I have read how to and have removed the compressor relay from Kenmore side by side (approx 6 yrs old). It appears to be a solid state part, but I'm wondering if I can check it with multimeter. Both freezer and fridge stopped cooling, and the unit hums every couple minutes like it's trying to kick the compressor on. Is there another way to guess whether the problem is the compressor itself (or another problem). The relay looks good and does not rattle, as several things I have read suggested to try. THX!!! Tom

Before you responded, I had a local sears repair person check it. He installed a working part for the relay and also checked the compressor. The part didn't make any difference, and repair guy says the compressor is gone (after 6 yrs. of average service). I'm not sure if I'm more upset about the major expenditure or the tremendous waste of materials as these units go to the landfill. It would seem to me that we could at least have a more cost-efficient way of replacing a compressor with a good re-built one. Thanks for taking time to suggest solutions. Tom

Thanks again for these ideas. Needless to say we had to purchase a new fridge. That's costly, as you all know. However, the salesperson mentioned that power surges often are the problem that lead to compressors dying. She also said that the instructions specifically warn that the unit should be directly plugged into a grounded wall outlet.

I would greatly appreciate some discussion on using the power surge protecter that would prevent future problems with the fridge. THANKS!
Tom

Basically, voltage surges are produced by substation contactor chatter. The voltage surges are typically twice the normal 115 volts, causing peak power surges in the compressor well over 3 kwatt! A series of these will destroy most modern R134A compressors, windings cannot cool down and explode and short to the compressor motor housing.