Whirlpool Whirlpool WRT318FZDW 18 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator MECH-COMPRESSOR Error Fix: Compressor Click-and-Buzz Failure

Error code MECH-COMPRESSOR on the Whirlpool Whirlpool WRT318FZDW 18 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator means: Compressor Click-and-Buzz Failure. The compressor makes a clicking or buzzing sound and then stops — repeating every few minutes. This is the compressor attempting to start and failing. The start relay (a small component plugged into the compressor terminals at the lower rear) is the most common cause and the first thing to check. Remove the relay, shake it — if you hear a rattle, the internal contact has broken. Replace it ($10-25). If the relay is good, the compressor windings may be shorted or the compressor is seized. Test windings with a multimeter: each pair of the three terminals should show similar resistance (typically 3-15 ohms). An open or shorted reading indicates compressor failure — this is an expensive repair and may justify refrigerator replacement depending on age.

The most successful fix is "Test Compressor Windings and Replace Compressor if Faulty" (hard difficulty, ~90 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $0-$50. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

This error is rated critical severity. It is generally not urgent and can often be resolved with a simple DIY fix.

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Test Compressor Windings and Replace Compressor if Faulty") is rated hard difficulty and takes about 90 minutes. Tools needed: Multimeter, T20 Torx screwdriver, Needle-nose pliers.

DIY cost: $0-$50. Professional repair typically costs $600-$900. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

The Whirlpool Whirlpool WRT318FZDW 18 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator has 8 other known error codes, including: 1 (Defrost Bimetal/Thermostat Failure), 2 (Defrost Heater Failure), 3 (Defrost Timer/Board Failure), CF (Communication Fault), MECH-ICE-BUILDUP (Frost/Ice Buildup in Freezer), and 3 more.

Error code MECH-COMPRESSOR also appears on 2 other Whirlpool models: Whirlpool WRF535SWHZ 25 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator, Whirlpool WRS331SDHM 21 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator. The fix may vary by model, so check each model's specific page for tailored repair steps.