Sounds like the compressor is frozen - sound you hear is the clixon a special sort of resettable fuse on compressors. When they do not start or overheat, it kills the power - when it cools power is restored until it reheats again and .......................
Use ammeter to confirm this - it will show a much greater than normal current draw.
SOURCE: My Vinotemp VT52SN stopped cooling.
How To Test the Compressor Relay
The compressor relay's purpose is to
start the compressor. A faulty relay can result in the compressor
failing to cycle on. The relay is accessed from the lower rear of the
refrigerator the
relay is located in the terminal box which is located at the side of the compressor.
Before testing a compressor relay, unplug the refrigerator to avoid
an electrical shock hazard. Also, if the compressor uses a capacitor,
it must be discharged first to avoid the risk of electrical shock.
Beneath the terminal cover is found the compressor relay , overload protector and the electrical
terminals of the compressor motor.
Remove the compressor relay by pulling it straight off from the compressor.
Pull the wire off of the side terminal of the relay. It is connected
with a slip on connector. Firmly pull the connector, do not pull on the
wire. You may need to use a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Inspect the connector and terminal for corrosion. If either is corroded they should be cleaned or replaced.
There are two types of relays you may encounter, wire coil and solid
state. If the relay has an exposed wound wire coil it can be tested for
continuity. Otherwise, the relay is of solid state design and requires
specialized equipment for testing.
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