Kenmore Upright Freezer not cooling

[RepairMe]

I am hoping someone might be able to point me in a direction on my freezer issue. I have a Kenmore upright freezer that recently stopped working. By time we found it everything inside was lost and there was no trace of a cause. I have gone over the troubleshooting check list on freezer problems and think it might be the compressor motor, but not sure.

Besides testing everything I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts. Here is the current status of the freezer.

When it is plugged in the light and fan are on. I can hear the relay (I think) click then about 2 min later it clicks again then 20 seconds later it clicks again and repeats. The motor never starts up. I have a solid relay and overload protector so I can't test those without specialized equipment (according to the troubleshooting guides).

So I am not sure if it could be the relay or overload protector or if indeed it is the motor. Any ideas are welcome. After loosing a freezer full of food I am not that interested in placing a service call if it turns out to be a $20 part.

Thanks again!

[richapplyguy]

Sounds like your compressor start relay is bad. Pull the cover off the side of the compressor and order the factory specified start relay package, usually one assembly with overload and start relay.
Before ordering, check the amp draw of the compressor and test for compressor shorts to ground.

[RegUS_PatOff]

a model number would be helpful if you need help finding the right parts.

[RepairMe]

Thanks very much for the suggestions. My Kenmore freezer model number is 253.9287212 and when I look it up @ sears it looks like the starter (item #30) and overload relay (item #31) are seperate. Do you think the overload relay could be damaged too, or if that was the case would I hear the clicking of the relay when it is plugged in?

I have already tested for shorts to ground and I think I am OK there, but I haven't tested the amp draw yet. I am assuming that I should check the draw at the connections where the power goes into the starter and overload relay. What should I expect to see if the compressor is good versus bad? Is it as easy as if the compressor is good, but the starter is bad I should see some draw and if the compressor is bad, but the starter is still good I should see nothing?

Sorry if these questions are very basic. I really appreciate your time and help!

[RegUS_PatOff]

How old is the freezer?

unplug the starter relay and shake it, if you hear anything, it's bad.

you could measure the amp draw anywhere is easiest, wall outlet, ect ...

I'm not sure of the readings.. but post them here.

could be up to 19amps in the locked rotor state (could be relay)

read on other forums about good & bad compressors

Danfoss
Americold
USA made Tecumseh

Brazil: Tecumseh & Embraco