How to replace Whirlpool refrigerator compressor start device

Is your refrigerator failing to keep its cool or making mysterious clicking sounds? You might be dealing with a faulty compressor start device, a common issue that can disrupt your fridge’s functionality. Don’t worry—our step-by-step guide, complete with a how-to video below, will help you easily replace this part and get your fridge back on track in no time.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

The compressor start device is responsible for providing power to the compressor’s start and run windings. Over time, this part may fail and need replacement, resulting in issues such as the refrigerator not cooling properly or you may hear a clicking sound from the back of the refrigerator.

This repair is relatively straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete. With the right tools and a little bit of time, you can save money on professional repair services and restore your Whirlpool refrigerator’s cooling functionality.

So, let’s get started and learn how to replace the compressor start device in your Whirlpool refrigerator!

Watch here: How To Replace: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Refrigerator Compressor Start Device WPW10448874

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

To perform the compressor start device replacement, you will need the following tools:

• Quarter-inch nut driver
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Replacement part
• Work gloves

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 

Testing the start device

To test if the start device is bad before replacing it, follow these steps:

1. Before starting any testing, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged from the power source to prevent electric shock.
2. Locate the compressor start device, which is typically mounted on the side of the compressor. It is a combination of the start relay and overload protector.
3. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to carefully disconnect the start device from the compressor terminals. Gently pry the device off, taking care not to damage the terminals or surrounding components.
4. Turn on your multimeter and set it to the resistance (ohms) mode. If your multimeter has multiple resistance ranges, select the lowest range (e.g., 200 ohms) for better accuracy.
5. Identify the three terminals on the start device. Touch one probe of the multimeter to the common terminal (C) and the other probe to the start terminal (S). The multimeter should display a resistance reading. Typically, it should read a low resistance value, such as a few ohms.
6. Next, move one of the multimeter probes from the start terminal (S) to the overload terminal (M). The multimeter should again display a resistance reading. In this case, it should read a significantly higher resistance value, indicating the overload protector is working.
7. If the multimeter shows an open circuit (infinity resistance) on either the start relay or overload protector terminals, it indicates a defective part and the start device should be replaced.

Replacement steps

1. Begin by removing the access panel at the rear of the refrigerator. Use the quarter-inch nut driver to remove the screws that hold the panel in place. Start with the screw that holds the ground wire and then lift the panel out.
2. Disconnect the plug from the water inlet valve. Use the flat-blade screwdriver to gently pry them out.
3. Remove the line cover by gripping it on the sides and pulling it off.
4. Use the needle-nose pliers to grab the retainer spring and push it towards the compressor, then lift it up and release it from the compressor. Let it drop down.
5. Use the flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry the compressor start device off the compressor terminals.
7. Remove the power plug connected to the compressor start device by lifting the tab and disconnecting it.
8. Take out the run capacitor by pulling it out. You will reuse it with the new part.
9. Install the run capacitor under the new compressor start device. Plug the terminals into the cutouts and place it over the tower. Push it in until it locks.
10. Reconnect the power plug by inserting it in the correct orientation until it clicks into place.
11. Install the compressor start device by aligning its terminals with the three terminals on the compressor. Push it in firmly.
12. Install the retainer clip by placing the bottom part into the opening on the compressor bracket and bringing it up. Push it in and lock the top hook.
13. Put the cover back on.
14. Slide the line cover onto the water valve and push it down to secure it.
15. Reattach the plug to the terminals on the water inlet valve.
16. Put the access panel back in place. Make sure that the power cord is not caught and can be freely connected.
17. Attach the power cord and ground wire to the chassis using the same screw.
18. Plug the fridge back in and check that it is cooling properly.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the repair.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the compressor start device on your Whirlpool refrigerator. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!