Skip to Content
  • time delivery images 2 Day Quick Delivery!
  • box-refresh images 365 Day Return Policy!
  • lovely images 15 million satisfied customers
  • boxes images Over 2.1 Million Parts In Stock
  • headphone imagesFree Tech Support!
  • google images Google Trusted Store

Customer Questions and Answers for Relay And Overload by Whirlpool

Best Seller
Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18016461
Manufacturer Part Number: WP12555902

The Relay and Overload is an OEM replacement part for Whirlpool refrigerators. These electronic components regulate key refrigerator operations and safety measures. The relay controls the start and stop of refrigeration components like the compressor and condenser fan motor.

Symptoms of a bad relay and overload include:

  • Refrigerator failing to consistently cool or maintain temperature
  • Buzzing or humming noises coming from cooling areas
  • Tripped circuit breakers

Causes can include defective relay contacts, a burned-out overload, or worn-out electrical components internal to either part.

This OEM Whirlpool replacement is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, and select Kenmore fridge models as well. 

More
$91.38
Compare At:
$108.74
You Save:
$17.36

IN STOCK
Ships Monday Guaranteed
Add to Cart

Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Relay And Overload (Part Number: OEM18016461)

1 Answer

Hello Mike. Make sure the condenser coils under the unit are clean, and the condenser fan motor 833697 is running properly by the compressor. If not, it will cause the problem you are having. If both are good, then the freezer control R0161092 may be bad and need to be replaced. Hope this helps.

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello John. Are you melting all the ice off the coils after you replaced the parts? If not, you will need to clear all the ice off the coils for the defrost cycle to work properly. If you are melting all the ice, then you will need to look for a wiring problem on the unit. Hope this helps.

Read More...
Gerald for Model Number Amana arb2257csr

Regarding part 12555902 overload relay I have a question. This part in not the same as the one I am replacing- in the design of the connectors for the wires. The one I am replacing has two wires, blue and white, connected together in parallel, that gets plugged in to the same port. The replacement relay has two separated connections (ports), one for each wire, with 2 different size "blades" to connect to. Which connection ("blade") is for the blue wire? There is blue dot on the old relay next to one side of the common port, with the blue wire attached.

1 Answer

Hi Gerald. The blue wire hooks to the "c" common terminal on the compressor which is the top part of the new relay overload. The white wire will hook to the "r" run side of the compressor pin terminal. The capacitor will slide into the top of the new relay in the flat Siamese opposing terminals. Thank You.

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello Michael. The relay overload WP12555902 is located on the side of the compressor. You can order one from our website, or you can call our customer service at 877-477-7278. Hope this helps.

Read More...
P.B. for Model Number Amana Refrigerator model#ARS266ZBC

I have an Amana Refrigerator model#ARS266ZBC. It was moved to my new house and now the compressor won’t start. There is 120 V. present at the Overload Relay/Capacitor on the compressor, but the Relay/Capacitor is failed/bunrt up. What would cause the Compressor Overload Relay - Part Number: AP4013414 and the Compressor Run capacitor - Part Number: AP40074064 to burn up? I checked out the refrigerator wiring and this is all I can find. I don’t want to replace the Overload Relay/Capacitor and have it fail again. Any insight you can provide would be much appreciated. Thanks, Paul

1 Answer

P.B. It could have been weak, and in the moving process, the voltage spike was too much and caused the parts to fail. Another possibiliy would be that you have a bad defrost timer WP67001036 , but it's more likely you have a wire thats damaged. Good Luck

Read More...
Paul B. for Model Number ARS266ZBC

I have an Amana Refrigerator model#AP4013414. Is the overload relay for the compressor in this refrigerator a mechanical or solid state relay - Part Number: AP4013414, Made by Whirlpool? Could just transporting the refrigerator to a new location - 20 miles in a trailer cause the Refrigerator Compressor Overload Relay - Part Number: AP4013414 or the Refrigerator Compressor Run capacitor - Part Number: AP40074064, Whirlpool to fail? I have checked out the refrigerator and it appears these parts are the reason the compressor won't start after the move. Any insight you can provide would be much appreciated. Thanks, Paul

1 Answer

Hi Paul. The overload,relay is a combined mechanical, electronic device. It utilizes a negative temp. coeficient "disk" that controls start and run time of the compressor. This par # is WP12555902. Thank you.

Read More...
Paul B. for Model Number Amana Refrigerator - Model#ARS266ZBC

I have an Amana Refrigerator Model#ARS266ZBC that worked fine for 7 years. I moved it to a new house and now the compressor won't start. The lights come on and all appears to be okay. It was transported in the upright position and it was turned off prior to being unplugged and moved. It has been plugged in for 72 hours at the new location. What shopuld I look at as the possible causes? Is this model known to have problems if it is transported? I ran thru the wiring and there are no loose wires. It appears the Overload Relay on the compressor is bad and/or the run capacitor? Could just movintg the refrigerator cause the Overload Relay - Run Capacitor to fail? Thanks for your help! Paul

1 Answer

Hi Paul. First can you access the defrost timer adjustment screw in the center of the defrost timer. Use a rather wide blade screwdriver to advance the timer into the very start of the "HEAVY" 2nd. click. This will begin a normal run time before (defrost). If you find "STICKY" turning of the screw then replace the timer with part # WP67001036. This also sends the 120vac to the compressor start/run relay assembly part # WP12555902. Thank you.

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello Ronda. Yes, the overload pulls off the compressor. They can be tight to remove. Hope this helps.

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello Tom. It sounds like a bad compressor. If you replaced the start relay, and still clicking, the compressor is bad. Thanks.

Read More...

Have questions? Ask our pros!

Contact us in a way that is convenient for you

Call us 1-877-477-7278
Need Help? Chat with a Pro
Or ask a question by filling in the form

Share your thoughts with other customers

Ask a Question
  • boxes images Over 2.1 Million Parts In Stock
  • time delivery images 2 Day Quick Delivery!
  • box-refresh images 365 Day Return Policy!
  • headphone imagesFree Tech Support!
  • google images Google Trusted Store