Last week I noticed the freezer section was warming up into the 20s and even the 30s if opened the door and the fan in the back was constantly running. Then I noticed I could hear the compressor click on then off within about 15 seconds of each other. This would repeat every couple of minutes or so. The compressor was very hot to the touch. This problem would go on for several hours then the compressor start would hold and the freezer would go to sub zero temperatures and hold for several hours before going back into its short cycling again. From reading here, I thought perhaps the relay was bad on the compressor so I replaced it and the capacitor with a new assembly which appeared to work for a bit but then the unit went back to shortcycling again. I took an multimeter to the 3 compressor prongs and read 0 across each pair and infinity from each pin to ground. I then thought perhaps the fan was running but not moving enough air because the compressor would get so hot so I put a fan back there blowing on the compressor. That too seemed to work, but only for a little while. When the unit would cool like it should, you could place your hand on the compressor and it would be hot but bearable, when it is shortcycling, it was so hot it would burn your hand.

It seems to be a somewhat intermittent problem as when the compressor start holds, it cools very quickly. It may be coincidence, but when it works for a while its usually just after I moved the unit. I would move it, remove the kick plate on the back and it would work, then I would put the plate back on move it back against the wall and it would quit working.

Any ideas?

Hi,

Its your compressor thats bad, you'll need to have it changed, I've run into this issue many times when I worked for Sears, and I installed many new compressors and it always fixed this problem.

How old is your refrigerator? If you don't know post your serial# and I can tell you. You do have a 5 yr. parts & labor warranty on your compressor from Sears.

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

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Hi Jake,

10946792CE is the S/N. I am not the original purchaser as the refrigerator came with the house so I am not sure if they will honor a warranty or not.

scoyne

Thanks scoyne,

Yours is a 2003 model, so your 5 yr. warranty on yours is over unfortunately.

Time to go refrigerator shopping.

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