My whirlpool arc5531 fridge freezer defrosted and stopped working, it works for a few seconds when it has been switched off for a while then it cuts out both the fridge & freezer are not working and no noise from the compressor etc...

If you hear a click every few minutes and a buzz / click then nothing, it would sound as if your compressor is gone, the water problem is the defrost drain pipe is blocked

Totally a normal action.. When the compressor switches off once the temperature is reached, or possibly after a defrost cycle, if the gas hasn't quite equalised, it will click once or twice then start up.If the compressor has a starting capacitor and it does the clicking, then one needs to check the capacitor.

the clicking sound is normal it sounds like valve operating or you may have the water pressure up to hgh for the unit. for your second problem is the fan operating inthe fridge this stops the cold air to transfer from the freezer, also check the operation of the damper this is the flap the controls the amount of air into the fridge this is uasualy controled by a by metalic thermostat or motor. thirdly which mostly common is the defrost heater is not working signs are frozer evaperator in freezer and air duct the checks are defrost timer, heater element terminatinion thermostat and someunits have thermofuses goodluck

gas is sealed for life....sounds like it is auto defrost mode.leave switched on. after a full manual defrost. for at least 24 hours to settle down keep door shut... then check. should reset itself.make sure all vents,drains are clean.

more than likely the defroster inside the freezer has gone bad. This defroster is located in the space between the fridge and freezer and activates to defrost the freezer and stop build up of ice in the freezer.. If it is bad the freezer will not keep the fridge nor freezer cold.
Dave

Check the fan that moves the air from the freezer side to the refrigerator side. It is either stuck in ice or not working. Defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours and then restart it Listen for the fan operation be aware that the fan may shut off when you open the door, so listen closely. Defrosting it may fix or the fan may need to be replaced.

Just had the same problem on my Freezerator, the compressor would cycle on for a few seconds and then off for about 5-10 minutes. No cooling. Replaced the overload sw and the start capacitor and system running cold and tru. Beer cold again, 0deg in freezer. Parts are available on the web, P/n 2169373 for the capacitor and 213615000 for the switch and housing...may be different # for the sw....PTM

You have problem with the motor compressor,it is trying to start, but cannot for one reason or another, could be siezed motor, sticking start relay.etc'
It is stopping and starting due to the motor overload device cutting in and out. it acts as a safety device.
This is usually associated with a serious malfunction..Plz rate my solution.
Thanks.

if you couldn't find a defrost timer then just unplug it or switch it off until all the frost (ice) melts!