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LockedCompressor Issue

posted on November 21, 2009 at 01:46PM Inappropriate?

I am fairly confident that my compressor on my 2003 Kenmore Bottom Freezer Refrigerator has died. Is it better to repair/replace the compressor or buy a new fridge?

replies: 8 latest post: December 17, 2009 at 10:12PM by Shadow415
Displaying all 8 posts
posted on November 21, 2009 at 03:10PM
 

Hi notnih-Welcome to MySears!  There are lots of members here who should be able to help with this one.  I think a new compressor, though, is usually almost half the cost of the refrigerator, so take that into consideration in your decision.

posted on November 21, 2009 at 07:16PM
 
In response to notnih's post from November 21 2009 01:46PM

notnih,

Before you spend money on a replacement compressor make sure its the problem.

I am going through this right now with my refrigerator, compressor just stopped.  Doing research and trouble shooting my refrigerator I found (so far) that its the defrost heater that is my problem and what (so far) has caused my compressor to stop.

The defrost heater is around $20 and a compressor is around $350 (for my model).  So I would check other causes before spending on a compressor.

In reading the forums depending on the price of your refrigerator, to replace a compressor could be as much as a new refrigerator.

posted on November 21, 2009 at 07:20PM
 

 Or you can call 800-4myhome and get the Service Smart Agreement wich will cover you repairs for 1 year up to $500 (parts&labor) in each appointment.  Costs $251.99+tax.  Call 'em for details.  Good deal!

posted on November 22, 2009 at 08:17AM
 
In response to notnih's post from November 21 2009 01:46PM
notnih said…

I am fairly confident that my compressor on my 2003 Kenmore Bottom Freezer Refrigerator has died. Is it better to repair/replace the compressor or buy a new fridge?

Look at the compressor. If there is a picture of an indian (Tecumseh), Brazilian Tecumseh compressors have had a higher failure rate. These are being replaced with Embraco compressors.

It could be something else, as mentioned above, and could be verified by a service technician from 1-800-4-MY-HOME.

The decision to repair -vs- replace is yours. The technician can give you a coupon toward a new refrigerator if you decide to go that route.

posted on November 24, 2009 at 11:32PM
 
In response to SHC-StephenC's post from November 22 2009 08:17AM
Thanks for the reply. How is it decided how much the coupon is worth? ...thanks.
posted on November 25, 2009 at 05:48AM
 
In response to notnih's post from November 24 2009 11:32PM

notnih said…
Thanks for the reply. How is it decided how much the coupon is worth? ...thanks.

The ones I've seen range from:

$40 off for an appliance purchase $249-$398

$65 off for an appliance purchase $399-$798

$100 off for an appliance purchase $799 and up...

posted on December 16, 2009 at 08:22PM
 

If you are waiting on a Sears technician (and you have a non-running refrigerator) you may want to call an appliance repairman. Extensive troubleshooting needs to be done, and usually by an experienced licensed refrigeration technician. There are many variables to keep the compressor from operating. 75% of all refrigeration repairs are electrical.

posted on December 17, 2009 at 10:12PM
 
In response to notnih's post from November 21 2009 01:46PM

I just followed the suggestions from StephenC, he submits many suggestions and helps, and found out my start-device on compressor was broken. After changing the start-dev, the compressor/refri is back to normal. The device is just about $50, instead of $$$.

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