Whirlpool Refrigerator Relay Replacement – Fix Your Clicking Fridge

ByJim Boslice Home & Kitchen

To fix a clicking Whirlpool refrigerator, you usually need to swap out the start relay located on the side of the compressor. This 15-minute DIY repair involves unplugging the unit, removing the back panel, and replacing the small plastic relay plug with a new OEM part.

If your compressor hums but won’t start, or you hear a distinct “click” every few minutes, a whirlpool refrigerator relay replacement is the most likely solution to restore cooling and save your groceries.

If you have spent any time in a workshop, you know that the sound of a machine struggling is never a good sign. Whether it is a table saw bogging down or a welder sputtering, those noises tell a story of mechanical stress. In the kitchen, that rhythmic “click… buzz… click” coming from your fridge is a cry for help that usually points to a failing start relay.

Dealing with a broken appliance is a lot like troubleshooting a faulty motor in the garage; you need to identify the component that isn’t pulling its weight. If you’ve noticed your freezer is thawing or your milk is getting warm, a whirlpool refrigerator relay replacement is often the quick, low-cost fix that keeps you from buying a whole new unit.

In this guide, I am going to walk you through the process of diagnosing and replacing this small but vital part. We will use basic tools you already have in your toolbox, and I will show you how to do it safely so you can get back to your woodworking or metalworking projects without worrying about a kitchen disaster.

Understanding the Role of the Start Relay

The start relay is essentially the “ignition switch” for your refrigerator’s compressor. Think of it like the capacitor on a large shop motor; it provides the extra electrical boost needed to get the heavy compressor pump spinning from a dead stop. Once the compressor reaches its operating speed, the relay cuts out, and the motor runs on its own.

Most Whirlpool models use a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) relay. This is a solid-state device that uses a small ceramic disc to manage the current flow. Over time, this disc can crack or burn out due to heat and age, which prevents the compressor from ever turning on.

When the relay fails, the compressor tries to start, fails, and then hits the overload protector. This is what causes that metallic “click” sound you hear every few minutes. It is the sound of a safety switch resetting itself after the relay failed to do its job.

Signs You Need a Whirlpool Refrigerator Relay Replacement

Before you start tearing things apart, you need to be sure the relay is actually the culprit. One of the most common signs is a refrigerator that is completely silent except for a periodic clicking sound. If the fans are blowing inside the fridge but the air isn’t cold, the compressor isn’t running.

Another tell-tale sign is a warm compressor. If you touch the large black tank at the bottom of the fridge (carefully!) and it is vibrating slightly but burning hot, it is struggling to stay running. A faulty whirlpool refrigerator relay replacement is usually the first line of defense before assuming the compressor itself has died.

You might also notice your lights are flickering or the fridge is “short cycling.” If the relay is on its way out, it might work intermittently. However, once it reaches the point of clicking, the internal ceramic disc has likely shattered into pieces, and no amount of wishing will make it work again.

Essential Tools and Safety Precautions

Safety is the most important part of any DIY job, whether you are welding a gate or fixing an appliance. Before you touch anything, unplug the refrigerator. Never work on a live circuit, especially around a compressor that holds a significant electrical charge.

You will also need to be aware of the run capacitor. This is a small, often white or silver cylinder attached to the relay. It stores electricity even when the power is off. While usually safe if handled by the plastic casing, treat it with respect and avoid touching the metal terminals.

For this job, you will only need a few basic tools from your bench:

  • A 1/4-inch nut driver or a screwdriver set.
  • A flashlight or a shop light to see into the dark corners.
  • A multimeter (if you want to verify the part is dead).
  • A pair of needle-nose pliers for stubborn wire connectors.

Step-by-Step Guide for Whirlpool Refrigerator Relay Replacement

Now that you have your tools and the power is off, it is time to get to work. Start by pulling the refrigerator away from the wall. You will need enough space to get behind it comfortably, just like you would when clearing space around a worktable.

  1. Remove the Back Access Panel: Use your nut driver to remove the screws holding the thin cardboard or metal panel at the bottom of the fridge. Set the screws aside in a magnetic tray or a small cup so they don’t roll away.
  2. Locate the Compressor: The compressor is the large, black, dome-shaped tank. On the side of this tank, you will see a plastic cover or a wire bale holding a small box in place. This box contains the start relay and overload protector.
  3. Remove the Relay Cover: Depending on your model, you may need to pop off a plastic clip or unscrew a small housing. Once removed, you will see the relay plugged directly onto three metal pins sticking out of the compressor.
  4. Disconnect the Wires: Carefully pull the wire connectors off the relay. I recommend taking a quick photo with your phone first. This ensures you know exactly where each wire goes when you install the new part.
  5. Pull the Relay Off: The relay is held on by friction. Pull it straight toward you to disconnect it from the compressor terminals. If there is a capacitor attached, slide it off the old relay and save it for the new one.
  6. Install the New Relay: Line up the holes on your new whirlpool refrigerator relay replacement with the pins on the compressor. Press it firmly into place. Reconnect the wires and the capacitor according to your photo.

After the new part is installed, replace the cover and the back panel. Plug the refrigerator back in and listen. You should hear the compressor kick on almost immediately with a smooth, low hum rather than a sharp click.

How to Test Your Old Relay

If you want to be 100% sure the relay was the problem, there are two ways to test it. The first is the “rattle test.” Take the old relay and give it a gentle shake near your ear. If it sounds like a box of broken glass or sand, the internal ceramic disc is shattered.

The second method involves using a multimeter. Set your meter to the Ohms (Ω) setting. Place the probes into the two holes where the compressor pins usually go. A healthy relay should show a low resistance reading, typically between 3 and 12 ohms.

If your meter shows “OL” (Open Loop) or an extremely high resistance, the circuit inside is broken. This confirms that your decision to perform a whirlpool refrigerator relay replacement was the right call. It is a satisfying feeling to prove a diagnostic theory with a bit of shop tech.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips

One mistake I see beginners make is buying a “universal” relay kit instead of an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part. While universal kits can work in a pinch, Whirlpool compressors are specifically tuned for certain resistance levels. Using the wrong relay can cause the compressor to run hot or fail prematurely.

Always check the compressor terminals while the relay is off. If the three pins on the compressor look burnt, pitted, or green with corrosion, clean them gently with a bit of fine-grit sandpaper or a wire brush. Good electrical contact is key to a long-lasting repair.

Also, take this opportunity to clean your condenser coils. While you have the back panel off and the vacuum out, suck all the dust and pet hair off those coils. A clean fridge doesn’t have to work as hard, which means your new relay won’t be under as much stress.

Advanced Troubleshooting: What if it Still Clicks?

If you finish the whirlpool refrigerator relay replacement and the clicking persists, you might be looking at a more serious issue. The most common “next step” is checking the compressor itself. You can test the compressor pins for continuity to ground using your multimeter.

Touch one probe to a copper pipe on the compressor and the other to each of the three pins. If you get a reading other than “OL,” the compressor is shorted internally. At that point, the repair cost usually exceeds the value of the fridge, and it might be time to look for a new unit.

However, don’t jump to conclusions. Check the run capacitor as well. If the capacitor is bulged or leaking fluid, it won’t provide the phase shift needed to keep the motor running. Capacitors are inexpensive and easy to swap out alongside the relay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whirlpool Refrigerator Relay Replacement

How much does a Whirlpool start relay cost?

Most OEM Whirlpool start relays cost between $25 and $60. You can find cheaper aftermarket versions for around $15, but for the longevity of your compressor, sticking with the original manufacturer part is usually the better investment.

Can I use a “3-n-1” hard start kit?

Hard start kits are a popular “fix-all” in the DIY world. They combine the relay, overload, and capacitor into one unit. While they can jump-start an old, struggling compressor, they can also provide too much current and eventually burn out a healthy motor. Use them only as a last resort.

Do I need to defrost the fridge before replacing the relay?

No, you do not need to defrost the unit. In fact, you want to perform the whirlpool refrigerator relay replacement as quickly as possible to keep the internal temperature from rising. Just make sure the power is disconnected before you begin.

How long should a new start relay last?

A high-quality start relay should last 10 years or more. If you find yourself replacing them every year or two, you likely have an issue with dirty condenser coils or a compressor that is drawing too much amperage due to internal wear.

Final Thoughts on Your DIY Repair

Taking on an appliance repair can feel intimidating if you are used to working with wood or steel, but the logic is the same. It is about understanding how the system works, isolating the failure, and using the right tools for the job. A successful whirlpool refrigerator relay replacement is a great way to build confidence in your DIY skills.

By doing this yourself, you have likely saved $200 to $300 in professional labor costs. That is money you can put toward a new bench grinder, a better set of chisels, or even more materials for your next big shop project. There is a specific kind of pride that comes from fixing what you own rather than throwing it away.

Keep your tools sharp, your workspace clean, and always prioritize safety. If you can handle a circular saw or a welding torch, you can certainly handle a refrigerator relay. Now, get that fridge plugged back in, grab a cold drink, and get back to your workshop!

Jim Boslice
Latest posts by Jim Boslice (see all)

Similar Posts