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Customer Questions and Answers for Start Device by Frigidaire

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Frigidaire
Part Number: OEM17960436
Manufacturer Part Number: 297259515

The Start Device is an OEM part for Frigidaire refrigerators. This small electronic component plays a role in the refrigeration cycle by providing the necessary boost to start the compressor. Without a properly functioning start device, the refrigerator may not cool efficiently, leading to spoiled food and increased energy consumption. 

Causes of a faulty Start Device can vary and may encompass electrical failures like short circuits or power surges, overheating of the component, and physical damage or wear due to aging.

Symptoms of a bad Start Device include:

  • The refrigerator not starting
  • Intermittent operation of the refrigerator
  • Unusual noises coming from the back of the refrigerator where the compressor is located
  • The refrigerator failing to maintain a consistent temperature

This OEM Frigidaire part is also compatible with Electrolux, Gibson, Kelvinator and some Kenmore models.

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Questions & Answers

For Frigidaire Start Device (Part Number: OEM17960436)

1 Answer

Michael, You will need to pull the unit out and the back is open at the bottom. If you look on the left side when looking at the unit from the back underneath you will locate a box. This box is what will house that control board, there should be 2 to 4 1/4" hex screws holding it in place. Remove the screws and drop the box down and disconnect wiring. Plug wiring into the new board and reinstall.

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1 Answer

Michael, Based on your description it sounds as if the relay on the board has stuck in the on position, board part # is 808772224

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1 Answer

Vonda, the first check should be the condenser coil and condenser fan motor inside the compressor compartment on the back of the refrigerator, also check and clean the front kickplate grill on the front of the refrigerator. Plug the power cord back in and turn the refrigerator on, listen carefully for a "loud click" noise from the compressor area, this could indicate a weak or damaged start relay and/or overload or faulty compressor? We wouldn't expect the sensor or control to be the fault and should be the last option, once the other components have been cleaned and checked.

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1 Answer

Jeff, To put this unit into a manual defrost you would hit the light switch 5 or 6 times in rapid succession. Test the defrost heater and defrost bimetal to make sure that they are good. If these are ok then the issue will be the control board in the refrigerator compartment.

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1 Answer

Hello Beverly, I'm sorry but we do not yet have a video for this part. The red wire will connect to the "L" connection, (Line), the Light Blue wire will connect to the number 2 terminal on the start relay which is also the other connection on this start device.The run capacitor will clip onto the device with the connections in the two slots on the far right of the third picture of the part on our site at the following link: https://www.appliancepartspros.com/frigidaire-controller-297259515-ap5986809.html

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1 Answer

Tim, There is no way to test the controller on the unit. You can test to make sure that there is 120 vac getting to the controller and if the compressor is not coming on then the controller would be the most likely cause. If this does not correct the issue then the compressor would be the issue.

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1 Answer

Hello Don. To replace the controller 297259515, you will need to remove the clip rom the back of the unit. Then pull the controller off the side of the compressor. Unplug the capacitor and wires to the old one and install them onto the new controller. Reinstall in reverse order onto the compressor. Thank you.

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