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Customer Questions and Answers for Compressor Start Relay (Emb Style) by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18020601
Manufacturer Part Number: WP2258450

This start relay mounts on the side of the refrigerator's compressor and momentarily powers the start winding so the compressor can start reliably—helping restore consistent cooling and eliminating repeated click-and-no-start issues.

  • Provides the initial boost to start the compressor, then disengages automatically
  • Supports proper refrigerator and freezer temperatures by ensuring reliable compressor starts
  • Common symptoms of a failing relay: warm temps, compressor won't start, rapid clicking or humming from the rear, or repeated overload trips
  • Intermittent cooling after power cycling can also point to a weak start relay
What's included: 1 start relay (EMB style) Install notes:
  • Unplug the refrigerator before servicing; pull the unit forward to access the rear
  • The start device is under a small cover on the compressor side; remove the cover to access
  • If a run capacitor is present, discharge it before handling any wiring
  • Note wire positions and relay orientation; push the new relay straight onto the compressor pins without bending terminals, reinstall the cover, and restore power
Fit note: EMB-style relays are used with specific compressor types (often Embraco). Match the style/part number from your original start device or verify by model before ordering.

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Compressor Start Relay (Emb Style) (Part Number: OEM18020601)

1 Answer

Hello Aaron. You have sealed system failure and will need an HVAC tech to come out and repair the unit. Thank you.

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1 Answer

Sue, That's a bit too consistent, depending on contents and door openings during the day the time should fluctuate a bit more erratically or inconsistently. You may want to check and make sure you have the proper voltage at the outlet (108 VAC minimum, and 132 VAC maximum). It actually sounds like the defrost timer is cycling the compressor off and on, but that doesn't make a lot of sense at this point. The timer is designed to cycle into a defrost cycle every eight(8) hours of compressor run time, that usually takes 20 to 24 hours to accumulate the time, then the timer turns the defrost heater on and the cycle ends in approximately 25-30 minutes. You may want to lower the control panel and check the wiring to the defrost timer to make sure there aren't any crossed or touching wires or replace the defrost timer W10822278. Presumably you've already checked and made sure both doors are closing and sealing properly.

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Marc for Model Number ER2CHMXPLO4

Hello! I have a whirlpool model refrigerator with cooling problems. After further inspection the compressor is starting intermittently. Sometimes it clicks but will not turn on. Other times it will. I suspect the start relay. I took off the old relay and shook it and it rattles. I ordered and received a replacement, but that rattles as well. Could they both be defective? Everything I've read tells me that the relay should not rattle when shaken. Thank you.

1 Answer

Hello Marc. It does not sound like the starter is bad. It sounds like the compressor W10823815 is bad and will need to be replaced on the unit.

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Mark E. for Model Number W4TXNWFWQ00

I have a Whirlpool (Model W4TXNWFWQ00) Refrigerator that will not cool. My mother in law previously had it and it was working fine until she got a new refrigerator a week ago. She gave the refrigerator to us and when we got it installed at the house, it doesn't sound like the compressor is turning on. When I plug it up, the light turns on inside the refrigerator and I can feel air blowing in the freezer, but it's not cold. I let it run for several hours and nothing got cold. I believe, from reading on here that the Start Relay (2258450) is the culprit. If so, do you any instructions on here for replacing this part? Thanks

1 Answer

Hello Mark, I could not locate anything that shows the relays' replacement but if you unplug the unit, remove the side cover from the compressor, pull the old one from the prongs , move the wiring from the old part to the new part and plug it back into the compressor, re-establish power supply to the refrigerator, the unit should operate fine. If this part is the issue, this will correct the issue. I would check for power to the overload, (the small component on the side of the compressor), and make sure the overload is not open before ordering parts.

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1 Answer

Hello Adam, If you could please re-post with your model number so we can pull the wiring diagram, we can then tell you exactly how to wire the start relay for proper operation to resume.

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1 Answer

Hello Paul. No, it is not recommended to just the relay overload due to a possible fire hazard or you may damage other components. It is best to wait on the new start device WP2258450 to come to you and repair the unit.

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1 Answer

Hi Bob. I would use the digital capacitor Tester / Volt/ohm meter part # MA-DM1 to assist you in repair. Ohm the original relay. You should get 4-6 ohms cold. It should not rattle as the inner disk is defective part # WP2258450. There are 3-terminal post on the compressor. There is "c-common, "r- run, and 's- start and the green ground screw post on the compressor chassis. Set the meter scale on the R x 1 setting. Ohm out between each terminal and ground. If any of the 3- reads 0-ohms then the winding is shorted and the compressor needs replaced. We will need the unit model # to get you the compressor part # . Between the c and s terminals you should read between approx 6-8ohms. Between c an r it should read between 4-6 ohms. Record and add both readings. Then read between the r and s terminals , it should add to what the first reading is. Plus or minus 10 %. Any further constitutes a bad compressor. The compressor should read 120 vac incoming to it . Thank You.

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1 Answer

Hello James. Yes, if there is power to the compressor, and the compressor does not start, then the start device WP2258450 is bad and will need to be replaced. Hope this helps.

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