Whirlpool 50 pint dehumidifier

Starts to run, then begins screeching and smells like something is hot or burning...then shuts off

my whirlpool AD50G1 does the same thing.

fan runs but the compressor wont start. i think it might be a non resettable thermal overload fuse or a thermal breaker malfunction.

there should be a safety mechanism for shutting off the compressor if too much heat builds up so the system doesnt cause a fire. most systems have a fuse that must be replaced, or a breaker. in the latter a thermally sensitive spring disconnects power from the compressor and reconnects it when it cools down. an electric arc at that connection can damage the contacts and cause the breaker to shut off power and not turn the device back on. i am going to try to bypass that device, it is located under the plastic cover on the compressor tank body where the white and black wires go into it. usually there is an underlying problem, seized pump, dehumidifier fan seizure, or a loss of coolant / lubricant in the compressor reservoir.

if the compressor buzzes but does not cycle on, it is seized, get a new dehumidifier. if it does nothing, check other circuits, or bypass humidity sensor, tank switch, ect. to make sure another part / switch / sensor isn't making the compressor lose power.