How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6016830 / WPW10197428 Compressor Start Device

This problem was solved by replacing the Compressor Start Device and the Run Capacitor. These parts must be accessed at the back of the unit by removing a panel at the bottom of the rear. Very simple repair requiring just a nut driver, a small straight-blade screwdriver, and a pair of needle-nose pliers. Most of your time will be spent clearing out the refrigerator and freezer compartments so that the unit may be rolled away from the wall. 

My KitchenAid KFIS20XVMS1 refrigerator developed a clicking noise. It would click randomly and the sound was coming from the bottom of the fridge behind the back panel. After reading other posts, people had the same symptom but it was accompanied by the fridge not cooling properly. I did not have the cooling issue, just the clicks. I first replaced the run capacity, but that did not make a difference. Then I replaced the compressor start device and my fridge is now back to being quiet, no more clicking. The repair was easy. 

Diagnosed via the "clicking" of a busted capacitor. AppliancePartsPros had both the capacitor and compressor start device available and arrived in the mail within 24h. It took about 10 minutes to change the parts and give the area a quick clean, and the fridge is now running better than it has in years! Videos were particularly helpful and reassuring. Thank you! 

Ordered part, installed, fixed. EASY. Probably saved me at least 500.00. 

The repair was less complicated than I thought. In fact it was simple. I never thought I could repair this thing but no problem. The most important part is remembering how you took it apart when the parts come in the mail. The camera phone is the most important tool. 

Replaced compressor start relay 

Heard the compressor trying to start, the temperature was rising, unloaded and pulled out the start relay and run capacitor. Ordered both and installed, it took off and has been working ever since, note unplug and get a 1/4" nut driver or drill nut driver. That is all you need if the water line is long enough to allow you to get to the backside. 

Noticed freezer was not maintaining the right temperature and evap and condenser fan constantly running. Cleaned coils underneath frig and grate on back and problem still existed. Noticed compressor was not coming on. Unplugged frig and used a multimeter to test start the capacitor and windings on the compressor with positive results. Then tested old start relay and R was way out of range. Ordered this part from appliancepartspros. Installed start capacitor and the new relay, connected 120V power supply to relay, and then lined up three prongs on the compressor with holes on the relay. Pushed part on for snug fit. Moment of truth- plugged in refrigerator and compressor kicked on. Frig is running like new. 

Changed capacitor and start relay 

Talked to AppliancePartsPro tech, he told me what I needed and didn't need