Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Replacement

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator making a persistent clicking sound, but the compressor never actually kicks on to cool? Perhaps it’s completely silent, leaving you with a rapidly warming food supply. Don’t panic just yet. Before you call an expensive appliance technician, understand that one of the most common culprits behind these symptoms is a faulty start relay.

This small but mighty component is crucial for getting your refrigerator’s compressor motor running. When it fails, the compressor can’t start, and your fridge simply won’t cool. The good news is that for many DIYers, replacing this part is a manageable task, requiring only basic tools and a careful, systematic approach.

Here at The Jim BoSlice Workshop, we’re all about empowering you to tackle home repairs with confidence. This guide will walk you through the entire whirlpool refrigerator start relay replacement process, from diagnosis to testing, ensuring your fridge is back to chilling in no time. We’ll cover everything you need to know, emphasizing safety every step of the way.

Understanding Your Refrigerator’s Start Relay

Before we dive into the repair, it’s helpful to understand what a start relay does. This small electrical component is typically attached to the side of your refrigerator’s compressor. Its primary job is to provide a temporary boost of power to the compressor’s start winding, helping it overcome initial inertia and begin its cooling cycle. Once the compressor is running, the relay disengages the start winding, allowing the compressor to operate efficiently on its run winding.

Common Signs of a Failing Start Relay

Identifying a bad start relay is crucial for an accurate repair. Several symptoms point to this specific issue, helping you avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.

• Clicking Sounds: You’ll often hear a distinct clicking sound every few minutes from the back of the refrigerator, but the compressor doesn’t actually start. This is the relay attempting to engage but failing.
• No Compressor Start: The compressor remains silent, and the refrigerator doesn’t cool, even though the interior light works and the fan might be running.
• Intermittent Cooling: Sometimes the fridge cools, sometimes it doesn’t. This can be an early sign of a relay starting to fail.
• Hot Compressor: A failing relay can cause the compressor to try and start repeatedly, leading to it overheating. You might notice it’s unusually hot to the touch.

If your Whirlpool refrigerator is exhibiting these signs, there’s a good chance the start relay, or sometimes its companion, the overload protector, is the problem.

Safety First: Preparing for the Repair

Working with electrical appliances, even unplugged ones, demands respect for safety. This isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a non-negotiable step to protect yourself from electric shock and prevent damage to your appliance.

Disconnecting Power

The absolute first step before you touch anything inside your refrigerator’s electrical compartment is to unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. Do not rely on simply turning off the internal power switch, as residual power can still be present. Confirm that the power cord is fully disconnected and out of the way.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

While this specific repair isn’t inherently dangerous in terms of sharp objects or heavy lifting, it’s always wise to wear basic PPE.

• Work Gloves: Protect your hands from minor scrapes or sharp edges on the appliance frame.
• Safety Glasses: Always a good idea when working with tools, just in case a wire springs loose or a small component breaks.

Tools and Materials for Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Replacement

Having the right tools on hand makes the job smoother and safer. You likely have most of these in your Jim BoSlice Workshop already.

Essential Tools

• Nut Driver Set or Socket Wrench Set: You’ll need these to remove the access panel screws. Common sizes are 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch.
• Flat-Head Screwdriver: Useful for prying clips or gently detaching wire connectors.
• Needle-Nose Pliers: Great for gripping small wires or connectors.
• Multimeter (Optional but Recommended): For testing the old relay and confirming the new one’s functionality, or for more advanced troubleshooting.

Replacement Parts

• New Start Relay: This is the most crucial item. Ensure you get the exact replacement part number for your specific Whirlpool refrigerator model. Check your refrigerator’s model number, usually found on a sticker inside the fresh food compartment or behind the kick plate. Look up the part online or at an appliance parts store.
• Overload Protector (Optional but Recommended): Often, the start relay and overload protector are sold as a kit, or it’s a good idea to replace both since they work in tandem and if one fails, the other might be stressed. The overload protector prevents the compressor from overheating.

Step-by-Step: The Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Replacement Process

Now that you’re prepared and safe, let’s get your Whirlpool refrigerator back in working order. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Accessing the Compressor Compartment

Most Whirlpool refrigerators have the compressor and its associated electrical components located at the bottom rear of the unit.

• Pull the Refrigerator Out: Gently pull the refrigerator away from the wall to give yourself ample working space.
• Locate the Access Panel: Identify the metal or plastic access panel at the bottom rear.
• Remove the Panel: Use your nut driver or socket wrench to remove the screws holding this panel in place. Set the screws aside in a safe place.

Step 2: Locating the Start Relay and Overload Protector

Once the access panel is off, you’ll see the large, black, cylindrical compressor.

• Identify the Components: The start relay and overload protector are typically housed together or attached side-by-side to the compressor’s electrical terminals. They are usually small, black plastic or ceramic components.
• Note Wire Connections: Before disconnecting anything, take a clear photo with your phone or sketch a diagram of how the wires are connected. This will be invaluable during reassembly.

Step 3: Disconnecting the Old Relay and Overload

This step requires a delicate touch to avoid damaging the compressor terminals.

• Gently Pry Off the Components: The relay and overload protector are usually held onto the compressor terminals with friction clips or a snug fit. Use a flat-head screwdriver or your fingers to carefully pry them straight off the terminals. Avoid bending the terminals.
• Disconnect Wires: Once the relay/overload assembly is off the compressor, disconnect any electrical wires plugged into it. These are usually spade connectors that pull straight off. Again, refer to your photo/diagram.

Step 4: Inspecting and Testing (Optional)

If you have a multimeter, you can test the old relay to confirm it’s faulty.

• Testing the PTC Relay: Most modern Whirlpool relays are Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) type. To test, set your multimeter to measure resistance (Ohms). Place the probes on the two terminals where the main power wires connect. You should get a low resistance reading (a few Ohms). If you get an open circuit (infinity or OL), the relay is likely bad.
• Visual Inspection: Sometimes, a faulty relay might show visible signs of damage, such as burn marks, cracks, or rattling sounds if the internal components are broken.

Step 5: Installing the New Start Relay and Overload Protector

This is essentially the reverse of removal.

• Connect Wires to New Parts: Connect the electrical wires to the new start relay and overload protector, following your photo or diagram. Ensure connections are snug.
• Attach to Compressor: Carefully push the new relay and overload protector onto the compressor’s electrical terminals. They should click securely into place. Make sure they are seated firmly and correctly oriented.

Step 6: Reassembly and Testing

You’re almost there! It’s time to put everything back together and see if your efforts paid off.

• Replace the Access Panel: Reattach the rear access panel, securing it with the screws you removed earlier. Don’t overtighten.
• Plug In the Refrigerator: Carefully slide the refrigerator back into place and plug it back into the wall outlet.
• Listen and Observe: Listen for the compressor to kick on. It should hum steadily, and you should feel cool air starting to circulate inside the freezer and fresh food compartments within an hour or two.
• Monitor Temperature: Give the refrigerator several hours to reach its set temperature. Use a thermometer to confirm proper cooling.

Troubleshooting After Replacement

What if your Whirlpool refrigerator still isn’t cooling after the whirlpool refrigerator start relay replacement? Don’t despair; a few other issues could be at play.

• No Power: Double-check that the refrigerator is fully plugged in and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
• Incorrect Part: Verify that the new relay is the exact part number for your model. An incompatible part won’t work.
• Other Compressor Issues: If the relay was replaced but the compressor still won’t start, the compressor itself might be faulty. This is a more complex and expensive repair, often warranting professional service.
• Capacitor Issue: Some refrigerators also use a start capacitor in conjunction with the relay. If your model has one, and the compressor still won’t start, the capacitor could be the problem. A multimeter can test its capacitance.
• Thermostat or Control Board: Less likely if you were hearing clicking, but a faulty thermostat or main control board could prevent the compressor from receiving the signal to start.

For any issues beyond a simple relay replacement, especially if they involve sealed system components like the compressor, it’s often best to consult with a qualified appliance technician.

Pro Tips from The Jim BoSlice Workshop

• Clean While You’re There: With the access panel off, take the opportunity to vacuum any dust and debris from the compressor, condenser coils, and fan. A clean system runs more efficiently.
• Document Everything: Beyond photos, write down the model and serial number of your refrigerator, and the part numbers of the components you replaced. This information is gold for future repairs.
• Consider a Kit: Many repair parts are sold in kits that include both the start relay and the overload protector. It’s often a good idea to replace both at the same time, as they wear together and a failing relay can stress the overload.
• Gentle Force: When prying components or pulling wires, use firm but gentle force. Appliance plastics and terminals can be brittle, especially on older units.
• Don’t Rush: Take your time. Rushing leads to mistakes. If you feel frustrated, step away for a few minutes and come back with a clear head.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Replacement

What does a refrigerator start relay sound like when it’s bad?

A bad start relay often causes a distinct clicking sound, typically heard every few minutes from the back of the refrigerator, as it repeatedly tries and fails to engage the compressor. The compressor itself will not hum or run.

Can I replace just the start relay, or should I replace the overload protector too?

While you can often replace just the start relay, it’s highly recommended to replace the overload protector at the same time. They work together, and if one has failed, the other may also be stressed or near failure. Many replacement parts are sold as a combined kit.

How long does a Whirlpool refrigerator start relay replacement take?

For most DIYers with basic tools, the actual replacement process takes about 30 minutes to an hour. This includes time for unplugging, accessing the compartment, swapping parts, and reassembling. Allow additional time for diagnosis and part procurement.

Where can I find the model number for my Whirlpool refrigerator?

The model number is typically located on a sticker inside the fresh food compartment (often on the top or side wall), or sometimes behind the kick plate at the bottom front of the refrigerator. It’s crucial for ordering the correct replacement part.

Is it safe to DIY a refrigerator start relay replacement?

Yes, it is generally safe for a confident DIYer, provided you strictly follow all safety precautions, especially disconnecting power to the appliance before starting any work. If you’re uncomfortable with electrical components, it’s always best to call a professional.

Conclusion: Empowering Your DIY Journey

Successfully performing a whirlpool refrigerator start relay replacement is a rewarding DIY project. Not only do you save money on a service call, but you also gain a deeper understanding of how your home appliances work. It’s a testament to the power of thoughtful troubleshooting and careful execution.

Remember, the goal of The Jim BoSlice Workshop is to inspire and equip you with the knowledge to tackle these tasks yourself. Always prioritize safety, take your time, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if a repair feels beyond your comfort level. With this guide, you’re well on your way to restoring your Whirlpool refrigerator’s cooling power and keeping your food fresh. Happy tinkering!

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Jim Boslice

Jim Boslice is a power tool enthusiast who tests, reviews, and shares practical guides to help DIYers and professionals choose the right tools for every project.

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