Whirlpool Refrigerator Compressor Reset Button

ByJim Boslice Home & Kitchen

Most Whirlpool refrigerators do not have a physical “reset button” on the compressor itself; instead, you reset the system by unplugging the unit for 10 to 15 minutes to clear the control board memory. If your model features a digital display, you can often trigger a reset by holding the “Door Alarm” and “Filter Reset” buttons simultaneously for three seconds.

For hardware-level issues, replacing a faulty start relay or overload protector—located directly on the side of the compressor—is the most common “physical” fix that mimics a reset function.

It is incredibly frustrating to walk into your kitchen and realize your refrigerator has stopped humming, especially when a hundred dollars’ worth of groceries is at risk. You might be searching frantically for a whirlpool refrigerator compressor reset button to get things moving again before the milk spoils.

I have spent years tinkering in the garage and fixing appliances, and I can tell you that modern cooling systems are both simpler and more complex than they look. We are going to walk through exactly how to trigger a reset and what to do if a simple reboot doesn’t solve the problem.

This guide will provide you with the professional steps to diagnose your Whirlpool unit, handle the electrical components safely, and determine if you need a simple software reset or a hardware replacement. Let’s get that compressor back online and save your food.

Locating the whirlpool refrigerator compressor reset button and Understanding the System

The first thing you need to know as a DIYer is that finding a literal whirlpool refrigerator compressor reset button is like looking for a needle in a haystack—mostly because, on 90% of models, a physical button doesn’t exist. Manufacturers moved away from manual buttons to prevent users from repeatedly forcing a failing compressor to start, which can lead to electrical fires.

Instead of a physical button, Whirlpool uses a combination of control board sequences and thermal overload protectors. The thermal overload is a small safety device clipped to the side of the compressor that “trips” if the motor gets too hot or draws too much current. While it functions like a circuit breaker, it usually resets itself automatically once it cools down.

If you are looking for a way to “reboot” the brain of the machine, that is handled through the user interface on the front of the fridge or by cycling the power. Understanding this distinction is the first step toward a successful repair and prevents you from tearing the back panel off looking for a button that isn’t there.

The Role of the Control Board

The control board acts as the brain, sending 120V of power to the compressor when the internal thermostat signals that the temperature is rising. If the board glitches due to a power surge or a brownout, it might stop sending that signal. This is when a software reset becomes your best friend.

The Thermal Overload Protector

This component is the “hardware reset” of the system. If your compressor is struggling to start—perhaps due to dirty condenser coils—it will overheat. The overload protector cuts the circuit to prevent the compressor from burning out. Once the temperature drops, it closes the circuit again, effectively “resetting” the hardware.

How to Perform a Manual Reset on Your Whirlpool Fridge

Since there is rarely a dedicated button, we have to use the “Hard Reset” method. This is the oldest trick in the book for any garage tinkerer, and it works surprisingly often for appliances that have “frozen” software. Follow these steps to clear the control board’s memory and force a fresh diagnostic check.

  1. Disconnect the Power: Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it from the 120V outlet. This is safer than just flipping a breaker, as it ensures no residual current is reaching the unit.
  2. Wait for Dissipation: Leave the unit unplugged for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the capacitors on the control board to fully discharge their stored energy.
  3. Re-engage the System: Plug the unit back in. You should hear the internal fans start almost immediately. The compressor may take an additional 5 to 10 minutes to kick in, as most Whirlpool models have a built-in short-cycle delay to protect the motor.

If you have a model with a digital touch screen, you can also try the “Service Mode” reset. Usually, this involves holding the “Confirm” and “Connect” buttons, or “Door Alarm” and “Filter Reset,” depending on your specific model year. Refer to the tech sheet usually hidden behind the bottom kick plate for your specific button combo.

Always remember that if the compressor starts but shuts off again after a few minutes, you aren’t dealing with a software glitch. You are likely dealing with a hardware failure or a ventilation issue that is causing the system to overheat and trip the safety sensors.

Checking the Start Relay and Overload Protector

If the software reset didn’t work, we need to look at the components that actually start the motor. This is where we get into the “nitty-gritty” of appliance repair. The start relay, often called a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) relay, is a small plastic box plugged into the side of the compressor.

To access this, you will need to remove the rear access panel at the bottom of the fridge. Make sure the unit is unplugged before you even touch a screwdriver. You will see a large black tank—that’s your compressor. On the side of it, under a plastic cover, you will find the relay and the overload protector.

A common pro tip: pull the start relay off and give it a gentle shake. If it rattles like a box of broken glass, the internal ceramic disk has shattered. This is a very common failure point in Whirlpool units. Replacing this part is essentially the physical version of hitting a whirlpool refrigerator compressor reset button, as it restores the electrical path needed to jump-start the motor.

Tools You Will Need

  • Nut Driver or Phillips Screwdriver: To remove the back panel and the relay cover.
  • Flathead Screwdriver: To gently pry the relay off the compressor pins.
  • Multimeter: To check for continuity across the relay terminals.

Testing for Continuity

Set your multimeter to the Ohms (Ω) setting. Touch the probes to the terminals of the start relay. If the meter shows “OL” (Open Loop), the relay is dead. A healthy relay should show a small amount of resistance (usually between 3 and 12 ohms). If it’s dead, no amount of resetting the control board will make the fridge cold again.

Safety First: Working with Refrigerator Electrical Components

Before you go poking around the compressor, we need to talk about safety. Refrigerators use large capacitors to help the motor start. These can hold a nasty electrical charge even after the fridge is unplugged. Always give the unit time to sit before touching the electrical terminals.

Furthermore, never attempt to bypass the overload protector. Some “backyard mechanics” suggest jumping the wires to see if the compressor will run. This is a major fire hazard. If the compressor is drawing too much current, it is doing so for a reason—usually because the internal bearings are seizing or the refrigerant lines are clogged.

Always wear work gloves when handling the rear panel. The sheet metal used on appliance backs is often razor-sharp and can give you a nasty cut before you even realize you’ve touched it. Keep your workspace dry and ensure you have plenty of light so you can see the pins on the compressor clearly.

Common Reasons Your Compressor Won’t Start

Sometimes the reason you are looking for a whirlpool refrigerator compressor reset button isn’t an electrical fault at all. It might be a maintenance issue. If the compressor can’t shed heat, it will shut down to protect itself. This is the most common cause of “intermittent” cooling issues.

Take a look at your condenser coils. These are the black coils located at the bottom or back of the unit. If they are covered in pet hair, dust, or “garage gunk,” the refrigerant cannot cool down. This causes the compressor to run hotter and hotter until the thermal overload kicks in. Cleaning these coils once every six months is the best “reset” you can give your fridge.

Another common culprit is a failed condenser fan. This fan sits right next to the compressor and blows air across the coils. If the fan motor burns out, the compressor will overheat in minutes. While the fridge is plugged in (and you are being careful), check to see if that fan is spinning. If it’s stuck, you’ve found your problem.

Environmental Factors

If your Whirlpool fridge is located in a garage, extreme temperatures can mess with the sensors. In very cold winters, the fridge might think it’s already cold enough and never signal the compressor to start. In blistering summers, the compressor might never be able to keep up, leading to a thermal trip.

When to Call a Professional vs. DIY

As much as we love to fix things ourselves at The Jim BoSlice Workshop, there is a limit to what you should do at home. If you have performed a hard reset, replaced the start relay, and cleaned the coils, but the compressor still won’t hum, the problem might be internal to the sealed system.

If you hear the compressor trying to start—a click followed by a hum, then another click—and the relay is brand new, the compressor might be mechanically locked. Replacing a compressor requires specialized tools to recover refrigerant, braze copper lines, and vacuum the system. This is strictly professional territory due to EPA regulations and the complexity of the task.

However, if your diagnosis points to a faulty main control board, many DIYers can handle that. The board is usually located in a housing on the back of the fridge or inside the fresh food compartment. It’s a simple “plug and play” replacement once you have the correct part number from your model’s sticker.

Frequently Asked Questions About whirlpool refrigerator compressor reset button

Where is the reset button on a Whirlpool refrigerator?

Most Whirlpool models do not have a physical button. You must perform a “hard reset” by unplugging the unit for 10-15 minutes or use a specific button combination on the front control panel to reboot the system.

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator clicking but not cooling?

This clicking sound is usually the thermal overload protector tripping. It happens when the start relay has failed or the compressor is struggling to start. Replacing the start relay is the most common fix for this specific symptom.

How do I know if my compressor is actually dead?

If you have continuity through your relay and overload protector, and the compressor is receiving 120V of power but only vibrates or stays silent, the internal motor may be seized. A professional “hard start kit” can sometimes kick-start a dying compressor, but this is usually a temporary fix.

Can a power outage damage the compressor?

Yes, power surges can damage the sensitive electronic control board or the start relay. If your fridge stopped working immediately after a storm, the control board is the first place you should look for signs of burnt components.

How often should I clean my refrigerator coils?

You should clean the coils at least twice a year. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a dedicated coil brush. This prevents the compressor from overheating and extends the life of your appliance significantly.

Summary and Final Thoughts

Finding the whirlpool refrigerator compressor reset button is more about understanding the “reset process” than finding a hidden switch. Start with the easiest solution: unplug the unit and let the electronics clear. If that fails, move to the back of the unit and inspect the start relay for that tell-tale rattle.

Maintenance is the key to longevity. Keep those coils clean and ensure the condenser fan has plenty of room to breathe. Most of the time, a fridge that “needs a reset” is actually a fridge that is struggling to stay cool due to dust or a $20 plastic part that has reached the end of its life.

Don’t be intimidated by the wires and the humming motor. With a little patience and the right safety precautions, you can get your Whirlpool back to peak performance. You’ve got the skills and the knowledge—now go get that fridge running again!

Jim Boslice
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