On Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:44:25 -0800, Steve wrote:

I have a @ 4 yr old top freezer Whirlpool fridge that just quit
cooling?? The compressor was starting to run continuously and the lower
fridge compartment was barely able to stay at about 43 F. The top
freezer compartment could no longer make or keep ice cubes...... I
thought it might be the defroster heater that went out but when I took
the back panel off the freezer compartment there was absolutly no ice
build up on the coils?? I did remove the bottom grill and the coils at
the bottom were pretty clogged with lint so cleaned them up as good as
we could but still wouldn't work?? The little collector pan at the
bottom was empty and dry also.... Any ideas?? Steve

Last summer my 4 yr old whirlpool refrigerator acted just like you
described. Cost me $175.00 for a repairman to replace a relay called
"compressor starter." Simple unplug relay, cut tie-wrap, plug relay, fit
a new tie wrap to secure replacement relay. Note: a replacement kit,
"compressor starter kit" can be had for about $35.00 at the following
site:

http://www.appliancepartspros.com
(I am just using their site as example, there are other sites that sell
discount appliance parts.)

Of course the knowledge of what to replace, the house call, and 15
minutes time of the technician was included in the repair cost. Repair
guy told me a "Whirlpool? Always put one of those starter kits in the
truck. Common failure after 4-5 years."

Anyway, go to the above link, search the database for your model, you can
get to a parts drawing for your freezer. Left side, scroll down past
about 5 or 6 drawings until you get to the compressor and cooling unit
parts drawing. On my unit, it was a white plastic relay under a cover
which was tie-wrapped to the compressor. Getting access to compressor
and compressor starter relay is more of a hassle than actual replacement
of relay.

Usual disclaimer, My experience may have nothing to do with your
freezer's fault. My comments are solely based on your posting and no
other diagnostics. Free advise is sometimes worth exactly what you paid
for it.

HTH
Phil