[SIZE=3]My refrigerator and freezer would get cold (compressor running) and then turn off too soon. So, the first thing I did was to tap the defrost timer and it came on. I replaced it and still had the same problem. I then checked the compressor relay and it did not pass the continuity check on terminal S and M. So, I replaced it with an overload relay kit #819160. My unit is a 15 cu. ft. and I was told by two sources that the kit was the correct kit for my unit. After installing the kit, the compressor would not turn on. I tapped the compressor and it turned on, but as before, it did not cool down enough and the compressor stopped running. I tapped it again and the compressor started and is running as I write this post. I am going to assume it will turn off as it did before.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]So, do you think I have a bad compressor? And, if so, why won’t it stay on long enough to cool down and restart only when I tap it?[/SIZE]
According to any manufacturers instructions it has to be about 24 hours waiting time since refrigerator has been turned "on" to see how it cools down. Very likely the repair you did solve the problem.
[SIZE=3]Gene –[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]After the last repair the fridge seems to be working, but with some differences that perhaps you can comment on.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]1. My cold control has numbers from 0 to 7. Before all of the repairs, I operated at about 3 to 4. Now I need to set it at between 6 and 7 to get the same cooling temperature in the fridge.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]2. The freezer control also is set at its maximum number for same temperature as before. Berfore repairs it was a lower number. Also, with the freezer control at maximum, the freezer cycles between 5 and 15 degrees. When the compressor is running, it’s 5 and when off it goes to 15 degrees. The fridge temperature seems to stay constant, about a 3 degree change when on to off.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]3. Should I be seeing water in the pan below the fridge? I have never bothered to look before, but now it is dry?[/SIZE]
Remove the rear panel in the freezer and check how the evaporator coils covered with snow. If there is no 100% thin snow then possible the sealed system is low on Freon. In order to confirm it the pressure in the sealed system has to be checked and it has to be done by a certified tech.