How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6005484 / WP12555902 Refrigerator Compressor Relay And Overload

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! 

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. 

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!!! 

The overload relay was the only thing between the the AC power and the compressor. I removed the overload relay and took it apart. It was bad, pieces fell out. The new relay i ordered was same size and shape except for the plug-in jack on the back. The old relay had a receptacle for a two wire plug, the new one had two terminals, one for each wire. I cut off the plug end from the two wires and put new terminals on each wire the plugged them into the new relay. I followed the schematic. It worked! The refrigerator works fine now. 

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. 

Followed the simple video instructions from Appliance Parts Pro. Easily took out the overload relay...rattled when I took it out and that meant it was bad. Ordered the part with help from Apliance Parts Pro and re-installed as shown in the video. 

Based on the information provided on web site, and an online chat, able to determine what was the problem. The part came very fast and after reviewing the installation instructions had refrigerator up and running again in minutes. A $ 39 part vs a $1000+ for a new refrigerator. You decide. 

Search for possible problems, watch couple videos and order the part and that was it, really easy, took me 15 minutes. 

I followed the advice on trouble shooting the problem from multiple online sources. They were helpful including the ones on AppliancePartsPros.com. The parts I ordered were based on percentages of AppPartsPros listed. They arrived within 24 hrs as promised and paid for. The relay was not an exact fit for the wiring harness I had. I needed to adapt the connections to make the relay fit and used the new capacitor as well. It didn't solve my problem. What it ended up being was the thermostat control located on the roof of the freezer was turned OFF! I've never seen this dial/switch before (except maybe when I first set it 20 years ago). It's near the ice tray shelf so I imagine I must have eventually turned it off slowly with every clumsy ice tray refill/replacement. NO online videos suggested this "duh" first step. I'm positive I'm not the only person who hasn't seen this dial in awhile and might have had the same problem. I kept the parts I ordered in the unit since the wiring I changed would now not fit with the old relay I took out. Lesson learned. I hope this helps just ONE other person.