[zjiqi0]

Dear Helpers:

This is a 4 years old Roper RS25AEXLQ00 side by side refrigerator. I found everything was melted 4 days ago. I tried to turn it off and then turned it on after a few hours (or unplug in/plug in), I could only see the fan running, the lights on, but the compressor was silent. I touched all the pipes connected to the compressor, they all felt cool. I tried this several times and it behaved the same way.

A technician from a professional service came. He just turned off/on the control knob. It took him one minute to come to the conclusion: "Bad Overload Relay Cnns? "(I can not read his note clearly). that cost me $70.

Now I want to repair it by myself, but I even don't know where the overload is and what it looks like. Is it the small stuff connected to the compressor? or the item 13 on the part select site.

Is this the real problem or you have a second opinion? What else can I try on it? I appreciate your help and suggestions.

[TechnicianBrian]

If it is the starter, it is an easy fix and should only require minor work. There is a kit available for both the starter relay and overload that should be changed as a set. The usual sign of a bad relay would be you hearing a humming sound from the compressor and then an audible click every 4-5 minutes along with the condenser fan running. If that is what you are seeing the kit should solve the problem. You may need to do some minor rewiring to make the kit fit with the existing plug, but it's not bad at all.

TechnicianBrian

[bentwrench1999]

Good call Brian. That looks like the whirlpool kit I sell (lots of them) Another kit I sell, which is less expensive, is AP3673464.This kit should be on everyone's truck..wrench

[kawfeeman]

is this ap3673464 an orig whirlpool part ?

[bentwrench1999]

Not original, but it will work. wrench

[kiddsport]

I had the same problem and I took the refrigerator to Action Repairs in Aurora, Colorado. They fixed the problem with a defrost relay kit. but they also said that the freezer was only cooling to 15 degrees F and that the compressor could not be recharged. Is that true? It doesn't look like a sealed system to me, judging by the ports and caps coming from the compressor system.

[bentwrench1999]

If there are ports or valves on your compressor, then someone has entered the system for repairs. These are always sealed at the factory. (hence the term sealed system). A qualified service tech should be able to troubleshoot your compressor with valves already installed.He should do a complete evacuation and a "sweep charge" to clean up the system.If this unit is over 12 yrs old, I would consider replacing the refrigerator...wrench

[kiddsport]

This refrigerator came with the house when I bought it several years ago so I dont know its history nor how old it is. It is old enough that the manufacturer, Whirlpool, has discontinued some replacement parts. It has operated well, except for not freezing real hard.
It has a broken water control valve (replacement about $45) and broken down door gaskets ($94) that could be contributing to its marginal performance so I could get it back to mostly functional for about $140. With what I've spent on it so far, that's still less than half the cost of a new one. Only I don't know how long it will last. I've had refrigerators run strong for over twenty years.