Official Kenmore Elite upright freezer parts

Replacing the compressor start relay on your Kenmore Elite upright freezer

• Unplug the freezer or shut off the circuit breaker for the freezer to disconnect electrical power.
• Remove the screws securing the machine compartment cover to the freezer cabinet. Remove the machine compartment cover.
• Squeeze the wire harness plug to release the locking tabs and remove the wire harness from the compressor start relay.
• Release the wire retainer from the compressor start relay. Grasp the compressor start relay firmly and pull it out of the connection terminals on the compressor.
• Position the new compressor start relay next to the compressor and line up the terminal prong connections. Push the compressor start relay onto the compressor terminal prongs. Reinstall the wire retainer on the start relay.
• Push the wire harness plug into the start relay. Make sure that the locking tabs snap into place.
• Reinstall the machine compartment cover.
• Plug in the freezer or turn on the house circuit breaker to restore electrical power.

Troubleshooting your Kenmore Elite upright freezer when it won't run

If the freezer has electrical power-the inside light turns on-but the compressor won't run, a failed cold control thermostat could be the problem. If your freezer has electronic controls instead of a dial, a failed relay on the electronic control board or a bad control panel can prevent the compressor from getting power.

If the compressor is getting power from the cold control thermostat or the electronic control board, a failed start relay on the compressor may be keeping the compressor from running. Replace the compressor start relay if it doesn't start the compressor.

If you hear the compressor clicking constantly about every 30 seconds but the compressor motor won't run, the compressor pump may be locked up. The clicking noise is caused by the overload tripping when the motor overheats because it can't spin the locked up compressor pump. Replace the compressor if it won't run when activated. A service technician will need to replace the compressor if it's bad because that repair requires recovery and recharge of the refrigerant.