I need some help because my wine cooler stopped running. The light still turns on but there is no refrigeration. I removed the back panel and see that the side of the compressor where it joins the overload and relay switches is all rusted and it appears an excessive amount. This refrigerator is not even 3 years old. I am not sure if that could be the cause of the malfunction. How can I determine the cause of the problem? I see in other blogs similar problems have related to the thermostat needing replacement. Looking at the warranty it states that compressor problems are covered on years 2 through 5.

Hi,

If the compressor start relay and overload is all rusted, then thats likely the problem.

If you have a ohm meter you can test for continuity on your start relay and overload.

Also you can test for 120 volts at the overload with a volt meter.

If those both test good, then your compressor is bad.

Here's the compressor start relay/overload kit for your model in case you need to order it:
Manufacturer part number 4344638 is RepairClinic item number 574791
4344638

#32 is your compressor start relay & #22 is your overload here:


Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances

Jake,

I read through some of the threads and attempted something this morning. First, I connected the refrigerator to the outlet and confirmed that the light came on but the compressor and fan did not. I unplugged the refrigerator and checked the thermostat for continuity and when connecting the volt meter to each of it's terminals I got a reading of 0. Then, I jumped the two terminals (black and blue) that feed to the thermostat with a speaker wire and when connecting the refrigerator back to the outlet now the compressor and fan started running. Does this confirm is the thermostat and not the rust on the compressor? I sanded the rust off the compressor tank and sprayed it with rust-oleum. I want to make sure I order the right part for the job. By the way, how do you disconnect the relay/overload kit off the compressor if that was the cause?

Thanks

Albert,

When you get a ohm meter reading of 0 ohms, that means its good. So I'm not sure if you had your meter on the correct setting since you jumped the thermostat wires and it came on, but if it came on, then your thermostat is bad.

Here's the thermostat for your model you can order:
Manufacturer's Number: 4344690

4344690

The compressor start relay and overload just pull off the compressor, if it seems stuck on, I use a flathead screwdriver to pry them off.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances

Jake,
I did take the cover off the relay/overload and the rust is just on the framing plate of the cover, I jumped the thermostat again and I see the compressor and fan are running and I can feel freon through the lines coming off the compressor. I will order the thermostat today. Thanks for your help.

Ok, sounds good Albert.

Let us know the outcome.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances