Hello Appliance Parts Pro,

I'm looking for some help troubleshooting a Whirlpool refrigerator. Model number is ET8FTEXMQ01, and it's about 10-years old. The problem is that the refrigerator and freezer are not cold enough, about 44° and 25°, even when turned to the coldest settings.

Here are steps that my wife and I have taken to troubleshoot:

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Check condenser coils on the refrigerator bottom. They were covered with dust and pet hair from front to back and top to bottom, so we cleaned them with a ShopVac.

Evaporator fan is blowing when the refrigerator is on. Fan motor spins easily. Cold air blows down to the refrigerator.

Frost on the evaporator coils is even. There is no build up on one side versus the other.

Condenser motor runs when the refrigerator is on. Fan motor spins.

Refrigerator sounds normal when running. There are no odd clicking noises, as from a broken relay.

Refrigerator can be “coaxed” to turn on by turning temperature dial to low and then back to high. The refrigerator will then run long enough to achieve normal temperatures in both the freezer and cold sides.

Leaving the refrigerator for an extended period of time, say… a week while visiting relatives for Christmas, results in 40° and 50° freezer and refrigerator temperatures and ruined food.

Looked for start relay PN 2262185 on the side of the compressor. Discovered that my unit doesn't have a start relay, but something called a start device, PN 2225929. Removed it from the side of the compressor.

Used DMM to see if pins to start device on compressor were shorted to compressor body. All pins measured an open circuit, as I believe they should.

Removed the capacitor from the start device and checked capacitance with DMM. Text on cap body said it was 12 µF and I measured 12.4, so I thought this checked out.

Disassembled start device. Inside is slightly discolored (see photo) and there is a faint burnt smell. Otherwise, visual inspection shows no broken pins.

Reassembled start device, reinstalled on compressor, and confirmed refrigerator function per #6.
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Based on the steps taken so far, I believe I need to replace the start device. However, I wanted to check in with your experts before placing my order. Are additional steps needed? Is there anything else worth checking?

Thanks in advance for your help,
Ryan
Mesa, AZ

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