297237702 Frigidaireâ Refrigerator â¤Start Relay is a compressor start relay used on⣠singleâphase refrigerator⣠and freezer compressors; it is an electrical âswitching device designed⤠to momentarily engage the compressor’s start circuit so the âmotor can reach running speed. As a component it typically mounts at or near the compressor or inside the refrigerator’s control compartment, â˘and it performs the transient switching function that supplements the run winding (or start capacitor âwhere applicable) during motor âstartup.
Inside theâ appliance the start relay interacts directly with⣠the compressor⣠motor’s start and run windings, the thermal overload protectorand the refrigerator’s control/thermostat wiring. When the control callsâ for â˘cooling the relay provides aâ timed or currentâsensing⣠connection to the start⢠windingâ (or modifies circuit impedance â˘in the case of solidâstate designs)⤠and then opens once the motor is up to speed; this behavior prevents sustainedâ highâ current⢠thru the start circuit and protects the compressor. Correct relay function is therefore integral to proper⣠compressor starting torque, normal starting⢠current, â˘and longâterm motor protectionand it affects diagnostics when a⢠unitâ fails to start, humsor cycles abnormally.
in this article readers will find a technical explanation âof âthe âŁrelay’s function and variants, guidance on compatibility and â˘identification for Frigidaire models, common â¤failure modes and symptoms to expect, key diagnostic⣠checks a technician or learned owner can perform with basic toolsand practical considerations for⤠safe replacement and correct part selection. â˘The discussion emphasizes⣠electrical andâ mechanical interactions with the â¤compressor and related protective devicesand highlights the specification and installation points that determine weather a replacement âpart will restore reliable operation.
Table ofâ Contents
- function and role of⣠the start relay in Frigidaire refrigeration compressor operation
- How the 297237702â Frigidaire âŁRefrigerator Start Relay operates⢠within the compressor start circuit
- Diagnostic indicators and common⤠failure symptoms of â˘a defective start relay
- Compatibility, replacement and installation considerations for 297237702 and equivalent Frigidaire start relays
- Q&A
- Insights and Conclusions
Function â˘and role of the start relay âŁin Frigidaire refrigeration compressor⤠operation
The 297237702 frigidaire âRefrigerator Start Relay provides âthe brief high-torque connection required to spin a hermetic compressor from standstill. on⤠energization the relay momentarily⤠connectsâ the start winding (or its equivalent⤠PTC element) to the âsupply â¤so the rotor âovercomes static frictionâ and begins to accelerate; once the compressor reaches running speed the ârelay interrupts that connection⤠so the motor runs⤠on the run⤠winding only.Inâ practical systemsâ this relay is coordinated âŁwith an overload protector and is chosen â¤to match⢠the compressor’s locked-rotor torque and rated starting current; mismatched coil âvoltage, âcontact ratingsor pinout can prevent start or cause nuisance tripping even âif the compressor itself⢠is healthy.
- Humming compressor with no âspin (start winding not⣠engaged)
- Repeated click â¤or relay chatter on power-up
- Intermittent startsâ or extended crank time
- Tripped breaker or⢠blown overload at startup
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Start terminal | Provides the temporary connection to the start winding or PTC element during â˘spin-up |
| Run terminal | Continuous connectionâ to âthe run windingâ while compressor is operating |
| Common/Line | Supply feed and physical connector that interfaces with compressor terminal block |
Compatibility â˘and replacement require matching electrical ratings and â˘physical interface: âverify coil voltage, maximum â¤current rating, terminal layout âŁand âwhetherâ the ârelay integrates⤠an overload or mounts separately to the compressor. Technicians typically confirm relay operation⤠by observing âaudible engagement, measuring â¤continuity between⤠start/run terminalsand monitoring inrush current against the compressor’s specifications; absence of a transient connection, a permanently⣠closed âŁcontactor aâ failing PTC will produce theâ symptoms listed above. Replacing a failed relay with a correctly specified 297237702 or an âequivalentâ that meets the same ratings restores correct start sequencing and reduces âstress on the⢠compressor and control circuitry.
How âŁthe â¤297237702 Frigidaire refrigerator Start Relay operates within â˘the compressor start circuit
The 297237702 Frigidaire Refrigeratorâ Start Relay is a small⣠but⢠critical component in⤠the⣠compressor start â¤circuit â¤that momentarily connects the⢠compressor’s start winding to the supply to produce the extra torque required âŁat spin-up. Inâ practice â˘thisâ relay sits âon or near theâ compressor terminals andâ is selected to match the compressor’s starting current⢠and voltage characteristics; its correct electrical and thermal behavior determines⣠whether the hermetic â˘motor receives a short-duration start boost without overheating. Technicians should treat this part as a direct functional replacement âonly âif âits terminal configuration and electrical ratings match the original, because an incorrect relay can â˘permit excessive inrush, fail to disconnect the start â¤windingor âshorten compressor life.
During a â˘start⢠cycle the⣠relay closes the start path only long enough for the compressor âto reach operating speed,then opens to remove the startâ winding from the âcircuit; common â¤implementations include a current-sensingâ (mechanical or electronic) relay or a PTC-type deviceâ that increases âŁresistance as it warms. Typical operational behaviors and â¤failure⤠modes are straightforward to diagnose: â¤a sticking or welded relay⣠can keep the start winding âenergized and cause overheating, aâ failed open â˘relay prevents starting and results in humming and repeated attemptsand intermittent contact produces hard âstarting âor â¤frequent cycling. Practical checks include listening for theâ characteristic click at start,⣠measuring âcontinuity between the âŁcompressor terminalsandâ verifying the relay’s compatibility â˘with the compressor’s start and run ratings.
- Momentary start-winding engagement to provide starting torque
- Sensing/disconnectâ method: PTC, current-sensingor electronic timing
- Failure symptoms: humming, no start, repeated attempts, overheating
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Terminals | C (common), S (start), R (run) – interfaceâ with compressor pins |
| Function | Provides a brief connection of the start winding during motor âspin-up, then disconnects |
Diagnostic indicators and common â˘failure symptoms of â¤a defective start relay
The⤠297237702 Frigidaire Refrigerator â˘Startâ Relay is the electromechanical âor solidâstate deviceâ that momentarily applies power to the âcompressor’s⢠start windingâ to produce the initial torque necessary for startup, then isolates that winding once the compressorâ reaches running speed.Physically âand electrically the relay must match âthe compressor’s terminal arrangementâ and the refrigerator’s mounting andâ overload protection scheme; substitutions should be verified against compressor model numbers and terminal labeling rather than assumed interchangeable. Relay failures typically alterâ normal start behavior rather than the â˘refrigeration circuit itself, so understanding whether a relay â˘is âPTC/solidâstate, a centrifugal typeor âan integrated âŁrelay/overload assembly helps determine compatible replacementsâ and appropriate testâ methods.
Technically useful diagnosticâ indicators combine audible, electrical and visual cues: repeatedâ clicking⣠at the relay,⣠a continuous humming compressor that never starts, frequent thermal⢠tripsâ or blown fuses, â¤and visible⣠overheating or scorching on the relay body suggest relay malfunction. âPractical field⤠checks include a visualâ inspection for heat damage, a continuity/insulation test of terminalsand⤠a functional swap with a â˘verified compatible⢠unit;⣠disconnect âpower before probing or replacing the relay. For ambiguous cases, monitoring â˘compressor current⣠draw âduring attempted⣠starts or using a knownâgood relay to⢠compare behavior provides⤠confirmatory evidence without relying solelyâ on measurements âthat vary by compressor âŁdesign.
- Repeated clicking while âcompressor⣠fails to start
- Compressor hums but does not engage toâ run
- Intermittent starts or stops, followed by normal operation
- Relay housing is hot,â meltedor shows burn marks
- Frequent thermal trips âor tripped circuit breakers⤠during start attempts
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Applies âthen removes⣠power to theâ compressor âstart âwinding to enableâ motor startup |
| Compatibility | Must match compressor terminal configuration and mounting; verify â¤against compressorâ model or service manual |
| Basic diagnostic⤠test | Visual inspection, â˘audible behavior during start, continuity checks, â˘and âŁcontrolled swap with a knownâgood relay |
Compatibility, replacement âand âŁinstallation considerations for 297237702 and equivalent Frigidaire start relays
The 297237702 Frigidaire Refrigerator Start Relay isâ aâ start-assist device that momentarily connects the compressor’s start âŁwinding during â˘motor start-up and⢠then removes that connection once the motor reaches ârunning speed. It may be implemented as a PTC⤠element,a âcurrent-sensing relay,or a solid-state module depending on the OEM ârevision; â˘the critical characteristic is theâ timing and current-handling⢠behavior required by the âcompressor. â˘When⤠evaluating⢠compatibility, matchâ the relay’s electrical⣠ratings (line voltage, inrush/current limit), terminal layoutandâ whether the assembly includes an integrated thermal overload-substituting âa relay without â˘the correct trip characteristics or missing overload protection can allow excessive locked-rotor âŁcurrent or fail to disengage theâ start winding, producing humming, high amperage or shortened compressor life.
- Verify compressor⣠type and ârating (PSC, permanent-split⣠capacitorand ânameplate locked-rotorâ amps).
- Confirmâ relay type (PTC vs. âcurrent-sensing) and physical terminal/harness compatibility.
- Check for integrated⤠overload versus separate overload required by the system.
- perform pre-replacement tests: â¤measure start/run winding resistance and check ârelay continuity or switching behavior with a âcontrolled âbench test.
Installation considerations include proper âŁelectrical isolation, secure terminal â¤connectionsand⤠correct mounting orientation to maintain heatâ dissipation and mechanical strain âŁrelief; loose â¤terminals or poor thermal contact change theâ relay’s operating â˘temperature âŁand can alter trip behavior.If the existing relay contains⣠the overload, replace with an assembly that duplicates that protection or install an appropriate external overload; for exmaple, replacing a combined relay/overloadâ with aâ relay-only⤠aftermarket⢠partâ will require fitting a separate thermal protector sized to the â¤compressor’s locked-rotor current. âAfter replacement, verify normal start â˘current and thatâ the⤠relay drops â¤outâ within⤠the expectedâ time frame during no-load bench runs before reassembling the âcabinet.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Part â/ Type | 297237702â (start⣠relay; PTC/current-sensing variants⣠exist) |
| Function | Connects start winding during motor start and disengages when running |
| Key checks | voltage⢠rating, inrush/current spec, âterminal layout, presence ofâ thermal overload |
Q&A
What is the function of the 297237702 Frigidaire refrigerator start relay?
The 297237702 start relay is a small âelectromechanical⢠or solid-state device that helps the compressor start. It temporarily⣠connects⢠the compressor’s start winding (or provides the extra starting torque in electronic systems) for aâ short time and then disconnects it once the compressor is running. Without a working start âŁrelay the â¤compressor may hum, click, âor fail to start, causing the refrigerator not to cool.
What â¤are the common âsymptoms of a badâ 297237702 start ârelay?
Common symptoms âinclude: compressor humming or buzzing but not starting, repeated clicking or tripping of the circuit breaker, the refrigerator not cooling (or cooling intermittently)and sometimes visible âburn marks, meltingor a âburnt â¤smell near the relay.â These âsymptomsâ can mimic other problems,⣠so âthe relay should be tested before⣠replacing theâ compressor.
How do âIâ safely test the 297237702 start relay?
Turn power âto the refrigerator offâ atâ the wall and unplug it.Access the relay by pulling the âŁfridge âaway and removing the small cover over the compressor terminal area.Inspect the relay for obvious â˘damage. Use a multimeter to check for continuity and compare âreadings to the manufacturer’s spec or a known-good â˘unit. If the relay is open where âit should show continuity, shortedor showsâ continuity⢠to ground, âit should be replaced. If you are not⢠comfortable doing this or lackâ the âcorrect specifications, have a âŁqualified appliance technician perform the test.
Can âŁI install the 297237702 myself,â and what are the basic replacement steps?
Replacing the relay âis a common DIY job for someone comfortable working on appliances: unplug the â˘unit, move it to access the back, remove the protective compressor terminal cover, pull off the old relay/overload module (they often pull straight off the compressor âterminals or are held by âa clip), install the â¤new 297237702 in the same orientation, replace the coverand restore power.⤠Use basic hand tools and take safety precautions (unplugging and keepingâ fingers âclearâ of sharp sheet âŁmetal).If you are unsure, hire a technician.
Is 297237702 the correct part for my Frigidaire/Kenmore model?
Compatibility depends on the refrigerator model. 297237702 is⣠used on a range⣠of Frigidaire/associated-brand refrigerators but not âŁall models use the same relay.â Always âcheck âyour refrigerator’s model number and use the manufacturer’s parts lookup or a reputable parts supplier to confirm compatibility.â Do not rely solely on âŁphotos-verify part numbers and model cross-references before buying.
How âmuch âdoes the 297237702 start relay cost and where can âI buy it?
Price varies â˘but typical âŁcost for an OEM start relay is generally modest (often âinâ the $10-$50â range dependingâ on supplier and whether it’s â˘OEM or aftermarket). Buy from frigidaire-authorized parts dealers,major applianceâ parts websites,local appliance parts stores,or authorized service centers⤠to ensure you get the correct part and any applicable âwarranty. Avoid questionable sellers if exact compatibility isn’t â˘listed.
If replacing âŁthe 297237702 doesn’t fix the problem, what else should I check?
If âthe refrigerator still won’t cool after replacing the start relay, âŁcheck the compressor itselfâ (it could be seized â˘or haveâ internalâ faults), the overload/protector, start capacitor â˘(on systems that â˘use one), theâ evaporator fan, thermostat/temperature control, defrost⤠systemand the sealedâ refrigerant system for leaks. A technician can perform a full âdiagnosis (including current draw tests and pressure âchecks) to determineâ if the compressor or sealed system requires repair.
Are⤠there any âsafety precautions or special notes when working âwith the 297237702 relay?
Always disconnect power before accessing the⤠compressor or relay âŁarea. Do not run the compressor by⣠jumping or jury-rigging startâ circuits; âŁthat can damage the compressor. Avoid âŁtouching other components while the unitâ is powered. If you encounter refrigerant leaks, oil on the compressoror suspect aâ sealed-system â¤failure, stop and callâ a certified appliance technician-sealed-system repairs ârequire special toolsâ and refrigerant handling certification.
Insights and Conclusions
The 297237702 Frigidaire refrigerator start relay is a small but critical component that helps initiate compressor operation and ensures reliable cooling performance.By briefly energizing the compressor motor during startup and then disengaging, the start relay âŁreduces stress on the compressor⣠and supports efficient âŁrefrigerator cycling.When operating correctly, it contributes toâ consistent temperature control and prolongs the life of â˘the compressor and overall appliance.
Because start relay failure canâ cause⣠symptoms such as a refrigerator thatâ does not cool,â unusual humming or clicking noisesor repeated âcompressor startup attempts, accurateâ diagnosis is âessential. Proper diagnosis-using visual inspection, basic electrical testingand confirmation of âŁcompressor behavior-helps distinguish a âfaulty relay from other potential causes such asâ a badâ capacitor, thermostator compressor. addressing the specific root cause prevents unnecessary parts replacement and reduces repair âtime and cost.
When replacement âis required, âinstalling the âŁcorrectâ 297237702 relay and⤠following âmanufacturer guidelines or⣠using a qualified âtechnician will restore reliable operation and maintain safety. âCarefulâ installation, correct wiringand post-repair testing help ensure the refrigerator returns to normal performance. Routine maintainance andâ prompt attention to early symptoms furtherâ reduce the⣠risk of more extensive âŁcompressor â¤damage and extend âthe service life of the appliance.
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