How to Replace a Start Capacitor for a Frigidaire Model FRS6HR5JWO

Unplug your refrigerator power cord from the wall outlet. Slide the refrigerator about 4 feet away from the wall to gain access to the back.

Look into the opening on the bottom of the unit to locate the refrigerator’s compressor. Identify the small shiny tubular device secured to the compressor with a screw; this is the capacitor. There will be two wires leading from the end of the capacitor to the junction box mounted next to the compressor.

Pull the two spade connectors from the capacitor terminals with a pair of insulated needle-nose pliers. Do not touch the capacitor or any part of the refrigerator while doing so. Separate the wires and push them to one side.

Connect two jumper wires equipped with alligator clips on both ends to the wires protruding from each side of a 20,000 ohm wire-wound resistor rated at 2 watts or more.

Clamp the other end of both jumper lead alligator clips to the shafts of two separate insulated screwdrivers.

Hold both screwdrivers by the insulated handles without touching the metal shaft. Touch each individual capacitor terminal from opposite sides with the tips of the separated screwdrivers. Hold the tips in place for 6 to 8 seconds to discharge the capacitor.

Repeat Step 6 to ensure the capacitor has released its entire charge.

Remove the screw holding the faulty capacitor to the compressor and discard the old capacitor.

Wipe the attaching point on the compressor clean with a rag. Secure the new capacitor to the compressor with the screw removed earlier. Slide the spade connectors on the ends of the two wires disconnected earlier onto the capacitor terminals.

Plug the refrigerator power cord back into the wall outlet; the compressor should start immediately. If you hear a clicking noise coming from the terminal box and the compressor fails to start, it may be faulty. Schedule a service call so a qualified technician can diagnose the fault.