Samsung Refrigerator Compressor Start Relay Replacement Guide — What This Part Does
The compressor start relay (also called a PTC relay) is the device mounted on the compressor terminals that helps energize the compressor motor at startup. It gives the compressor’s start winding the electrical path it needs to get running, then switches over to the run circuit once the motor is up to speed. The overload portion is a protection device that opens the circuit if the compressor draws too much current or overheats.
The relay fails when the PTC disk or relay contacts degrade, go open, or no longer provide the proper start path. The overload can also trip permanently or stay open. Physical damage, burn marks, heat damage on the assembly, or loose terminals at the compressor pins will stop the compressor from starting. When the relay or overload is bad, the compressor tries to start, the overload trips, and you hear a click every few minutes but the fridge never cools.
Signs It Needs Replacing
- Clicking sound from the back every few minutes The compressor tries to start, the overload trips, and you hear a repeated click but the compressor never runs.
- Refrigerator not cooling at all The compressor cannot start, so no refrigerant is pumped and both compartments stay warm.
- Burn marks, melted plastic, or discoloration on the relay Visual inspection shows the relay assembly has heat damage, cracks, or charred areas.
- Relay tests open or infinite resistance A room-temperature PTC relay should read about 3 to 12 ohms across the terminals, and open or very high resistance means it has failed.
- Overload has no continuity when cool The overload protector should show continuity when it is not tripped, and lack of continuity when cool indicates failure.
- Compressor is warm but not running You feel heat at the compressor body but hear no hum, which means the start device is not getting it to run.
How to Replace It
- Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet and turn off the water supply if you have an ice maker or dispenser.
- Remove the rear access panel (typically held by screws at the bottom back of the unit) to reach the compressor area.
- Locate the compressor (a black cylindrical tank at the bottom back) and find the start relay and overload assembly mounted on the compressor terminal pins.
- Visually inspect the relay and overload for burning, cracks, melted plastic, or discoloration, which all confirm failure.
- Pull the relay and overload assembly straight off the compressor terminals (some assemblies slide off, others may have a retaining clip).
- Compare the old part to your replacement to confirm the same connector layout, terminal spacing, and mounting tabs match.
- Push the new relay and overload assembly firmly onto the compressor pins until it seats fully and you feel or hear it lock into place.
- Reconnect any wiring to the relay assembly exactly as it was removed (most Samsung models have spade terminals or a plug).
- Reinstall the rear access panel, restore power, and listen to verify the compressor starts normally and the clicking stops.
The Part You Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Samsung compressor start relay and overload assembly | Amazon | Common part numbers are DA35-00043U and DA35-00099G. Find your exact part number on the model and serial plate inside the refrigerator door or on the left interior wall, then cross-reference it with Samsung parts lookup or bring the old relay to an appliance parts supplier to match the connector and terminal layout. |
Related Error Codes
If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:
- Samsung Refrigerator 1E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 21E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 22E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 25E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 2E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 33E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 39E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 4E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 5E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 88 error code
When to Call a Pro
If you replace the relay and overload and the compressor still clicks and will not start, or if it starts briefly and then trips again within a few seconds, the compressor itself is likely drawing excessive current or mechanically binding. That means the compressor has failed and needs replacement, which requires recovering refrigerant, cutting and brazing refrigerant lines, and a full sealed-system repair. Call a refrigeration tech with an EPA 608 license for that work. Also call a pro if you are not comfortable working with live electrical terminals or if you see any refrigerant oil leaking around the compressor fittings.