How to Change the Overload Relay on an Estate Refrigerator

Move the Estate refrigerator away from any walls or other obstructions so you can reach the back of the appliance. Use caution when moving refrigerators across floors, as these heavy appliances can easily damage certain floor coverings, such as vinyl. Unplug the refrigerator from the socket.

Use a slotted screwdriver or hexhead screwdriver to remove the back panel of the appliance.

Connect a 150K Ohm capacitor to two 6-inch lengths of wire with alligator clips. Connect the wires with more clips at the opposite end to two insulated, metal screwdrivers. Look for the capacitor, which is usually located next to the compressor motor. Capacitors are usually 2 to 3 inches in height and cylindrically shaped. Hold the screwdrivers at each terminal of the capacitor for several seconds. Remove the screwdrivers for another few seconds, then reconnect them to the terminals. This will safely discharge the capacitor so that it can be removed if you need to do so to reach the relay.

Remove the overload relay from the refrigerator cabinet. The exact location of the relay will vary from Estate model, but, in general, the relays are connected to the compressor motor and may be located beneath the capacitor. Make a note of which colored wires are connected to which terminal on the relay. Loosen the terminal clips on the old relay and carefully pull the wires out of place. Remove the screws holding the old relay in place and pull the relay out of the appliance.

Slip a new overload relay into place and secure it with screws. Reconnect the terminal wires in the original order. Replace the capacitor or any other components that you had to remove to get to the relay.

Replace the back access panel, if needed. Plug the Estate refrigerator back in and wait a few minutes for the compressor to start up and the refrigerator to begin cooling. If the unit doesn't start up, unplug the refrigerator, discharge the capacitor, and check your wiring.