Kenmore / Sears Relay, Overload, Capacitor

This controller is the appliance's electronic control board. It monitors sensors and manages cooling system operations so temperatures stay stable. Replacing a failed board can restore consistent cooling performance and responsive controls.

• Manages compressor and fan run times to maintain the set temperature; failures can cause warm temps, overcooling, or short cycling
• Coordinates automatic defrost on applicable models; faults may lead to frost buildup and restricted airflow
• Processes input from temperature sensors and user settings; issues can make controls unresponsive or erratic
• Drives status lights/alarms on applicable models; malfunctions may trigger false alarms or no indications

• Disconnect power to the appliance before servicing
• Use ESD protection; handle the board by the edges to avoid component damage
• Photograph wiring and move connectors one at a time to the new board to ensure correct placement
• Reuse original mounting hardware and ensure all connections are fully seated before restoring power

This compressor overload is the thermal protector for your refrigerator's compressor. It opens the circuit when the motor overheats or draws excessive current, helping prevent damage and restoring reliable starts when the original protector fails.

• Interrupts power to protect the compressor during overheat or overcurrent conditions
• If failed, symptoms include: compressor won't start, repeated clicking or brief hum then stop, warm refrigerator/freezer, and an unusually hot compressor shell
• A weak protector may trip repeatedly and reset after cooling, causing intermittent cooling
• Works in tandem with the start relay/device to manage compressor startup current

• Disconnect power before servicing and pull the unit forward for rear access
• Remove the rear cover; note wire positions and take a photo for reference
• Pull the old overload straight off the compressor terminal; transfer leads and firmly seat the new overload in the same orientation
• Capacitors can retain a charge—handle with care; reinstall cover and restore power to test

This starter kit is the compressor start device used on select Frigidaire/Electrolux refrigeration products. It helps the compressor start reliably and protects it from overload, restoring consistent cooling when the original start components are weak, noisy, or failed.

• Provides the initial boost needed to start the sealed-system compressor
• Integrates overload protection to help prevent compressor overheating
• Common fix for clicking or humming at the compressor with no start
• Can help resolve warm temperatures, intermittent cooling, or short-cycling

• Disconnect power before servicing; allow components to cool.
• Access the compressor compartment; note wire positions and orientation.
• Seat the new start device firmly on the compressor pins; transfer wires one at a time.
• If your model uses a run capacitor, discharge it and reconnect per the wiring diagram.

The Overload is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. It is an important component of the refrigerator's compressor system, providing protection against electrical overload.

The overload helps safeguard the compressor from excessive electrical currents, preventing potential damage and ensuring the longevity of the refrigerator. It acts as a safety measure by interrupting the power supply to the compressor when necessary.

Causes of a faulty overload can include power surges, excessive heat, or electrical component failure. These factors can lead to the overload not properly regulating the electrical flow, resulting in compressor issues or the refrigerator not cooling effectively.

Symptoms of a bad overload may include:

• The refrigerator not cooling or maintaining the desired temperature
• Unusual noises coming from the compressor
• The compressor not running at all

This OEM Whirlpool part can also be used on Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore/Sears brand appliances.

This PTCR is the compressor's start device for select refrigerators. It helps the compressor start smoothly by momentarily boosting the start winding, then automatically reduces current as the motor reaches speed.

• Provides initial start assist to the compressor, then self-resets
• A failing PTCR can cause clicking, repeated start attempts, warm temperatures, or the compressor not running
• Helps protect the compressor by limiting inrush current during startup

• Disconnect power before servicing; allow components to cool
• Note wire positions and orientation before removal
• Inspect compressor terminals for heat damage and ensure firm connections
• If the old device shows signs of overheating, also check the overload and wiring

This compressor overload protects the refrigerator's compressor by interrupting power when it overheats or draws excessive current. Replacing a weak or failed overload can stop repeated click/no-start symptoms and help restore normal cooling performance.

• Opens the circuit to protect the compressor during overheat or over-current conditions
• Automatically resets after cooling to prevent sustained damage
• Symptoms include: compressor won't start, rapid clicking from the compressor area, starts then stops, and a warm refrigerator/freezer
• Helps prevent motor and wiring damage caused by repeated overload events

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear appropriate PPE
• Access the rear machine compartment and remove the compressor/start device cover
• Note wire positions; pull the old overload straight off the compressor terminal and push the new one on fully seated; reconnect wiring and covers
• If the overload trips again after replacement, further diagnosis of the start relay, run capacitor, or compressor may be required

This capacitor is an electrical replacement part that helps restore reliable motor/compressor start and operation in compatible appliances. Replacing a failed capacitor can stop intermittent operation and reduce abnormal humming or failure-to-start issues. What it does:

• Provides the stored electrical charge needed for motor or compressor start-up and stable operation
• Commonly linked to symptoms like humming, repeated starting/stopping, slow or failed starts, or loss of function
• Stabilizes voltage to reduce stress on motor circuitry and improve run consistency
• Replaces a worn or failed capacitor to restore normal appliance electrical performance

• Disconnect power at the breaker or unplug the appliance before beginning any service
• Capacitors can hold a charge—discharge carefully
• Observe terminal orientation and wire placement; replace with identical specifications

This starter is a small electrical device that helps the refrigerator or freezer compressor start reliably, restoring proper cooling when the compressor struggles to power up. Replace a failed starter to bring the compressor back to dependable operation. What it does:

• Supplies the initial start current to the compressor so it can spin up and begin the refrigeration cycle.
• Common symptoms of a failing starter: refrigerator or freezer not cooling, compressor hums or vibrates but won't run, repeated clicking noises at the back, or intermittent cooling.
• Works with the appliance's existing compressor wiring and start circuit to restore normal starting performance when compatible.

• Always disconnect power to the appliance before attempting any repair.
• The starter typically mounts on or near the compressor and may require pulling the appliance away from the wall and removing the rear access panel.
• Handle terminals and wiring carefully; match connectors and orientation to the original part.

This PTC compressor start relay briefly powers the compressor's start winding to get the motor turning, then drops out as it warms. Replacing a weak relay can restore consistent compressor starts and stabilize refrigerator and freezer temperatures.

• Momentarily energizes the compressor's start winding; disengages automatically as the PTC element heats
• Helps protect the compressor by removing the start winding after startup
• Symptoms of failure can include compressor clicking but not running
• Intermittent cooling or warming temperatures between cycles
• Heat discoloration or a burnt odor around the start device

• Disconnect power and remove the rear lower access panel
• Note wire locations; remove the start device cover/retainer and pull the old relay straight off the compressor pins
• Inspect compressor pins; firmly seat the new relay and reconnect wiring
• Reinstall covers/panels, restore power, and verify normal compressor start

This starter is the compressor's start device. It energizes the start winding so the compressor can begin running, helping restore reliable cooling performance. What it does and common signs it's bad:

• Supplies initial current to the compressor's start winding; disengages once the motor is running
• Symptoms can include a warm refrigerator/freezer, compressor not starting, clicking or humming every few minutes
• Can show heat damage or rattling when shaken after failure

• One compressor starter

• Disconnect power before servicing and pull the unit forward for rear access
• Remove the compressor cover; note wire positions and device orientation
• Firmly seat the new starter on the compressor terminals and reconnect the harness; reinstall the cover
• Restore power and observe compressor start-up; use cut-resistant gloves and follow the product's service information

This compressor start relay (PTC) briefly powers the compressor's start winding to ensure reliable start-up. Replacing a failed relay can stop repeated clicking and help a non-starting compressor restore normal refrigerator cooling.

• Provides a timed, resistance-based boost to the compressor's start winding, then drops out of the circuit
• Common symptoms: compressor hums then clicks off, frequent clicking from the rear, warm fridge/freezer, intermittent cooling
• Mounts directly on the compressor terminals; works with the separate overload protector and, if equipped, a run capacitor
• Visible signs of failure may include heat damage, burnt odor, or loose/rattling pieces inside the old relay

• Unplug the refrigerator and remove the lower rear access panel to reach the compressor
• Note wire routing and orientation; transfer any harness/retainer and seat the relay fully on the compressor pins
• If a run capacitor is present, discharge it before handling and reconnect to the same terminals
• Inspect the overload and connectors; replace any heat-damaged components

Includes relay, overload and cover.

This compressor start device energizes the refrigerator compressor's start winding to begin the cooling cycle, then disengages it. Replacing a weak or failed start device can restore reliable starts and address repeated clicking and warm/no-cool symptoms.

• Provides initial power to the compressor's start winding for reliable startup
• Disengages the start circuit once the compressor is running
• Common failure symptoms: compressor won't start, frequent clicking from the rear, refrigerator or freezer not cooling
• Heat damage or burnt odor on the old device may be present when it fails

• Unplug the refrigerator before servicing; wear cut-resistant gloves
• Remove the rear access panel to reach the compressor compartment
• Note wire positions; if your model uses a separate run capacitor, transfer it; move wires to the new device one at a time
• Align the device with the compressor terminals and press straight on until fully seated; reinstall any cover or retainer

This start relay controls power to the compressor's start winding so the refrigerator can start and run. Replacing a weak or burned relay restores dependable compressor start-up and can stop repeated clicking with warming temperatures.

• Energizes the compressor's start winding to provide initial torque, then disengages from the circuit
• Common failure symptoms: refrigerator not cooling or intermittently warm; compressor hums/clicks and won't start; relay rattles, smells burnt, or shows heat damage; overload trips
• Helps prevent hard-start conditions that stress the compressor
• The relay contacts are open/shorted, the compressor may fail to start and cycle off on overload

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear appropriate PPE
• Access the rear machine compartment; remove the relay cover on the compressor. Note wire positions, pull the old relay straight off the compressor pins, transfer wires, and fully seat the new relay in the same orientation
• If equipped, safely discharge the run capacitor; inspect the overload, wiring, and terminals for heat damage and address as needed
• Reinstall the cover. If the compressor still won't start, further diagnosis of the start device, capacitor, or compressor is required

This refrigerator compressor starter is the start device that plugs onto the compressor terminals. It briefly energizes the start winding so the compressor can start reliably, helping restore cooling when the original starter fails. What it does:

• Engages and then disengages the compressor's start winding during startup
• Mounts directly on the compressor pins under the terminal cover
• Common symptoms of a failed starter: not cooling, rapid clicking/humming from the compressor area, compressor hot but not running, or intermittent starts
• Replaces the original start device specified in your model's parts diagram

• 1 compressor starter

• Disconnect power before servicing; pull the unit out to access the back panel
• Remove the compressor terminal cover; note/photograph wire positions and orientation
• Pull off the old starter; inspect the overload and wiring for heat damage
• Align with the compressor pins and press on firmly; reinstall the cover and restore power