Your refrigerator is warming up and you hear a humming sound, and maybe even a CLICK, coming from the compressor in back. First check the compressor start relay. If that checks good, then you’re probably looking at a bad compressor. This topic in the Samurai Appliance Repair Forums will help you confirm it.

After you’ve confirmed that the compressor is bad, you’re faced with a choice: replace the compressor or buy a new refrigerator. The economics of your decision are simple. If you have to hire someone to replace the compressor (because it’s out of warranty and you can’t or won’t do it yourself), and it’s just your average fridge, then go shopping. It’s just not worth the expense of having the compressor replaced unless you paid so much for the refrigerator that you’re married to it, a la Sub-Zero. If, OTOH, you think you have the huevos to replace the compressor yourself, then this article will help you with that.

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