[1TechDad]

My Kenmore Elite Coldspot side/side refrigerator has stopped cooling. The compressor is slightly warm to the touch and hums slightly loud, the fan underneath runs but doesn't turn really fast. When I unplug it, wait then plug it in, after a brief period, the fan and humming/buzzing start again. What could it be? Also, is there a parts diagram and repair manual for this? HELP!!

[richappy]

If the compressor is running, it will vibrate, just check.
To confirm, with a voltmeter, check the voltage across the fridg. connector that plugs into the compressor start device, should be 115 volts with it pluged in. If ok, unplug connector and measure ohms across the device socket, should be around 3 ohms.
If ok,you have a bad compressor/refrigerant leak.

[1TechDad]

Compressor did vibrate when I plugged it in. I unplugged the connector from the compressor and measured 3.7ohms across the two pins (on the compressor). I can't see any oil on or under any lines, which would indicate a refrig. leak. What next?? I have 122v across the plug with it plugged in. The odd thing is this just happened suddenly (the buzzing/humming compressor). Could it be the run module/relay on the compressor, as it sounds like maybe it might be laboring alittle??

[richappy]

Unfortunatly, it seems like a bad compressor/refrigerant leak.

[1TechDad]

How would I check it?? What are the measurements that I am looking for?? I ohmed out the compressor at the pins on the side and found the following: Top-left pin to bottom pin = 3.5 ohms, Top-right pin to bottom pin = 6.5 ohms, and top pin to top pin = 9.6 ohms. What about the run cap.?? The start device ohms out at approx. 27 ohms across the top. The run cap??

[richappy]

You stated the compressor was vibrating and the ohms across the start device was 3.7 ohms. Most probably a bad compressor, gauges would confirm, probably drawing a vacumm on the low side.

[1TechDad]

It's 27 ohms across the start device. I can't see any service valves, would I have to use self-piercing valves?? How would I check it and what pressures would I be looking for??

[richappy]

The resistance of the start device should be more like 5 ohms, try a new start device AP3962960.

[1TechDad]

Originally Posted by richappy

The resistance of the start device should be more like 5 ohms, try a new start device AP3962960.

The one listed under my frig. model no. is AP3083556, but the one you list looks loike my old one. Why? I am going to order this A.S.A.P. and give it a try, thanks, I'll let you know...

[richappy]

Just to clarify things. If you have a rather large start device and not a ptc device, measure across the output (compressor side) side by side pins, should be 5 - 10 ohms. If way off value, like 27 ohms, it's bad.