[Falcon]

In reading this post, I have the same problem. The wall between the RC and the FC is very HOT. After cleaning the coils replacing the start relay cuz it was fried I thought I had my problem fixed (quit cooling). Totaly cleaned unit putting shelves back in and touched my arm to the side and it burned. Didn't leave mark but the box was very very Hot. I could smell the heat and was concerned enough to turn it off. This was also getting very hot before the compressor quit compressing.
This is a Kenmore Side by side Model 106.50582001 6.5 years old. I know they get warm during the defrost cycle but not this warm. Question what and how to check. I am also wondering if this caused the start relay to fry or visa-versa. I am replying to an old thread and I am not sure if this is the way I should do this or not but I am going to post it as a new question as well. sorry if this isn't proper procedure.

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Did you have a power outage before the state relay failed?

Is there anything blocking the air flow around the fridge?

Is the fan in the back near the compressor working?

[Falcon]

Thanks for responding sheila. When I replaced the start relay, I guess I was so excited to think I had fixed the problem that I overlooked the fact that the condenser fan was not working. lol (easy to miss the obvious thinking the problem has to be somthing more complicated). Okay, fan was bad, closest fans were in Fresno, CA and I'm in Raytown, MO (KC). Clarks Appliance in Raytown said the Whirlpool parts are tough to get and I could wait 3-4 days or he had universal mtrs for $32 bucks, made in USA. The part fit perfect, spliced the wires and we are running cold and makin ice and wife is happy once again.
You asked if we experienced a power outage? Yes. But the frig had been steadly getting warmer over a few days time and finally just quit period. During this time, the wall between the frig and freezer would get warmer and warmer, then started getting hot before it quit cooling at all. So I couldn't say the start relay went out with the power outage. I'm thinking the condenser fan quit and the relay got hot and went out because of an overworked compressor. The condenser fan is extremly quiet and went unnoticed when it quit.
Thanks again for your help........Bob

[Falcon]

I may have been premature in faulting the defrost function so I guess I would like to know what is causing the heat buildup when the condenser fan fails??

[PS Staff - Sheila]

The condenser is how the heat is removed from the inside of the fridge.

In older fridges the condenser was mounted on the back of the fridge and did not require a fan because the air moving around the fridge was enough to remove the heat.

Now the condenser is under the fridge so there is not enough air movement so it needs the fan.

With fan not moving the air the pipe in lining of the fridge become hot.

This can also happen it dust and pet hair get in around the condenser.

This is why, unless the fridge is design to be built in, you have to have the proper air flow.

[Falcon]

Great site and great help. Thanks again.