Admiral Refrigerator Repair (Model Kenmore) – Kensington, OH

A homeowner in Kensington called about their Admiral refrigerator making constant clicking and humming sounds. The unit would start up, cycle for a few seconds, then shut down and repeat the process. We diagnosed a failed overload relay that was preventing the compressor from staying engaged.

The Problem

The refrigerator was producing repetitive clicking noises followed by humming, then going silent for a few minutes before starting the cycle again. This pattern indicated the compressor was attempting to start but couldn’t maintain operation, causing temperature fluctuations inside the unit.

Diagnosis

The overload relay was sending incorrect signals to the compressor, causing it to shut down prematurely as a protective measure. When these relays fail, they often create exactly this symptom pattern — the compressor tries to start, the faulty relay thinks there’s an overload condition, and it cuts power. The relay housing showed signs of heat damage and electrical contact corrosion.

The Repair

• Parts replaced: 5304491942 — overload relay starter kit
• Work performed: Disconnected power, removed old relay assembly, installed new overload relay and tested connections
• Result: Compressor engaged smoothly and maintained consistent operation without cycling issues

Is It Worth Repairing?

Admiral refrigerators from this era are solid units built to last, and overload relay failures are common but inexpensive repairs. If the compressor itself is still good — which this one clearly was — replacing the relay gives you several more years of reliable service from an otherwise functional appliance.

Maintenance Tips for Admiral Refrigerators

• Clean the condenser coils every 6 months — Admiral units are particularly sensitive to restricted airflow around the compressor area
• Check door seals regularly and replace if cracked — these older Admiral models used thicker gaskets that tend to harden over time
• Listen for changes in compressor cycling patterns — unusual clicking or extended run times often indicate relay or capacitor issues before they fail completely

Appliance Repair in Kensington, OH

Kensington is in Columbiana County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve East Palestine, Wellsville, and Salem. Louisville Appliance Repair is owned and operated by Samuel Willhite, a master-certified technician with Bosch and Speed Queen factory authorizations. If your appliance needs service, schedule online or call (330) 693-9163. You can also find us on Google and read verified reviews from customers across Columbiana County and surrounding areas.