Refrigerator clicks then hums but does not get the compressor going. Bad compressor - how do you test if starter switch or compressor?

If sounds are from compressor I don't think compressor will start with humming. It is possible the compressor start relay and run capacitor are defective. If humming and not cooling the compressor is most likely overheating. Plull away from wall and unplug, remove lower cover over compressor and feel top of compressor. If too hot to keep hand there you will need to leave unplugged until problem is resolved. Click Here=> Service Manual Hopefull the compressor has not been affected so click here for=> Tech Sheet were we can go throug some test steps find exactly what is going on, Thanks, Sea Breeze

The start relay on the compressor is going bad and must be changed out before you have no cooling at all.

Sound like the starter/overload relay on the compressor may be bad unless the compressor is locked up or low on freon.

is it running? place your ear against the side or the door, do you hear any humming? If yes, you'll need to test your compressor, which is a common problem with maytag bottom freezers. If its under 5 years old, it might be under warranty. If you dont hear any humming, then either the cold temp control or the defrost control have failed.

Assuming the other motors on the cabinet are running, you've narrowed your problem down to 2 things, the compressor itself, or the start device has failed. Without the proper tools you wont be able to test the compressor first. My advice, go to repair clinic . com, see what a starter will cost you, if you can find a repairman to check your compressor for cheaper than what it costs to buy starter, well there you go. Either way, if its the compressor thats bad, you wont want to spend the money to replace, unless you have a built in worth several thousand, or physical constraints of kitchen prevent you from buying new fridge.

Visit: www.FixMyFridge.net for Chicagoland Refrigerator Repair Service or read our FAQ and Tips.

I believe you're talking about the compressor and it sound like the starter/overload relay is cutting it off because either the relay is bad or the compressor is going bad. Test relay here.
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/refrigerator/refrigerator.php

Before giving up on the compressor you should do the following:
1. The compressor is evidently not running. You can try to start it manually instead of allowing the refrigerator start unit to do so. If it then runs you need a new start/overload unit...about $20 to $60 depending on where you get it. Do not continue to allow the unit to cycle off and on with the overload as that can eventually cause compressor harm. To start it manually the best way is to unplug the frige and completely unhook everything from the 3 compressor terminals. If your unit has a start capacitor you should then short it with a wire or screwdriver to discharge the capacitor to prevent you from being shocked with the fridge even unplugged. Then make up a test setup with wire so that you can apply 120 vac between the run (R) and common (C) terminals. The test set up wiring should include a push button switch to make momentary connection between the start(S) and run(R) terminals. Then with your wiring connected as described plug the test wiring into an outlet and push the button for 2 or 3 seconds and then release. Do not hold the button down longer. The compressor should start and run. If it starts your compressor is ok. If it does not start to run then your compressor may be bad...or...it may be stuck internally with a speck of grit or something and it may still be possible to get it unstuck with additional procedures. If the compressor runs starting it manually you can turn your thermostat to very cold and the compressor will continue to run perhaps long enough for you to buy the start/overload replacement parts and keep your food from thawing.
2. If the compressor will not start manually then according to "Modern Refrigeration & Air Conditioning" bookby althouse/Turnquist/Bracciano you can perhaps start the stuck compressor by:
A."Connect the 120 vac motor compressor into a 240 vac power circuit using a starter cord. One must be careful. Press the push-button switch for only a second at a time or the motor will be damaged. the extra voltage may break the stuck compressor loose."
B. "An extra torque method is to connect a 240 V, 100 mfd(microfarad) start capacitor across the terminals of the run capacitor for no more than one second. (Count "one thousand one.") This may free the compressor.

If none of the above starts your compressor it will need to be replaced.

There are very few parts on this unit. UNPLUG unit jump out the 2 wires to the t-stat. plug it in, if it runs the t-stat is bad.
After that theres the overload /start component on the side of the compressor. UNPLUG remove cover look for burnt wires , wires are ok feel if the compressor is HOT to the touch. if it is it could be off on internal overload. let it sit for a while plug in and listen for a hum or click in the compressor. If there is a Hum then click your back to eather your overload /starter is bad of the Compressor is bad. If you have an amp meter you can check the compressor by clipping the meter on power wire. on the information tag that has the model and serial # there is a amp draw for Lock rotor. If the unit draws Lock Rotor amps the compressor is bad.

This sounds very much like a compressor failure. unplug the refrigerator and check the condenser for cleanliness. After cleaning the condenser and allowing the compressor to cool, plug it back in and listen for the same sounds. If the compressor was overheated it should restart after it cools. If it does not restart the compressor could be seized. Check the compressor warranty against the age of the refrigerator.

Check the simple things first.
Has the condenser coil ever been cleaned? This coil is either under the refrigerator bottom or in the back behind the cardboard or metal plate back at bottom. If this coil gets plugged with dirt it causes the system to over work. possibly causing the compressor to over heat. there is also a fan motor there.
See if this fan is turning then UNPLUG the refrigerator touch the motor and see if it is hot to the touch... PLEASE BE CAREFUL THIS MOTOR CAN BURN if it is overheating. slightly warn is ok.
After that your getting into a little different problem and harder to diagnose.
When you plug the refrigerator in does the compressor start right up or do you here a hum then click?
Hum then click could be a bad overload on the compressor or a bad starter. also on the compressor some models have the overload/starter all in one part. These are just possibilities.

It looks like the Capacitor Start Relay is failing.  It is located either on the starter Relay or mounted on the side of the compressor compartment.  It sould have two wires on it, one orange and the other probably white.