My Whirlpool side-by-side, 1yr & 4mo old, is not working and makes a click noise every so often. I don’t believe the compressor is starting. I removed the capacitor and start device. I checked the capacitor and it measured 12uF and seemed OK. Do I need the Start Dev part # W10189190?
Thanks!
Hello. The clicking noise you hear every 3 to 5 minutes is the overload kicking the power in and out to the compressor. The relay [AP4369220] has failed and is causing this to occur. The bad news is that the relay could have failed because of a bad compressor. The best way to prove the compressor good is to replace the relay and overload. If normal operation resumes, the issue is normally corrected. If the compressor caused the relay to fail, the replacement relay will fail again, normally within an hour of its’ installation. Occasionally I have seen the new relay last up to 2 days before its’ failure, but if there is a compressor issue, the sound the compressor makes while running is abnormal enough that you will know there’s something wrong with it without even having to ask. I would say the relay and overload corrects the problem 95% of the time, so odds are in your favor. Give it a try and let me know if I can provide any further assistance. Have a great day!
I bought and replace the Start-Dev # W10189190 and it did not fix the problem. Is this the relay AP4369220 you mentioned? I did not replace the capacitor that connects to the Start-Dev. I did measure it with a DVM w/capacitor setting and it measured 12uF like it is labeled, could it be the problem? Any other suggestions? Thanks for the help!
Hello. I crossed the numbers and this is the start relay I mentioned. The capacitor will not be the cause of this issue. As long as the wires are hooked up properly, it sounds like your compressor has failed. You can check the compressor electrically but there is no way to check it mechanically. There are 3 terminals on the compressor. If you label them 1,2,and 3, Testing is as follows: From one and two you will get a resistance. From 2 to 3 you will get a different resistance. From 3 to 1 you will get the equivalent of the first 2 readings added together. It sounds like your compressor has failed as changing the start relay and overload will in most cases resolve the issue. Let me know if I can provide any more assistance.
Thanks, I’ll check those measurements. If the compressor is defective, is it worth fixing? I bought it new Oct 2010 for $800.
Hello. Because of the cost of sealed system labor, it is usually more cost effective to replace the unit in lieu of repair. Have a great day!