Clicking noise

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
1

I have a Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator going on its 5th year of use. I have a clicking noise coming from the start device mounted on the side of the compressor. It will click about every minute or so and then again about 10 seconds later, repeating this cycle. It seems like it gives the compressor 10 seconds to start and then times out. It doesn’t seem like it is starting, but the fan runs continuously. The ice in the freezer is starting to show signs of melting. Any advice? Replace the $40 start device or call the repair man? Thanks!

Also, the compressor feels very hot. Could this be the problem or maybe a thermostat? Thanks!

2

It was the start-dev. I got a new kit for $50 from a local appliance parts seller and that seemed to have fixed the problem. Thanks for the advice!

3

Hello, just wanted to say thanks for sharing the great information. Last Saturday we heard a clicking noise from the kitchen. Sunday we woke up to a refrigerator that wasn’t cooling, and water was coming out the freezer side onto the floor. It was indeed the start relay on the compressor that had fried. We took it off and took it apart, and it was burned. This also explains the burning smell! We ordered the part here, received and replaced it Tuesday, and we are back in business!