Kenmore 106.5173310 Not Cooling — Main Control Board Relay Failure
📞 Call (346) 512-3688🔧 Performed by Serhii T.
The Problem
- •Refrigerator completely stopped cooling — both fridge and freezer sections warm
- •Condenser fan running normally but no cold air produced
- •Compressor not starting or making any sound
- •Food spoiling despite unit appearing to run normally
🔍 Diagnosis
Upon arrival at the customer's residence in the 77057 ZIP code area of Memorial, TX, the technician began a systematic diagnostic of the Kenmore model 106.5173310 refrigerator (Serial No. 106813310, manufactured in Mexico, rated at 115V / 7.2A, R-134a refrigerant charge 5.0 oz). The customer reported the unit had completely stopped cooling overnight with no prior warning signs. The technician first verified the condenser fan motor was operating correctly — it was spinning freely and at proper speed, ruling out a fan-related cause. Attention then shifted to the compressor. Using a clamp meter, the technician confirmed zero amperage draw at the compressor terminals, indicating the compressor was receiving no power signal. The expected operating current for this unit is up to 7.2A per label spec. A multimeter check at the compressor start relay terminals on the main control board revealed no output voltage despite 115V supply reaching the board correctly. Further inspection of the main control board identified a burned and non-functional compressor relay. This relay is responsible for switching power to the compressor on cooling demand. The relay had failed in the open position — passing no voltage — which is why the compressor sat completely idle while the rest of the unit appeared operational. Given the integrated nature of modern control boards, the relay cannot be replaced independently; the entire main control board required replacement. No refrigerant leak or sealed system fault was detected.
🔧 The Repair
- ✓Disconnected the refrigerator from the 115V power supply and pulled unit away from wall to access rear service panel.
- ✓Removed the rear access panel using a ¼-inch hex driver to expose the compressor, condenser coil, condenser fan assembly, and main control board.
- ✓Verified condenser fan motor operation — fan spun freely with no obstruction and correct RPM confirmed by observation.
- ✓Using a clamp meter set to AC amperage, confirmed zero current draw at the compressor power leads — expected load up to 7.2A per appliance label.
- ✓Tested incoming line voltage at the main control board input terminals with a digital multimeter — confirmed stable 115V / 60Hz supply reaching the board.
- ✓Probed the compressor relay output terminals on the main control board — multimeter confirmed 0V output during a cooling demand cycle, isolating the fault to the relay on the board.
- ✓Visually inspected the relay on the board — identified discoloration and pitting consistent with electrical burnout; relay confirmed failed open.
- ✓Sourced a compatible OEM replacement main control board for Kenmore model 106.5173310. Ordered part and returned two days later for installation.
- ✓On return visit, disconnected all wiring harnesses from the failed control board, labeling each connector to ensure correct reinstallation.
- ✓Mounted the new OEM main control board in the original bracket, reconnecting all wiring harnesses in correct sequence and securing all fasteners.
- ✓Reinstalled rear access panel and reconnected unit to 115V power supply.
- ✓Monitored compressor startup — compressor energized immediately on first cooling cycle, current draw confirmed within normal range via clamp meter.
- ✓Verified condenser fan and evaporator fan both operating in coordination with compressor. Set temperature controls to factory defaults and confirmed temperature drop in both compartments within 30 minutes of operation.
✓ Result
After the new main control board was installed, the Kenmore 106.5173310 compressor started immediately and operated within normal parameters. The refrigerator compartment reached 37°F and the freezer reached 0°F within approximately three hours of startup. The customer was highly satisfied, noting the repair cost of $487 was a fraction of the price of a new comparable refrigerator. A 90-day labor warranty was provided on the repair, and the customer was advised on routine maintenance to help prolong the life of the appliance.
💡 Technician Notes
Relay failures on Kenmore refrigerator control boards are not preventable through user maintenance — they are purely a function of component quality and operating life cycles. However, there is one maintenance task that indirectly protects all electrical components including the control board: regularly cleaning the condenser coil. A dirty condenser forces the compressor to run longer and hotter, increasing electrical load and heat stress on board components including relays. For households with pets, condenser coils can become heavily clogged with hair and dust within months. Clean the condenser coil every 3–6 months using a vacuum and coil brush. Warning signs to watch for include the refrigerator running louder than usual, feeling warm on the exterior sides near the compressor area, or food taking longer to cool. Early attention to these signs can prevent more costly component failures down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Kenmore refrigerator stop cooling completely even though the fan is still running?
A running condenser fan with no cooling often means the compressor is not receiving power. On Kenmore models like the 106.5173310, a failed relay on the main control board can cut power to the compressor while allowing the fan to run normally. A technician can confirm this with a multimeter by checking for output voltage at the compressor relay terminals on the board.
How much does it cost to replace the main control board on a Kenmore 106.5173310 refrigerator?
For this Kenmore 106.5173310 repair in Memorial, TX, the total cost including parts and labor was $487. Control board replacement costs typically range from $350–$600 depending on the model and local labor rates. This is significantly less than replacing the refrigerator, making repair the smart financial choice for a unit in otherwise good condition.
How can I tell if my Kenmore refrigerator's control board relay has failed before the fridge completely stops cooling?
Unfortunately, control board relay failures on Kenmore refrigerators rarely give advance warning — the relay typically fails suddenly without gradual symptoms. However, if your Kenmore starts cycling the compressor erratically, takes much longer to reach set temperatures, or occasionally loses cooling and then recovers, these could be early signs of an intermittent relay problem worth having a technician inspect.
Is it worth repairing a Kenmore 106.5173310 refrigerator with a failed main control board, or should I buy a new one?
If the Kenmore 106.5173310 is otherwise in good mechanical condition — sealed system intact, no rust or structural damage, and compressor itself is healthy — replacing the main control board is almost always worth it. At $487 versus $800–$1,500+ for a comparable new refrigerator, the repair provides excellent value. A qualified technician should confirm the compressor itself is functional before authorizing the board replacement.
How often should I clean the condenser coil on my Kenmore refrigerator to protect the main board and compressor?
Kenmore recommends cleaning the condenser coil at least once a year under normal conditions. In homes with pets, hair and dander can clog the coil within 3–6 months, causing the compressor and control board to operate under heat stress. Use a condenser coil brush and vacuum to remove buildup. On the Kenmore 106.5173310, the condenser coil is accessible from the rear of the unit after removing the back panel.
Repair Summary
- Brand
- Kenmore
- Model
- 106.5173310
- Repair Type
- Main Control Board Replacement
- Refrigerant
- R-134a
- Root Cause
- Failed compressor relay on main control board
- Parts Replaced
- ✓Main Control Board — OEM replacement compatible with Kenmore 106.5173310 (includes compressor relay and all integrated control logic)
- ✓Protective board mounting standoffs inspected and reused (in good condition)
- Location
- Memorial, TX 77057
- Status
- ✓ Completed
Service Area
We provide refrigerator repair service in Memorial and surrounding areas.
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