297237702 Frigidaire Refrigerator Start Relay is an electrical start device specified for use with certain Frigidaire refrigeration compressors; it functions as the component that momentarily connects the compressor’s start winding or start circuit to initiate motor rotation. Physically, start relays are small electromechanical or solid‑state modules that sit in the compressor starting circuit and are identified by part numbers such as 297237702 to ensure compatibility with the motor and control system.
Inside the appliance, the start relay works in concert with the compressor motor, the motor overload protector, and the refrigerator’s thermostat or electronic control board to produce the brief additional torque required to start a single‑phase hermetic compressor. When the thermostat calls for cooling, the relay permits current to the start winding (or engages a start capacitor circuit) for a fraction of a second, then opens the start path so the run winding carries the load; if the start relay fails, the compressor may hum without starting, draw excessive current, or cause repeated tripping of protective devices.Typical mounting locations are on or near the compressor shell or in the rear control compartment, and correct selection of the relay is important to match the compressor’s electrical characteristics and to protect the motor from prolonged starting stress.
in the article that follows, readers will find a technical overview of the 297237702 start relay’s function and internal operation, guidance on compatibility and identifying equivalent parts, common failure symptoms and diagnostic indicators, basic troubleshooting procedures and test methods a technician can use, and practical replacement considerations including electrical ratings, mounting, wiring, and safety precautions to observe during service.The discussion is intended to help technicians, engineers, and informed appliance owners make informed decisions when assessing start‑circuit faults and selecting replacement components.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Start Relay in Compressor Motor Starting
- How the 297237702 Frigidaire Refrigerator Start Relay Works Inside the Appliance
- Common Failure Symptoms and Diagnostic Tests for a faulty Start Relay
- Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, and Installation Procedure for 297237702 and Equivalent Relays
- Q&A
- future Outlook
Function and Role of the Start Relay in Compressor Motor Starting
The 297237702 Frigidaire Refrigerator Start Relay is the component that provides a timed connection to the compressor’s start winding to produce the initial torque required to spin the motor. In typical Frigidaire refrigerator circuits this relay either senses motor current or uses a PTC element to briefly feed the start coil and then remove it once the compressor reaches running speed. The relay works in series with the compressor’s thermal protector and must match the compressor’s electrical characteristics and terminal layout to ensure reliable engagement and to prevent repeated hard starts or thermal trips.
During normal operation the relay makes a short-duration connection at power-up and then opens to leave only the run winding energized; failure modes include a relay that sticks closed (overheating or continuous run), one that never closes (compressor hums but does not start), or intermittent operation that causes clicking and repeated attempts to start. Technicians diagnose relay issues by listening for the relay click under start attempts, measuring continuity and resistance across relay terminals, and verifying start terminal voltage during a start attempt.When replacing the relay, verify terminal configuration, operating voltage rating, and compatibility with the compressor and the thermal overload protector to avoid misapplication and poor starting performance.
- Common symptoms: rapid clicking,compressor hum without rotation,tripped breakers,or the compressor running hot.
- Quick checks: audible click on start, continuity of start/run terminals, and voltage present at the start terminal during a start attempt.
- Replacement checklist: match terminal layout, voltage and current ratings, and ensure mechanical fitment with mounting clip or bracket.
| item | Description |
|---|---|
| Start function | Provides brief energization of the compressor start winding to develop initial torque. |
| Typical types | current-sensing (relay) or PTC solid-state elements; selection depends on compressor design. |
| Diagnostic indicator | Click on startup,no compressor rotation,and measurable start terminal voltage during cranking. |
How the 297237702 Frigidaire Refrigerator Start Relay Works Inside the Appliance
The 297237702 Frigidaire Refrigerator Start Relay is a control device that supplies the compressor’s start winding with a short-duration surge of current to develop initial torque and bring the motor up to operating speed. In many Frigidaire systems this component is implemented as a PTC-thermistor-based relay or a compact solid-state relay combined with an overload protector; it is designed to disconnect the start circuit automatically once the compressor reaches sufficient RPM. Technicians should verify that the replacement matches the original part’s electrical ratings and terminal layout,as improper matches can permit the motor to stall,overheat,or prevent the compressor from starting at all.
Internally the relay either changes resistance with temperature (PTC) or uses an electronic switching element to drop out the start circuit after several tenths of a second; some assemblies also incorporate a thermal overload to protect the compressor from prolonged lock-rotor conditions. Failure modes include a relay that fails to close (open circuit, compressor won’t start), one that fails to open (start winding remains energized and overheats), or intermittent contact that produces repeated hum/attempt cycles. Practical checks include confirming fitment and ratings against the refrigerator model, observing audible symptoms such as persistent humming at startup, and replacing the relay with the correct 297237702 unit when compatibility and electrical characteristics align with the compressor specifications.
- Primary function: provide momentary start current to the compressor.
- Common types: PTC thermistor-based, solid-state relay with overload.
- Failure symptoms: humming without start, frequent start attempts, overheating.
- Compatibility checks: terminal pattern, voltage/amperage rating, mounting method.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 297237702 – OEM Frigidaire start relay used on select compressor models |
| Function | Provide short-duration start current and disconnect start winding once running |
| Type | PTC thermistor or solid-state relay; frequently enough includes thermal overload |
| Typical specification | Matched to compressor voltage and locked-rotor current; confirm against original label |
| Symptoms of failure | Compressor hums but won’t start, repeated start attempts, or overheating |
Common Failure Symptoms and Diagnostic Tests for a Faulty Start Relay
The 297237702 Frigidaire Refrigerator Start Relay is an electromechanical or PTC device that momentarily engages the compressor’s start winding to bring the motor up to speed; once the compressor reaches running RPM the relay disconnects the start winding and the motor continues on the run winding. Failure of the relay commonly produces a characteristic set of behaviors: a repeating click or hum from the compressor, intermittent starting (runs briefly then stops), or complete failure to start with the overload protector opening. This part is designed for Frigidaire compressors that use a separate start device rather than an internal start-capacitor arrangement,so symptoms typically differentiate a relay fault from evaporator or refrigerant problems by the presence of electrical activity but lack of mechanical start.
Diagnosing a bad start relay uses a mix of visual,electrical,and dynamic tests. Visual inspection can reveal burnt contacts, melted housing, or oil contamination from a leaking compressor; a cold continuity check across the relay terminals with a multimeter can show an open or shorted circuit indicative of failure. More definitive checks include listening for a stuck relay (sustained hum without spin), using a clamp ammeter to measure inrush current (abnormally high starting amps suggest a failed relay or stuck start winding), and temporarily substituting a known-good relay or bench-testing the relay on a compatible compressor circuit. For safety, always disconnect power before removing the relay; if the relay shows no continuity, exhibits erratic resistance behavior as it warms, or swapping eliminates the no-start condition, replacement is warranted.
- Clicking or humming from compressor; no start
- Compressor starts briefly then trips overload
- Visible burning, melt marks, or oil contamination on the relay
- Open circuit or inconsistent resistance on multimeter test
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| multimeter continuity | Open or wildly varying resistance on start terminals indicates failure |
| Inrush current measurement | Excessive starting amps or no measurable inrush suggests relay not engaging start winding |
Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, and Installation Procedure for 297237702 and Equivalent Relays
The 297237702 Frigidaire Refrigerator Start Relay is an electromechanical/electronic device that applies the compressor’s start winding for a short interval to develop starting torque, then removes the start circuit once the compressor reaches run speed. On many Frigidaire systems the relay is mounted on the compressor shell or in a nearby harness and can be either a current-sensing type or an electronic start device; irrespective of design, correct operation requires identical electrical connections and comparable thermal behavior. Common failure modes include a relay that sticks closed, opens intermittently, or fails to drop out-symptoms seen as a humming compressor, rapid cycling, or no-start conditions-so technicians should verify relay function in situ before replacing the compressor itself.
- Safety first: disconnect mains power and discharge any capacitors before accessing the compressor compartment.
- Document wiring and orientation with photos to preserve terminal mapping for replacement.
- Inspect the relay and overload for burns, loosened spade connectors, or oil residue that indicate compressor failure.
- Use a multimeter to check continuity and,where applicable,compare start/run winding resistances against manufacturer data before concluding the relay is the only fault.
- Install a replacement that matches the terminal layout,voltage rating,and overload configuration; reassemble and observe the first run for correct pull-in and run behavior.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Nominal supply | 115-120 VAC line for typical North American units; confirm on unit label |
| Terminal type | Quick-disconnect spade terminals; maintain original mapping (S, C, R notation where provided) |
| Function | Provides start assist and/or timing to remove start winding; may include integrated overload protection |
Q&A
What is the 297237702 Frigidaire refrigerator start relay and what does it do?
The 297237702 is a compressor start relay/starting device used on many Frigidaire refrigerators. Its job is to temporarily connect the compressor’s start winding (or provide the extra torque) at power-up so the compressor can start. Once the compressor reaches running speed the relay opens or stops supplying the start boost so only the run winding remains energized.
What are the common symptoms that the start relay 297237702 has failed?
Common signs include: refrigerator not cooling, the compressor humming or repeatedly clicking on/off, long or failed start attempts, warm refrigerator with a running fan, or a burnt electrical smell near the compressor. In some cases the compressor may start when the case is tapped, wich also indicates a failing start device.
How can I test the 297237702 start relay safely?
First unplug the refrigerator. Remove the relay from the compressor (usually behind an access cover). Visually inspect for burn marks or melted plastic. Use a multimeter to check for continuity between the relay terminals – you should not see an open circuit on the start/run/common terminals in typical designs. For PTC-style relays, a continuity check can indicate failure; for more definitive testing measure compressor starting amps with the relay installed (a high start current that never drops suggests relay or compressor problems).If unsure, have a qualified technician perform live-current tests as applying power to the compressor directly can cause damage or be hazardous.
Is 297237702 compatible with my Frigidaire model, and how do I confirm fitment?
Compatibility depends on your refrigerator model and the relay/overload configuration used on that compressor. Confirm fitment by checking the refrigerator’s model number and cross-referencing it with Frigidaire parts lists or the seller’s compatibility chart for part 297237702. You can also compare the electrical connectors, mounting style, and the old relay’s part number to ensure a correct match.
Can I replace the 297237702 start relay myself, and what are the basic steps?
Yes, a competent DIYer can usually replace it, but always unplug the appliance first. Basic steps: unplug the fridge, pull it away from the wall, remove the rear compressor access panel, carefully pull the old relay and overload assembly off the compressor terminals, install the new relay onto the same terminals in the same orientation, replace the access cover, and restore power.take care not to bend compressor terminals or expose wiring; if you are uncomfortable working near the compressor or dealing with electrical connections, hire a technician.
Will replacing the 297237702 relay always fix a compressor that won’t start?
No. A failed start relay is a common cause of a no-start compressor, but the compressor itself can be mechanically seized or electrically shorted. If the new relay does not result in a normal start (compressor draws normal run and start amps and refrigerator cools), the compressor or other components (start capacitor, control board, wiring) might potentially be the problem and will need further diagnosis.
How long does a start relay like part 297237702 typically last,and what causes failures?
Start relays can last many years but may fail sooner as of heat,electrical overloads,frequent short cycling,or a marginal compressor that places extra stress on the relay. In general, expect several years of service, but exposure to repeated high-current starts or overheating is the common cause of premature failure.
Where can I purchase a genuine 297237702 start relay and are there aftermarket alternatives?
You can buy the genuine Frigidaire part through authorized appliance parts dealers, frigidaire service centers, or reputable online appliance parts retailers. Aftermarket equivalents are available and frequently enough cheaper, but make sure thay match the electrical ratings, terminal layout, and mounting style of the original. Buying from trusted sources and checking return/warranty policies is recommended to avoid compatibility or quality issues.
Future Outlook
The 297237702 Frigidaire refrigerator start relay plays a critical role in initiating compressor operation and maintaining reliable cooling performance. As a small but essential component, a properly functioning start relay ensures the compressor starts smoothly, reduces strain on the system, and helps prevent overheating or repeated attempted starts that can lead to more serious compressor damage and reduced appliance efficiency.
Because symptoms of start-relay failure-such as clicking noises, intermittent cooling, or a non-starting compressor-can overlap with other electrical or mechanical issues, careful diagnosis is important before replacement.Testing the relay and related components or consulting a qualified technician helps confirm the root cause and avoids unnecessary parts changes. When replacement is required, using the correct 297237702 part or an approved equivalent and following proper installation and safety procedures will restore reliable operation, protect the compressor, and is typically more cost-effective than delaying repair. Proper diagnosis and replacement contribute to appliance longevity, safety, and energy efficiency.
Professional Appliance Service
If your appliance requires professional diagnosis or repair, visit
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For local appliance service information see
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Replacement parts for many appliance models can also be found at
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