How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6038280 / W10920279 Compressor Start Relay

I isolated the problem to two possibilities, failed starting relay or compressor failure. Chose to order the cheapest part e.g. The relay and proceed from there.Relay arrived by date promised. Had a bit of difficulty removing the outer case. When I pulled the old relay, it sounded like a baby's rattle....what a great sound! Plugged in the new relay, replaced the cover, put back the cardboard backing then turned it on and cooled it down. Working flawlessly since the repair. I estimate at least a $100 savings over calling a repairman. 

Searching online reduced the possible causes to a bad start relay or capacitor. Replaced capacitor without correcting problem. Restored old capacitor and installed new relay. Problem solved. Repair required use of new replacement part and so changing one electrical connector to a new size. 

I replaced the Start Relay and the Overload Protector located on the AC air compressor; no tools required ... Start Relay: p/n #2183454 Overload Protector; p/n #2183456 

I bought a new start relay and replaced the broken one. Works great now. 

The compressor was not running so I replaced the start switch 

This is the 2nd time the start relay failed in this older Whirlpool Gold. The relay is easy enough to tell when it failed. First you can hear the click as it tries to start the compressor. Every couple of minutes when the compressor cools off enough the relay resets.( first click) Then you'll hear the (Second click) about 15 seconds later when it fails to start compressor. Easy enough to find and replace. Take the cardboard grill off with a nut driver. With it still plugged in find the clicking. Unplug it from wall. Use small screwdriver popped cover off. Wiggled relay off 2 of 3 compressor pins. Then to double check its failed, give it a shake. If it rattles its no good. Time to order a new one. FYI if there's capacitor in line with it be carful or you could be in for a shocking surprise. I must say the part was delivered surprisingly fast. From Tenn. to Ct. in just over 24hrs. Nice job. Only used 10lbs of ice. Tools used. Nut driver, screwdriver and flashlight 

Unplugged refrigerator. Removed rear access from refrigerator with .25 inch nut driver. Removed access cover of start relay on side of compressor by prying outward from top. Replaced old relay with new. Reinstalled access covers and plugged in refrigerator, works great. 

Replaced the start relay and the capacitor, 

Replaced the relay start and the defrost thermostat. 

Replaced compressor relay. Took awhile to figure out how to get the relay cover off.