Fridge Is Too Warm, Quickly Clicks On and Off (Kenmore Bottom-Mount 596.69872991)

[MsClean]

Model Number

596.69872991

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

More than 10 years

I have a Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator, model 596.69872991, serial# 0010160897.

Yesterday I noticed that the unit would click quite noticeably, followed by a loud whirl, then another click that would silence the whirling noise. It would repeat this process frequently, with the whirling sound lasting 20-30 seconds each time. The normal constant hum is present, and the fan still seems to be moving air up into the fridge, but the temperature of the freezer is increasing steadily. It seems as though the compressor itself is not kicking on?

My research indicates an issue with the start relay. But I want to know if there is a way to properly test it before ordering/replacing the part, or if there are other culprits that should also be diagnosed?

 

[Jake]

Yes, possibly the compressor start relay. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet and remove the compressor start relay, make sure you write down where the wires go to it, or even better yet take a photo of it with your phone before you remove the wires to it.

Then ohm test the 2 parallel holes on it and see if your meter reads 3-12 ohms.

Here's the compressor start relay for your model, if needed:
WP10097204 Relay-Ptc