compressor or you have a bad compressor. You'll have to pull it away from the wall and take the bottom back panel off to check the compressor. It will likely be real hot to the touch from what you described happening. If there is a little white colored box on the left side take that off and remove the wires, etc. and shake it... if it rattles and debris falls out then that's the problem. It's fairly common and they make a kit to replace it with a better designed part that's real easy to install yourself. If your compressor has a label on it with a blue indian head symbol, then you're out of luck as that brand pretty much sucks and is destroyed by heat. It would mean a new compressor and then you'd be lucky if the new one even worked from the factory. Avoid those Tecumseh compressors at all cost.

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Anonymous

  • 213 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 25, 2007

SOURCE: My Frigidaire

there is a relay/overload/compasitor that plugs into the compressor. when this part goes bad the compressor will hum then click. its a pretty common problem with frigidaire but very easy to replace

Anonymous

  • 4 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 05, 2008

SOURCE: can't get the fridge to work

hi,
      if this solution pertains then u gotto check ur compressors...as it is de heart of a fridge...do service them....ur prob ll b solved

Matthew MacWilliams

  • 97 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 26, 2009

SOURCE: Fridge won't start, tries to but clicks off after a few seconds

compressor is broken if you are under warranty you can get it replaced. if not you should buy another one cause compressors are expensive to replace. costs about the price of a new refrigerator. you can try getting a used one from classifieds or craigslist.com

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