Removing compressor from maytag skybox machine

A replacement compressor was NEVER made availible for this product. Be sure the problem is not just the start relay and overload. Buy a SUPCO URCO41 from an appliance parts distributor (www.marcone.com) for about $25.00. The installation instructions are on the package.

Maytag never offered a replacement compressor for the SkyBox units. It was not a cost effective repar to make. If you are sure the thermostat is supplying 120VAC to the compressor, you can install a Supco URCO410 relay/capacitor/overload kit. This part should only be installed by a qualified service technician.

you need to change the overload relay ---- there is a company called appliancezone.com

they sell the overload relay unit with all the parts for $26.00

email me back if you cant find it---- put in the model # for the skybox unit and you will see the item

item # 4387835

this is the problem -- if this relay goes bad the compressor will stay on and not supply cold air to the unit ----

you need the numbers off the compresser to get the BTU of it before that question can be answered. But your right this is a non replacement part (you cant buy it) it may cross but need cooling capacity first

our skybox just stopped cooling. i think the compressor kicks on but wont cool. can somebody please help me! thanks barbie

cant replace it it is a thow away model go to www.apdepot.com do a search for your model you will see here is the Service Manual check your email

Check your email

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).

The solution is too change refrigertants, Enbraco makes the PW4.5hk11. its a little over sized and you'll need to switch to hot shot.

Is it cooling at all? Do you hear the compressor start or just a buzz for a few seconds? This sounds like a compressor or compressor start relay failure. Unplug the machine. Access the compressor and remove the relay that is plugged to the side of it. Shake it and see if it sounds like there are a lot of loose pieces in it. Inspect it for burned spots. If you find either one of these, it is bad. If it doesn't rattle or appear burned then the compressor is probably bad. Even if it seems ok, I would try a new one on it anyway. They aren't usually very expensive. If the relay is not the problem, check your owners manual for the warranty info. The compressor may still be covered by warranty even if the rest of the unit is out of warranty.