Kenmore Chest Freezer Model number 1987191852 has started to defrost own its own. Compressor starts and shuts down after appx 2 seconds. Has this unit reached the end? is it cost effective to repair?

Is the compressor running? if it is running, but there is no cooling, it is time to buy a new freezer.
If the compressor is NOT running, I would suspect the compressor start relay.
How did you defrost it?

This is normal if your freezer is in good working condition. If your compressor runs constantly then there is a problem. Once the unit reaches the set temperature the compressor shuts down. The set temperature should be between -2 & +2 degree F. The set temperature also depends on how full the freezer is. There will be a time when the freezer like refrigerators will shut down. This is relative to the term, "Frost Free". The unit will shut down for about 10 minutes. This occurs ever 8-10 hours. The heater turns on to defrost your freezer coil. It sounds like you are in good shape.

Hello Mary;

My name is Peter. I am a retired field service refrigeration technician.

You are locked in the defrost mode. About every 8-10 hours your freezer will go into a defrost mode for 20-30 minutes. This is where all of the components will shut down except for the light.

You have water on the floor because your condenser fan and compressor is shut down.

You did not provide a model number. Your model number is on the inside wall of your freezer near the top. So, I can only guess.

Lets take your freezer out of the defrost mode. In the lower back on the left hand side is your defrost timer (This may also be in the lower front depending on the model). Following is a picture of what a defrost timer looks like.



The time is mounted on the back of a plate and held on with two screws. The plate has a hole through it to give you access to the round knob on the left. The knob has a slot in it. With a flat head screw driver turn the knob clockwise. You will hear a click. Turn one click at a time until the freezer turns on.

The timer cost about $20.00. You can replace it yourself. Unplug the freezer. Unscrew the timer. Remove the connector on the right.

You need to replace the timer or you will have icing problems.

Send me your model number and I will tell you what the part number is.

Not sure if its the same for all Kenmore freezer models but this may indicate it is in demo mode. To remove this press the up or down arrow three times as fast as possible (within 2 seconds). This will start the compressor, I hope this helps.

We purchased this same Kenmore chest freezer model 19502/19702 in 2010. In less than 2 years the compressor quit. If you do a search on this model you will see dozens of complaints. Don't waste your time or money on this freezer.

Replace the motor capacitor.

Lock motor Amps ( LMA ) is the current draw when the compressor starts.This draw of current is less then 1sec.The amp amount shoud be on the compressor Name Plate.This amp draw is also the amps used when the compressor goes bad and locks up then the overload kicks out.

See if you have 120 volts at the compressor if you do do you hear any clicking sound at compressor if not replace compressor Start Relay/Overload if you hear clicking sound the compressor may be bad or Start Relay/Overload the only way to know is to replace the compressor Start Relay/Overload. If you do not have 120 volts at the compressor jump out the thermostat you should have 120 volts at the compressor now if not you may have a defrost timer Prob. if this is shelf defrost unit check timer turn knob to see if it starts.

try a new start relay and overload kit specifically for the make and model freezer you are working on. if compressor can be seen ,the numbers on it can be used to get correct oem start cap, relay ,and overload. if your unit is having starting problems that will usually fix it. if however, the stat is failing to bring it on a new stat is called for. but it sounds like it is having starting problems since you said it was off a long while then still struggled on the overload to start then finally did. if the new start components don't work then new freezer time. compressor replacement is to expensive anymore. good luck

Make sure everything is working, I.E. compressor, fans. Now I need to know if the freezer shuts off at 14 degrees, or does it continue to run without making temp. If it shuts off, then the first place to look is the thermostat. It may be out of calibration. If it continues to run, then the solution may be as simple as cleaning the condenser coil. or the defrost has malfunctioned somehow. Defrost probleams will cause excess ice on the inside coil. You may need to remove the panels to see how much ice is on it. It sounds like the compressor is good, as it is pretty cold. Just not cold enough. A deep freeze should be at least 0.