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Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the start relay assembly or compressor start device in your Whirlpool Refrigerator.

The start relay is a combination of the start relay, the overload relay, and the start capacitor, which are responsible for protecting your compressor's circuit. If the fans are running and your compressor won’t start, or if you hear a clicking sound from the unit, your start relay assembly might be broken.

This guide will work for most Whirlpool refrigerators. This guide is written with a model WRS315SDHW refrigerator. If you have a different model, you may encounter some minor disassembly differences, but the overall repair process will be the same.

Note: Some photos show the doors removed for clarity purposes. Removing them is not required and will not change the procedure.

What you need

  1. Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Safety precautions: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Before you begin your repair, perform the following:

    • Turn off your main water supply

    • Unplug your device

    Edit

  2. Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the rear panel: step 2, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the rear panel: step 2, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the rear panel: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the screw(s) securing the rear panel.

    • Loosen the screw securing the water hose enough for the rear panel to freely move.

    Edit

  3. Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Remove the rear panel: step 3, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Remove the rear panel: step 3, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Remove the rear panel: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Pull the rear panel off the chassis to remove it.

    Edit

  5. Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the start relay assembly: step 4, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the start relay assembly: step 4, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the start relay assembly: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Use a flathead screwdriver, or a similar tool, to disconnect any connectors attached to the start relay assembly.

    Edit

  6. Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Unclip the start relay assembly: step 5, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Unclip the start relay assembly: step 5, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Unclip the start relay assembly: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Pull the metal clip out its hole in the top of the start relay assembly.

    • Rest the clip next to the assembly.

    Edit

  7. Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Remove the start relay assembly: step 6, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Remove the start relay assembly: step 6, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Remove the start relay assembly: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Pull the start relay assembly straight off its prongs in the chassis.

    • Remove the start relay assembly.

    • The assembly consists of the start capacitor, start relay, and overload relay.

    Edit

  8. Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Meter the start relay assembly: step 7, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Meter the start relay assembly: step 7, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Start Relay Assembly Replacement, Meter the start relay assembly: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • If you own a multimeter, you can test the start relay and overload relay's resistance.

    • A range between 0–1 Ω for the overload relay, and 0–5 Ω for the start relay is acceptable.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

4 other people completed this guide.

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nicO

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2 Comments

Is it universal part

dyannatorres@yahoo.com - Reply

While the parts are similar, there are differences for fridges. If you can find your refrigerator model number, you'll be able to search online for the correct start relay for your specific model. Good luck!

nicO -

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