[magnumforce]

The fridge quit cooling as the compressor would not kick in. Checked the resistance of the compressor and it came out well within limits, replaced both the start relay and the overload switches and it fired right up... for a while. Once the compressor shuts off it goes right back into the same try to start-click- shut off cycle again until I swap out the old overload switch then it will take off again. What gives? Bad replacement parts?

I am at my wits end here, flat broke and in no way capable of purchasing a new fridge without asking family for help right now.

[denman]

Here are your parts
Replacement parts for Whirlpool ED22RFXFB00 SIDE-BY-SIDE REFRIGERATOR | AppliancePartsPros.com

The way I understand it the compressor will run, once it reaches set point and stops it will not re-start. But if you put in the old start device it will start again and once again it stops you swap to the new parts and it runs again.

Since both the old and the new start device have exactly the same problem I doubt that it is a defective part. It is highly unlikely that both would have the same problem but that does not mean that it cannot happen so you may want to get another replacement.

Is the compressor getting very hot?
Is the condenser/compressor fan running?

The next time it happens unplug the unit and wait for the approximate time it takes to swap out the parts. Then plug it in and see if it fires up.