Maytag skybox stopped cooling

I just replaced my in-pieces starter relay and thermal swich with a Whirlpool 4387535 kit. My Skybox has been working fine ever since.

Note I had the same symptoms as other posts of the compressor turning on/off continuously (but no cooling)...I believe what was happening is that the starter relay would allow current to flow to initially start the compressor, but would never stop providing current to it after it had already started (as it should) thus in a few seconds the thermal switch would sense this and trip / remove power to the compressor...then this cycle would start all over once the thermal switch cooled down again and let power back to the compressor...

This kit is evidently the newer style of what is on the original Skybox compressors (functionally speaking)...the new starter relay looks and installs like the old one, but the thermal switch is different and you need to remove the old one (follow the black wire on the top post of the compressor back a little to a small black round thing with a flexible metal piece inside). The good news is that once you remove it, it already has the correct spade lug on the wire to plug directly into the new thermal switch which sits right on the top lug of the compressor above the starter relay.

Note I'm not a service tech, just a Skybox owner who was/is tired of Maytag disowning this product and calling it a "throwaway" when any part of it stops working (and all local authorized service centers laughing when asked to repair one).

Continuing on with my rant a little, I also see other posts on the internet which also state "throwaway" when you actually have a bad compressor because you can't get direct replacements anymore - my friend who does AC work on the side said he most certainly could put another compressor in there from probably just about any other mini-fridge...he just noted that it is a small place to do it so the replacement compressor form factor will have to be considered. He stated you may get a little more or less cooling efficieny but who cares if you really want to keep your machine working that you can't buy anymore (nor get a close alternative).

I just came from the Maytag repair shop because the cooling system stopped on my machine. The repair man laughed and said when he went to service school the class was told "if someone brings the Skybox in for repair, just look to make sure no wires are loose and if there aren't, then it is not repairable"!! He was laughing when he told me. So, I see Maytag discontinued them and used the excuse they were getting out of small appliances because they knew the phones calls were going to start for all the lemons they made and knew they were not fixable. I smell a class action suit!!!!!

post your email i will send you the service manual there are too many things that can go worng you will have to search then via the manual

Hello -- We had a similar problem. After doing extensive research online, I can tell you that the problem is likely either with the compressor relay (possibly fixable by you) or with the compressor itself (not fixable and apparently not available anyway). If the compressor is shot, then you probably have to cut your losses and give up on your Skybox. Our service tech told me that the Skybox is considered a cheap novelty item and pretty much a "throwaway" once it breaks down. Sad, but true. We were able to negotiate a settlement with Whirlpool/Maytag, but it takes a lot of time and effort and there are no guarantees about anything if the machine is out of warranty. Look on this website for some possible repair tips but be prepared for the worst.

Have the same cooling problem on my SkyBox. I spent some time looking at it today- from what I can tell the motor starter is fried (there are small pieces rattling around inside). If you can send me a manaul that would be great.

Can someone send me the service manual for the Skybox. Mine doesn't get cold and the buttons on the front don't work anymore. Thanks

jhoffman@charter.net

how do i find out where the wires go on the starter relay....i took it off and bought a new one but don't know how the wires go back on.....please help??

Can some one send me the skybox repair manual ( if there is one )..I will pay $$$$

grayfox24@bellsouth.net

There is a stater relay unit that plugs into the compressor. It's white in color and has a "pig tail" capacitor.
The capacitor is what went on mine.
I took it to a local appliance repair shop and had it fixed for 45 bucks. It's back to working great again.
PS, Don't use the skybox outside, its meant for indoor use only.
High room or outdoor temperature will make the compressor overheat.