I believe I know what my problem is. correct me if I am wrong. The freezer is keeping a temp of about 37-38 degrees F. Fridge at a temp of 42 degrees F. As you can imagine, the freezer has thawed.

I have a side by side Kenmore fridge. Model # 253.54669400. From the post quoted below, I concluded my problem is the compressor start device. Check it out.......

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aztraph
April 10th, 2007, 05:33 PM
Is the freezer getting or staying cold? Is there any noise?

If the freezer is still cold but is starting to thaw, look inside the freezer to the back wall, if there is a considerable amount of ice buildup on the back then you need to defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours (slow method) or you can remove the back wall and defrost it manually with a hair dryer or a heat gun (takes about 45 minutes with a heat gun). if it is a defrost issue then this is only a temporary fix. :3:

if you here a noise
do you hear any periodic buzzing or humming about 4-6 seconds, then a click followed by about 4-5 minutes of silence? If you do then the problem is the compressor, either internally or the start device (P#2204307 (Part Details - WHIRLPOOL Compressor start device kit, part number: 8201799=)). "

Can someone give me a link that give good step by step instructions to change the start device?

Brian

When you turn the fridg on, feal the compressor and listen, if it is making the usual vibration inticating the compressor is running, then shuts down, you have a bad compressor, probably varnish buildup, or poor running torqe.
If you are not sure if it's running, pull the start device. If it rattles when shaken it's bad. Either way, I would try a new start device to see if it will work.