[rankins66]

Hello. I have a Maytag Performa SXS refrigerator that had a bad compressor relay. The relay apparently got hot and shattered the disc inside. I installed a new relay and turned the temp settings to normal but the fridge/compressor didn't start. I called a repair guy to look at it. He was able to get it running. Not sure what he did to get it running. He then said the cold control unit in the fridge was bad and the fridge was stuck on defrost. He also said the Tecumpseh compressor was getting hot and it was shot. He said Maytag had a lot of trouble with the Tecumpseh compressor. Just for the heck of it I plugged the fridge back in today. The compressor kicked on and the fridge started cooling. After a few minutes I heard a clicking sound and the compressor shut off. The condensor fan continued to run. After a few more minutes I heard the clicking sound again and the compressor kicked back on. I let the fridge run for about 30 minutes and it never made the clicking sound again. And the compressor never did get hot or even warm. I'm not sure why the repair guy told me it was. Is the clicking sound coming from the compressor relay. What would cause this? I would appreciate your thoughts on how to fix this. Thanks.

[richappy]

Your compressor may be shorted, or drawing higher than normal current and high current blew out the control. If you have a meter you can check the compressor for a short to ground.

[rankins66]

I have a meter but i'm not sure how to check for the short. thanks.

[richappy]

If you installed the run capacitor (if it had one), then I am fairly confident your compressor is bad. If you check the voltage going to the compressor while it is working, you should get 115 volts, unless you have a burnt wire in the unit.

[rankins66]

Sorry for not replying sooner. I haven't checked for a short or voltage at the compressor yet. Possibly today. I have had the fridge plugged in all week with thermometers in both sides and it seems to be keeping good temps in the freezer and the fridge. 3-5 degrees in the freezer and 36-39 in the fridge. Both temp settings are set @ normal. Should I still check for a short and voltage @ the compressor? Also, after I installed the new compressor relay, why didn't the compressor kick on when I turned the temp. setting up? What did the service tech do to get it started? Just curious. Thanks again for all of your help.

[richappy]

Your defrost timer behind the control panel was probably in defrost when you worked on it.
I would monitor it during peak power use periods, to see if it is hard starting.