How to replace the compressor run capacitor in a top-freezer refrigerator
This DIY repair guide has step-by-step instructions for replacing the compressor run capacitor in a top-freezer refrigerator. The run capacitor continuously sends electrical current to keep the compressor running. If the house circuit breaker for your refrigerator trips as soon as the compressor tries to start, the run capacitor could have shorted out. Replace a shorted run capacitor with a manufacturer-approved refrigerator part.
Note: In refrigerators with an optional capacitor, the compressor starts and runs even if the capacitor isn't getting electrical current. A failed optional run capacitor won't keep the compressor from running, but it shortens the life of the compressor. Over time—probably a few years—you might notice the compressor motor overheating and clicking off.
This repair procedure works for Kenmore, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, GE, Samsung, LG, Gibson, Crosley, Bosch and Haier refrigerators.
Replacing a refrigerator compressor run capacitor video.
Instructions
- 01.
Shut off the power
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
- 02.
Remove the rear compartment cover
Pull the refrigerator away from the wall.
Remove the screws from the rear compartment cover and then remove the cover.
PHOTO: Remove the cover screws.
PHOTO: Remove the rear cover.
- 03.
Remove the run capacitor
Pry off the wire retainer holding the start relay on the compressor.
Pull the run capacitor off the compressor start relay.
PHOTO: Pry off the wire retainer.
PHOTO: Pull out the capacitor.
- 04.
Install the new run capacitor
Plug the new run capacitor into the compressor start relay.
Reinstall the wire retainer to hold the start relay on the compressor.
PHOTO: Plug in the new capacitor.
PHOTO: Reinstall the wire retainer.
- 05.
Reinstall the rear compartment cover
Position the rear compartment cover on the back of the refrigerator and reinstall the mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the rear compartment cover.
- 06.
Restore electrical power
Plug in the refrigerator and push the refrigerator back into place.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your refrigerators
Choose a symptom to see related refrigerator repairs.
Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer o…
Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost tim…
Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condens…
Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan…
Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freeze…
Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, se…
Main causes: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubin…
Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, cl…
Most common repair guides to help fix your refrigerators
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your refrigerator.
How to replace a refrigerator water valve
Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water…
How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board
If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature cont…
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils
Help your refrigerator run more efficiently by cleaning the condenser coils. It's easy and takes just a few minutes.…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your refrigerators
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your refrigerator.
No matter what style Maytag refrigerator you have, we can walk you through replacing the water filter.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
If your refrigerator's ice maker isn't producing as much ice as it should, or water is flowing poorly from the dispenser…