Sounds like the compressor tries to go on bzzzzzzz then off I think its not kicking on all the way? gets hot on top and the fan is running

Feel the top of the compressor is it hot? Usually when a compressor will start and stop this is called short cycling and it is caused by a defective start relay, overload and capacitor. Sometimes it it cause by a defective fan which when this happens all parts including a new fan must be replaced
241941004 Start Relay
218909913 Run Capacitor and a
242018301 Condenser Fan Motor

APPLIANCE911

It is not stuck in defrost mode with those symptoms

Are we talking about the fan near the compressor? It is important to know if the compressor itself is running. If there is a loose connection to the compressor via the start/over load relay (normally attaches directly onto the compressor), or if the start/over load itself is bad the compressor will not run. It will click trying to turn on untill the over load gets hot Check to see if your compressor is really hot. Could be bad start/over load relay or bad compressor. Try unplugging your frig for say 30 min then, with your hand on top of a cool compressor, plug the frig back in and see if compressor smoothly vibrates for at least 5 min without becoming very hot or shutting off even though fan continues to run. The fact your fan is not running could itself be the problem. It is needed to keep the freon, and the compressor cooled.

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Don't run the compressor for any length of time without the fan operating. Is it possible that the fan must be replaced? Can you power the fan safely to test it?
Gary

yes, but I would try a "hard-start" kit before replacing the compressor itself

Hi, the click you are hearing is the klixon external overload relay on the compressor. The compressor is trying to start but is to hot and locked up. You can take off the back panel and make sure the condenser fan motor is running. If not, that's what is causing the compressor to get hot and kick the start relay on and off. If the motor is bad you could save the unit your self. If it is running fine, carefully put your hand on the compressor top and it should be very hot.The relay is connected to the common terminal where the wires go in and drops out when it tries to start. So, if fan is ok, you will need to have a service tech change it out. To be honest here it would cost you around lets say $1,500 to do this. Depending on the age of this unit you may want to look into another unit. This is the problem, trust me. Hopefully its the condenser fan motor thats out causing extreamly high head pressures. If not, the compressor has failed. Sorry to have to give you this news. Keep me posted.
Sincerely,
Shastalaker7

You amy ahave a bvad capacitor on the outside unit. It starts the fan and the compressor. You can change this yourself. Open the outside panel and you will see a silver canister with terminals out the top. Replace this and I think your problem will go away. On the cap. it will say something like 30uf 5uf 370 ot 440 Just get these numbers and get a new one. Russ

Sounds like the start relay, start capacitor and overload have become defective. Turn it off to prevent further damage to the compressor internal overload. Check to make sure the condenser fan and the evaporator fans are running and get back with me with an answer yes or no. Thanks, Sea Breeze
If the model number you have above your post are correct I will also send you part numbers and hot to replace.

Probably not. Does it trip right away or after it runs a while? Check all your wiring connections at the unit including under the compressor terminal cap. Make sure your fan spins free & is lubricated. The condenser on the roof top could be dirty. A capacitor on the compressor could be weak or failing. It is possible there is a refrigerant leak that caused the compressor to run hot and start to draw high current as a result though.

what is the make and model? how long has it been switched on? is the compressor top hot?

if the condenser fan ( the one near the compressor) is not running and the compressor is running, then that's not good. try to lubricate the bushings of the fan and see if it would run. feel the blade if it turns smoothly. if it's sticcky, then there is your problem.

it should be running the same time as the compressor. if the compressor stops, the fan should stop too.

tnx 4using fixya,

drcool