I have the Jenn Air refrigerator model JSD2690HES that has been randomly stopping cooling. I have noticed it in the freezer but also know the freezer feeds the fridge. Fortunately I have caught it early enough before my food has gone bad. What happens is the freezer stops cooling and I notice the ice cream is not as solid as it should be. It sounds like the unit is running, but doesn't seem to cool. However, if I shut off the breaker to the fridge, then turn power on again, it gets cold again and freezes as normal. Sometimes it last for a day, sometimes it last weeks/months, even a year. (Recently went a year and I thought the problem cured itself. Wrong.) Hoping someone can help me diagnose and repair this issue.

UPDATE: Well, the unplug thing is no longer working. The freezer will get cold, but not frozen. It hung at about 36 degrees all night. (I have a remote thermometer.) Any thoughts to diagnose?
Thanks!

-Chad

Thanks, denman. The compressor is not running, but is warm/hot. (I have since unplugged the fridge to prevent any damage.) The fan by the compressor runs, as does the fan in the freezer. When I plug the fridge in, after 20 or 30 seconds I can hear a click and light buzzing sound coming from the area of the compressor/start device, which stops after 10-15 seconds or so. When I removed the start device I could here a very slight rattle if I shook it just a certain way. (Not loud like some described as a baby rattle, but something moves in there.) In any case, I ordered a replacement start device yesterday which should arrive tomorrow. I'll be sure to post the outcome either way.

-Chad