How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6010187 / WP65889-4 Run Capacitor

I Googled the model and looked up a troubleshooting chart. I went to the Appliance Pros website and found the parts I needed and ordered them. I watched the 3 minute repair video and when the parts came in I replaced them. The fridge runs colder and quieter than it ever has before. I'm not a very handy guy but have done many home repairs in the past year by viewing the videos on this website. This repair was very quick and easy. Two minutes! 

I wrote down where the wire were plugged in. Pulled capacitor and overload relay. Ordered and replaced them and she's good as new. 

The lights and fans worked. But since the compressor did not start, the fridge and freezer would not get cold. After removing the back access panel, I found a dead mouse and its nest beside the compressor. I pulled the run capacitor and start relay/overload switch from the compressor. The start relay/ overload switch is a solid state circuit. So, troubleshooting it is difficult. It did make a little rattle noise when shaked which can mean that it is bad. I measured 115 volts from the wires that plug into the start relay. The resistance between the 3 compressor pins showed continuity with respect to each other. None of the pins were grounded. The compressor body showed good ground. So, that all seemed to check out and point the issue to the run capacitor and start/ relay overload. The capacitor did show some resistance for a second which pointed the problem to the start relay/ overload. I decided to order both parts. They arrived a few days later and were OEM parts that fit exactly. After installing them, I plugged in the fridge and had the same buzzing noise at the compressor. It would not start. I shook it and gave it a few whacks with my hand and it finally started. The compressor struggled but then came up to speed. It's been operating for a few days now and is on its second bucket of making ice. The compressor is running quiet and the fridge and freezer are cold. The real test will be if the compressor starts up after a power outage. 

I spent some time looking at the back of the compressor by the relay and saw that it had burn marks and one of the wires had burned off. I logged on the AppliancePartsPros.com and looked up the parts and looked for others that had similar problems. I had a version 10 which was about 15 years old. I did find some info enough to order parts, the difficult part of the process is that Overload relay on my compressor was a single part and the replacement was 3 different parts. The parts arrived and I got no instructions as how to convert to the new parts so I logged back on an found a very helpful video that was close enough to my compressor that I could do the replacement. It is important to note that wire colors are not consistent so paying close attention to where the wires are connected is important. After some work I was able to get everything hooked up and the Freezer and Refrigirator are working normally. I should note that I also changed the Run Capacitor also. Not sure it needed it however I would suggest doing it with this version of compressor. 

Using a multi-meter, I confirmed that the temperature contol thermostat worked, and resistance across the compressor pins met spec indicating that the compressor was probably good. I opened up the overload relay and saw that the circuit had burned out. I ordered and installed a new overload relay and run capacitor, and everything works great now. Glad I didn't need to buy a new fridge. YouTube videos helped a lot with the troubleshooting. 

When I discovered my refrig was not cooling/freezing, I took the back off the refrig hoping a good cleaning would fix the problem...no such luck. The refrig was making a clicking sound and running nonstop. I researched possible reason for problem on the internet and based on my findings, I ordered the parts from Appliance Parts PRo. The parts arrived very quickly and again, thanks to the internet I was able to learn on how to replace these parts myself. My 11 year old grandson and I changed the parts easily and quickly ourselves and my refrig/freezer was back up and working the day before Thanksgiving. Thank you Appliance Parts Pro for fast speedy delivery, as your promptness helped save Turkey Day!!! 

Unplug the fridge and slide it out from the wall. Remove the lower back cover. CLEAN EVERYTHING. We used compressed air, a vacuum, and a damp rag. The compressor was really hot because the unit was still limping along, so I set up a vortex fan to cool everything down. I removed the support wire, gently wiggled the capacitor off, then removed the relay. EASY! The overload relay was the problem. It rattled. I took it apart and found the insulator inside was shattered. It's hard to believe it was working at all. I plugged in the new one, and replaced the run capacitor at the same time (I could've returned the capacitor but chose to install it while I had everything apart, because the power overload had to arch to work and may have damaged it). The temp dropped immediately. The freezer started making ice about 3 hours later when the freezer settled at 0° - 5°. I could've gotten the parts locally but the wait time was 3 days longer and the cost was $40 higher. PS: I used standard shipping. My parts arrived in less than 24 hours. 

Removed start relay and run capacitor as a unit and replaced with new parts. Not sure if capacitor was needed, decided to order both to be safe. Unit is working again, replacement took 15 min tops. 

When we discovered it had stopped working, I got on the internet and started to research what the problem might be. I then came here and found the relay and also decided to replace the run cap since it was right there. Ordered both and chose 2nd day and they came next day which was cool. The repair was really easy, the only issue was the copper line tail on the compressor was in the way a bit. Also the plug on the back of the relay did not match so we had to cut it off and splice on blade connectors. Would be nice in the parts lookup if they give you the choice to order which one you have. Plugged everything in and the frige works like new. The video help was great to familiarize you with what you are looking for. 

I spoke to a representative on the phone and they said that I need an Overload/relay along with a Run Capacitor. The Overload/relay was easily replaced by pulling the two parts off of the compressor. The Run Capacitor was mounted/screwed to the left rear of the Refrigerator and was also easily replaced. The Refrigerator is now working again. Many Thanks to the Phone Rep who helped with the problem and the order!