Whirlpool Refrigerator Compressor Not Running

Quick Answer

The most likely culprit is a failed start relay (PTC) located on the side of the compressor. If you hear a clicking sound every few minutes, the relay has likely failed and can be replaced for under $20.

Look, in fifteen years fixing these things, a silent Whirlpool compressor is almost never the death sentence people think it is. Nine times out of ten it's a $15 start relay that rattled itself to death. The scary part is that a dead compressor looks identical to a dead relay from the outside. That's why you test before you spend, and that's exactly what this guide walks you through.

WhirlpoolRefrigeratorSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate78% DIY Success

Time to Fix

30–90 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$15 – $55

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Flat head screwdriver

Whirlpool Refrigerator Compressor Not Running

OK here's the deal. You're going to work from the outside in, starting with the cheapest and most common fix. Most of the time you won't even need to touch the compressor itself. I've helped people fix this over the phone in 20 minutes with a relay from the hardware store. This isn't always a $1,000 repair, and you shouldn't assume it is until you've done these checks.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Failed Start Relay (PTC)55%

Main Control Board relay failure15%

Dirty Condenser Coils causing overheat15%

Defective Run Capacitor10%

Internal Compressor motor failure5%

Symptoms You May Notice

Both the fridge and freezer are completely warm, not just a little less cold but full room temp after 6+ hours
A distinct click every 2-5 minutes coming from behind the fridge, like someone flicking a light switch over and over
Fans are running and you can hear them spinning, but the compressor at the lower back is cold and totally silent
Compressor is way hotter than normal and vibrating hard, but there's no actual cooling happening
Everything lights up, ice maker tries to cycle, but that constant low hum you normally tune out is just gone

Can you reset a Whirlpool refrigerator to clear the NOT-RUNNING code?

Unplug it from the wall outlet directly, not a power strip. Leave it unplugged for at least 10 minutes. This lets the pressure in the sealed system equalize so the compressor isn't trying to start against a load, and it clears any weird logic glitches on the control board. Plug it back in and wait. The compressor won't kick on immediately, there's a built-in delay of 3-5 minutes before it tries to run.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverFlat head screwdriver1/4 inch nut driverDigital multimeter with ohms and AC volts settingsCondenser coil cleaning brushVacuum cleaner with hose attachmentWork gloves

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Open the refrigerator door and press the Door Switch and the Temperature Plus button at the same time for 3 seconds. The display will show '01' to indicate you have entered service mode.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Did the fix not work?

If the problem comes back after following these steps, a component has permanently failed and needs replacement. Check the specific error code your refrigerator is showing:

NOT-COOLING Error →

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range0–50 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Compressor Start Relay & OverloadWP2188831 · $15–$45	WP2188831	$15 – $45
Run CapacitorWPW10662129 · $20–$55	WPW10662129	$20 – $55

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator clicking but not cooling?

That clicking is the overload protector doing its job. Here's what's happening: the compressor tries to start, draws way too much current because it can't get going, and the overload trips to protect the motor. Then it resets and tries again in a couple minutes. Repeats all day long. The most common reason is a dead start relay, which is a $15-20 fix you can do yourself. Less common is a compressor that's mechanically stuck or seized internally. Start with the relay shake test before you assume the worst.

Can I jump-start a refrigerator compressor?

Hard start kits are real and they work. You can grab one on Amazon for $20-40 and they give the compressor an extra electrical boost to help it get over the initial startup hump. But honestly, if your compressor needs one to run, it's already on its way out. I've seen them buy 6 months to a year of extra life, which might be worth it on a newer fridge. On anything over 8 years old, skip it and start shopping. Try the factory relay first, it's way cheaper and if that's the real issue it fixes it clean.

How do I know if my compressor is actually dead?

Two ways to know for sure. Hook up your multimeter in ohms mode and test the three pins in pairs. Dead windings show OL instead of a real resistance reading. Second, check for a ground fault: one probe on a copper pipe on the compressor body, other probe to each pin one at a time. Should show nothing every time. Any reading at all means current is leaking to ground and that compressor is gone. A compressor that hums loudly but doesn't cool might also be mechanically seized, which is a different kind of dead but still dead.

Is it worth replacing a compressor on a 10-year-old Whirlpool?

Probably not. Compressor replacement means a licensed tech cutting into the sealed refrigerant system, brazing new lines, pulling a vacuum, and recharging with refrigerant. Parts and labor is usually $600-1,000 or more. Your fridge at that age is probably worth $200-400 at best. The math just doesn't work. Now if it's 3-4 years old, that's a different conversation. Call Whirlpool first and ask about the sealed system warranty, because they've covered compressors on certain models even after the standard warranty expires.

How long does a Whirlpool compressor usually last?

The compressor itself usually goes 10-15 years if you keep the coils clean and don't run it in a constantly hot environment. The start relay though, that's more like 5-8 years. I replace relays all the time on fridges where the compressor is totally healthy. It's basically a wear item at this point. If your fridge is under 10 years old and someone's telling you the compressor is dead, do the winding resistance test yourself before you take anyone's word for it.

Related Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Codes

Code: NOT-COOLINGWhirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling Troubleshooting

Same Fix on Other Brands

Maytag refrigeratorNOT-RUNNING: Maytag Refrigerator Compressor Issues Kenmore refrigeratorNOT-RUNNING: Kenmore Refrigerator Compressor Troubleshooting

Models Known to Experience NOT-RUNNING Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WRX735SDHZ, WRS325SDHZ, WRF535SWHZ, WRS588FIHZ, WRT318FZDW, WRF767SDHZ, WRS571CIHZ, WRB322DMBM

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience