Kenmore 65234 bottom refrigerator has a hum/rattle for about 30 seconds then quiet, then after a couple minutes, it does it again. Sometimes for an hour this repeats and sometimes does it for a few cycles then quiets down. What is this???

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Hi!
That is probably the compressor relay
The relay is on the compressor and needs replaced
A relay starts the compressor with a higher voltage and then quickly kicks out
Thats what is happening with yours
Its best for a tech to replace The relay but you can do it
Take your model number to your Local Appliance parts store they will have a diagram
showing you how to install the relay. Its called a hard start relay

Thank you for using fixya
Leo Ponder
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HI,CHECK IN FREEZER COMPARTMENT IF THE MOTOR IS WORKING ,,MOTOR WORKING UNIT IS NOT GOIN TO DEFROST CYCLE.NOT ALLOW AIR TO CIRCULATE..

Hello, Thank You for using FixYa. I will be helping you today.The defrost timer is on bottom behind the front kick plate. Open freezer door remove lower grille or kick plate and you will see it.
Thank You and please rate my answer if it was helpful..

Hi,

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heatman101

Put off it's power supply then switch it on after somtimes

Turned off the fridge, emptied the Freezer, used a blow dryer for 20-30 minutes, to melt ice that had built up in vents at rear of freezer.

Cleaned the freezer and reloaded...no hum..at least for now.

If it does not make the noise when the fan is ruunin you may ahve abroken sping in the compressor. Make sure you Window unit is level. If not the compressor will knock on the inside. Rusty

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.

yea that is the compressor relay, you will start to notice your food to thaw out and get bad. try to unplug for about an hour. if then it still does that call www.whirlpoolpartssurplus.com and get a relay kit.

compressor is on the way out