[sb409]

The starter-PTC, which plugs into the compressor, was arcing and then was on fire. Before we figured out where the burning smell was coming from, the fridge was working fine. We would hear a buzzing now and then. When we pulled the fridge from the wall, that's when we saw the light show with the next buzzing sound. I pulled out the starter-PTC and capacitor. The starter-PTC is melted. I am planning to buy these two parts. My question is, could something be wrong with the compressor to cause this? The warranty is out except for the sealed system. Should I spend the $40 for these parts before calling a repair person? Thanks for any help.

[jim1872003]

You might loose warranty, if you temper with the unit yourself. Most likely it's the compressor, though sometimes it's just a relay (I'd say 10% of the time). Bad smell...

[sb409]

The bad smell was the melted plastic on the part that caught on fire. I don't think that part is covered by the waranty anymore, so I'd like to just change it out. If it's the compressor, I can plug the melted part back in and call SEARS. I was an electronics tech for many years, but don't know alot about refrigerators. Thanks for the feedback.

[DaMole]

Start switches normally burn out because the compressor has hard started over the years, Just because your switch is bad dosent mean your compressor wont run for five or ten more years. I have also seen cases where they melt the connections right off the compressor