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

I disassemble the front top panel and listen. The compressor was on for about 5-7 Sec and shutting down and starting again every 10 to 20 min. The fan was up running constantly. There was a clicking noise at every shutdown coming from capacitor/starting devise connected to the compressor. Knowing that the compressor is working (on and off) and everything looked ok, I unplug the frig, unplug the starting device with capacitor and look for the similar part online. Came across your website, identified the replacement part and ordered it on Friday morning. To my surprise I have received the parts the next day on Saturday, hoping that this was the problem. It was. We were already shopping for a new built-in frig in the price range $7,000 to $9,000. The parts replacement cost was slightly over $100 including expedited shipping. Thanks for the availability and prompt shipping. Now my new motorcycle fund has at least $7,000 head start LOL 

First we cleaned out all the coils and blew out all dust and pet hair clogging up cooling vents and coils. Next, I removed the capacitor and relay. I shook the relay, and it made a rattling sound and felt like something was loose in there. Ordered a new relay from AppliacePartsPros.com, slapped the old capacitor back on there, plugged them both back into the compressor on the refrigerator. Plugged the frig in and viola, no more clicking, the compressor runs, the frig cools. My ice maker was previously not working. It must have been a frozen line somewhere because after unplugging the frig for several days and then getting it back up and running again, the ice maker magically works now. Major wife brownie points have been accumulated. Good luck! 

Replaced the Compressor and Capacitor. 

I googled "refrigerator makes clicking noises" and most sites said to change out the start relay. There was also a great piece of advice I followed to make sure I was fixing the right problem, gently shake the start relay, if it makes rattling noise it needs to be replaced. 

After some internet research it appeared the problem could be the compressor start relay and associated capacitor. I was quickly able to locate the replacement parts on the AppliancePartsPros website by entering the model number. There was even a short video to show how to replace these parts. I ordered the parts late in the afternoon and received them before noon the next day. Repair took about ten minutes and refrigerator runs like it was new. 

Received the Capacitor & Compressor Start Device in a timely fashion. Decided to replace both as cheap insurance on this 10 year old unit. Installation was easy overall - mostly unplug and the plug in the new units. I did have to re-bend the retaining wire as the new Compressor Starting Device was thinner than the old one, but in the end no big deal. Removed and cleaned the condenser fan while in there. Seems to have taken care of the clicking but even with a new thermistor bought previously the refrigerator temperature is colder than the set temperature. May have to inspect/replace the damper control. 

Purchased capacitor first which did not solve the problem. Once I replaced the compressor start device, the problem was resolved. 

Replaced capacitor and startup module 

I fixed it with a capacitor and compressor start device, only took about 5 minutes to replace and the repair video was very helpful. 

Replaced the compressor starter and also replaced the freezer thermistor.