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My Kenmore model 54273 stopped cooling. After unplugging the unit and plugging it back in the compressor hums/buzzes for about a minute before a "click" accompanied by a brief, hardly visible eletrical flash by the relay/overload that plugs into the compressor. Compressor was very warm when I discovered that the refrig wasn't cooling at all and begins to warm up in the short period of time the compressor is on before it "clicks" off now. Relay/overload or compressor? The relay/overload doesn't appear to be melted but it does get warm.
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There are several things that could be causing this. Your compressor could be going bad. Your freon is low. Think of your refrigerator as a air conditioner. Pull it out and vacuum all the dust from your filters, make sure the water is draining properly and not clogged up. Is your unit still under warranty. How old is your unit. Try this. Unplug the unit for about 5-10 minutes, this will give it enough time for the compressor to cool down. Plug it back in and listen for the compressor to kick on. That's the big black round thing at the bottom in the back of your refrigerator. Listen to it and what the sound is, does it click when it turns on, does it shudder when it turns on. Let me know the sound. By unplugging the unit and doing this the compressor should kick on in 1-3 minutes after plugging it back in. If your unit is over 8 years old you might consider another one. Check out craigslist, as you can get some great deals. Let me know if I can help you further. JimmyC
You have one of two problems going on. Your fan is spinning at hitting the sides. Or your compressor is shot which seems to be more the problem and even though it is cold the humming sound is a warning for you that the compressor is shot and it is more affordable to replace the fridge then the compressor. Sometimes compressor can cost more then the fridge.
from your description it sounds as if the compressor is not starting up. the buzzing noise usually occurs approx. ever 3-5 minutes and is followed by a click. this indicates either a bad start relay or a stuck compressor. and from the model you listed it is most likely the compressor. if the unit is under 5 yrs old it should still be in warranty thru sears.
Thanks for using FixYa Peyton
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.
if there is a buzz or a click everytime the unit attempts to come on check the compressor or relay on the compressor(check these two parts reguardless, but these sounds usually indicate one of these two)
a hum usually indicates a seized compressor
also clean your coils, try unplugging it and plugging it back in 15 minutes later( or turning off breaker if cant reach plug), this sometimes works it can reset, but normally dont, cant hurt to try tho
Buzzing is usually a fan, like one in the freezer, or back bottom - for cooling the freon. The compressor over-heat usually will make a single click (off) and a few minutes later a click (on). If the fan in the freezer stops working well, the freezer will frost up and the fridge section will not be cold enough.
Sounds like you might have a bad relay on the compressor or the compresor is stuck and cycling on the overload...
if you listen closly you should hear a low hum or buzz then a click... repeated ever 5-10 minutes tell overload cools and trys to restart again
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