My early 1980s Whirlpool refrigerator wouldn't run the other day and I could hear the overload clicking in and out every time it tried to start the compressor. I've considered buying a new one several times, but this one just runs and runs and runs--until now.
There are several reasons why this can happen, but if the thermostat is sending power to the compressor start relay, then usually either the compressor has failed or the start relay / overload protection has failed. The compressor start relay system is often the culprit and much less expensive than the compressor. I decided to check (measure resistance) of the compressor windings to be sure they weren't burned out. They were ok. The compressor also could have been stuck or locked up, but with the windings good, it was worth replacing the start relay to see if it would run again.

This refrigerator is so old that the relay and overload are long discontinued and there is no official replacement kit. Newer refrigerators use a "solid state relay" or "PTC relay" instead if the old mechanical ones. The relay energizes the start winding for a second or less, then drops out once the compressor has come up to running speed.

WARNING: Working on this requires exposing high voltage connections. Power MUST always be turned off / unplugged.

I decided to search for a generic replacement relay that might work and found a SUPCO brand part that was advertised as a replacement for many models and decided to give it a try. It required some double checking of the refrigerator wiring diagram to be sure it was connected properly and I needed to change / crimp new connection terminals on the wires to match the new relay. But it started right up and is running great again.

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