Kenmore Refrigerator Repair (Model 106.51754 711) – Canton, OH

A homeowner in Canton called when their 2-year-old Kenmore refrigerator stopped cooling and started leaking water onto the kitchen floor. When we arrived, we found the compressor wasn’t starting and the defrost cycle had malfunctioned, causing ice buildup that was melting and pooling at the front of the unit.

The Problem

The refrigerator had completely stopped cooling despite being relatively new. Water was pooling at the front of the unit, and the homeowner was concerned about potential water damage to their flooring. The appliance was running but not maintaining temperature.

Diagnosis

Testing revealed the compressor wasn’t starting due to a failed starter relay. Without the compressor running, the refrigerator couldn’t cool, and the automatic defrost cycle couldn’t complete properly. This caused ice to build up in the evaporator section, which then melted and leaked out the front when the unit tried to defrost.

The Repair

• Parts replaced: WPW10197428 — starter relay/start device
• Work performed: Removed failed starter relay, installed new component, tested compressor startup
• Result: Compressor started immediately, cooling resumed, defrost cycle completed normally

Is It Worth Repairing?

At only 2 years old, this Kenmore refrigerator had many years of service life remaining. The starter relay is a relatively inexpensive component, and this model series is known for reliability once this common early-life failure is addressed. This was definitely worth repairing rather than replacing.

Maintenance Tips for Kenmore Refrigerators

• Clean the condenser coils underneath every 6 months — Kenmore units are particularly sensitive to dust buildup affecting compressor performance
• Check door seals by closing a dollar bill in the door — if it pulls out easily, the gasket needs replacement
• Keep the drain hole at the back of the refrigerator section clear to prevent water buildup that can damage the starter relay

Appliance Repair in Canton, OH

Canton is in Stark County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve Massillon, North Canton, and Alliance. 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 Stark County and surrounding areas.