Customer Questions and Answers for Start Device by Frigidaire

The Start Relay is an OEM replacement part for Frigidaire refrigerators. It is an electro-mechanical part that signals the refrigerator’s compressor to activate, initiating the cooling cycle. As the main switching mechanism that controls refrigerator operation, start relays experience considerable wear over thousands of on/off cycles.

Symptoms of a bad start relay include:

• Refrigerator failing to cool or compressor not engaging  
• Constant humming sound but no cold air circulation
• Cooling performance declining noticeably over time

Causes of start relay failure generally relate to ongoing heat and electrical load stresses that slowly degrade insulation and wiring over the refrigerator’s lifetime. Corrosion from condensation or refrigerant leaks inside the unit can also compromise its function.

This OEM Frigidaire replacement relay is compatible with Electrolux, Gibson, Kelvinator, and Kenmore models.