Not cooling, compressor kicks in for 3 seconds then back out

Sounds like a start relay, start/run capacitor or worn out compressor. Let's test the compressor electricall first. Unplug the refrigerator and remove the back panel that covers the compressor. There should be 3 wires going inside the cover of the compressor. Mark all 3 and mark their location so if compressor is OK you can put them back in same order. The plastic cover may snap on and you may need to squeeze the sides to unlock the cover and sometimes there is a metal clip holding the cover in place. Remove the cover. May look hard but it's simple. There will be three connections under the cover and 2 will go through the start relay. Unplug them leaving the three prongs exposed. They may be marked R =Run, S=Start and C=Common. Set your meter on continuity and then begin by testing 2 at a time until you have checked S to R and R to C an C to S and S to R again. You should get a reading all the way around. If no reading between any of the pairs as you go around you should get no reading between any two the compressor has an open winding and is defective. Then if it passes that test then touch one probe to R and the other to the copper pipes or clean metal on outside of compressor, then S to metal outside and C to metal outside. If you get a reading this way even just a little. The compressor is a burnout. Then let me know what you find. Thanks, Sea Breeze
Ohming Compressor Windings Let me know I will be glad to help you.

You most likely have a fried overload, it is the small white square shaped piece on the compressor, to tell if it is bad, remove it and smell it for electric burning smell, or if you shake it and it sounds like sand shaking around it is definately bad. costs around $25 to replace. You can purchas this at http://www.reliableparts.com/ using your model number.

If the compressor is overheating I would check the condensor fan and make sure it's turning. Sounds like you wouldn't have noticed this already though. Also, if the compressor is turning on for 5 or 10 seconds and then clicking off then your start relay is probably bad. Pull the relay off the compressor and shake it. If something is loose inside then it's bad. That is, if it's a whirlpool made kenmore. Kenmore doesn't make appliances they only brand them. The refrigerator could have been made by Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE, LG, Maytag, Amana, or other. So, it's depenant on who made it.

yes it seems like compressor is burnt or relay could also b the faulty try replaceing the relay.

the starter unit of the compressor can be bad EZ fix if it is that...its the element conected to the compressor :)

You have either a faulty thermostat, dirty condenser and evaporator or a faulty run capacitor. Need to service soon before the compressor is damaged. Sea Breeze

Compressor is cycling on the overload protector. Cause could be a bad starting relay but is more than likely the compressor is bad.

It sounds like you have a stuck compressor or bad start capacitor.
Stargazer

Sounds like the relay (start device) on the compressor has failed.  This is a very common problem especially for models that are 3-5 yrs old.  I would replace that first.

We had a similar problem - it was the compressor start device. Ordered a new one from repairclinic.com, and it works great now. The old start device rattled when we shook it. We opened it up and found lots of burnt little bits. Check to see if your compressor kicks on & off a lot. Ours would run only about 10-15 seconds, then go off for a minute or two - then back on for a few seconds. If that is happening, it could be the start device. Hope this helps.