Just replaced starter - pto called a compressor relay for my kenmore model 253.51399104 refrigerator. Prior to replacing, my freezer thawed, got no ice, kept hearing a humming/buzz then a click. Also, the compressor was warm. After replacing the compressor relay ($40.00), the initial startup buzzed/hummed but then the compressor did kick on shortly afterwards.
Q1: Should I still hear any buzz at startup; don't recall hearing it before.
Q2. Every blog I've read says "shake your old" relay and if it rattles then it's bad or fried. Well, the new relay rattled the same as the old. (identical looking to include the numbers). It's working now (except for the humm on startup); is the new relay faulty (part number 218721119). Is it common for some rattling of the starter ptc? Should it rattle at all?
Thanks aaron in DC
It will rattle slightly, this is normal. The ones that are burned out will sound like they have gravel in them, you can defininely tell something is wrong.
The problem with diagnosing Kenmore fridges with this problem is that there are different manufacturers. Yours is built by Frigidaire and probably has a Tecumseh compressor. We find more failed compressors with the Tecumsehs than we do with the models that have Embraco compressors. The models with Embraco's generally have more relay failures.
You should not hear the buzz/hum at startup. You will need to replace the compressor, which will be replaced at no charge to you if it is less than 5 yrs old.
If it is older than 5 yrs, you can have it replaced, but it will be almost as expensive as a new fridge. You can buy an aftermarket start device called a 3-in-1. This has a start capacitor built in to give it a little more boost on start up. I don't recommend using them unless it is a short term fix until the compressor can be replaced or if it is out of warranty and there is nothing to lose anyway.
Thanks/Mike
Aaron, I don't see too many relays go bad on this model but I do see the compressors fail. I would suspect your compressor windings are failing, therefore the buzzing. See how it goes after the refer runs a while. If you hear the buzzing and then a click, then it kicked out on the overload. If this refer is under 5 years old, that compressor is covered under the warranty....Catriver.
Hi,
Many times a freezer and/or refrigerator do not work right because of a dirty condenser coil...there are also many other things that can go wrong.
If you are hearing a clicking or buzzing then check out the last two tips.
If your refrigerator is running but warm, then...
Check out these tips that I wrote about that... it is a great place to start trouble shooting your unit...and something that you can do rather then calling a repair person to do a simple thing for you...
Refrigerator Condenser Coil Cleaning Refrigerator Repair
Refrigerator Troubleshooting Refrigerator Compressor
Refrigerator Compressor Start Capacitor and Start Relay
Refrigerator or Freezer not Cooling or Getting Cold
heatman101
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Thanks Catriver and Mike for the speedy response. Ofcouse I'm a little disappointed since I have the Tecumseh compressor. The new relay rattles the same as the old one. I will be contacting Sears to varify compressor warranty, but I know this refig was delivered in May 2002; so I maybe "sol." I'm getting ice and everything is working fine, but I do hear that litlle buzz, then she kicks on. If it goes down again, I will try the 3 n1 booster relay. Hope it last thru the New Year, and give me time to budget for a new one with the Embraco type compressor.
My real issue is that this Tecumseh compressor was made in Brazil, while the relay was made in Mexico (probably part of NAFTA); love both countries but would love them more if their stuff held up half as long as my 20-yr old Kenmore in the basement that just will not break. The 20-yr old sold me on Kenmore; even so I know Kenmore is just a Sears label and not the main manufacture. So buying a Kenmore is like most of the NFL players: one year here; two years there; but back in the day you knew Roger Staubach and Terry Bradshaw were Cowboy and Steeler respectively; not these days.
Thanks again fellows and Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.
aaron
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