don't use a generic brand. it is a start device or called relay -overload. I see a lot of burned out compressors due to not having the correct factory part installed. alot of clicking is the overload on the compressor be sure if there is a fan motor neer the compressor that it IS RUNNING to cool the compressor,it will give you the same sympyoms ,or the condenser coils if they are dirty or unable to disapate heat.....good luck.

First off thanks a million to the techs for all the helpful info. This site is now a favorite bookmark!

Question is, what do you do if the relay is diagnosed as bad with all the telltale symptoms, you replace it, and still no dice? Still clicks and compressor still isn't running.

Background is... my Kenmore s/s 106.50262993 got warm and before I found this site I just called the repair guy. He came and, later I found, installed a Supco 3 in 1. This worked for about 2 months. Unit is warm again and I've installed the OEM start device kit (#8201799) but no dice. Is the conclusion that the compressor is burned out? Should I just eat out 100% of the time from now on??

Thanks,

Chris

I never recommend those 3-1 start kits, some techs. do, But I don't.

You should first always ohm out your old relay before changing it.

If the compressor won't start with a good relay, that means your compressor is locked-up, and you would have to change the compressor, which is almost the price of a new refrigerator.

So, I would assume your compressor is bad.

Jake

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Thanks Jake - truth hurts!

Just to be sure, how exactly do I test the relay with my multimeter? At what points, and what levels am I looking for?

[starting to get hungry...]

Ohm out 5 and 6 on the relay, then ohm out A and B on the overload.

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

Hello,

I have a SxS Kenmore 106.xxx 4 1/2 old. Compressor statred cycling overload protection. I started sometime in the night, may have gone for 6- 12 hrs. Compressor was warm/hot to touch (160 degress). Replaced the solid state start relay/ overload module and all is good again.

My question is as follows: Does this overload state and hot compressor shorten the life old compressor or actually burn them up? I'm sure you have seen these sit in overload for day's or even longer.

Thank you

Anthony

No it shouldn't shorten the life of the compressor.

The main thing that makes them fail is heat build-up due to a clogged condenser, always check and clean your condenser every 6-12 months, especially if you have pets in your house.

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

Good to hear that compressor doesn't suffer from start relay failure.

Good point about cleaning condensor coil, I clean mine a least once a year. I found placing a vacuum suction hose near the coil and then using 100 psi compressed air blasts gets it almost like new. Of course turn off frig. first, so fan doesn't blow dust back into room. Those coils are impossible to clean with coil brush.

Thanks again,

Good site!

Anthony

Thanks.

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

regarding this 2-3 part piece relay, i just want to make sure that it doesn't go together some how does it? The one I have has the 2 prong pieces, 1 big black cover and then a small black v-shape piece like in the link below...

http://www.repairclinic.com/referral...=1265&N=586449

so do i just plug the pieces in? and what is the big black box for?

Thanks!