The start relay is a small component that plugs directly into the compressor and fires the start winding to spin the motor up at the beginning of each cooling cycle. When it fails, the compressor either clicks repeatedly and shuts off, hums briefly then stops, or doesn't run at all — and your fridge warms up fast. Left unaddressed, a failed relay forces the compressor to attempt repeated hard starts, which shortens compressor life significantly. Part WR01F00355 is the OEM GE replacement — direct plug-in, no tools, no wiring, 5-minute repair.
Symptoms of a Failed Start Relay
- Refrigerator not cooling or freezing — food warming up
- Compressor clicks on and off repeatedly every few minutes
- Compressor hums briefly then shuts off without running
- No compressor activity at all — completely silent at the back
- Rattling sound from the compressor area when you shake the relay
- Fridge runs constantly but doesn't reach temperature (weak relay)
Part Details
- OEM Part Number: WR01F00355
- Replaces: WR7M184, WR7M201, 197D8031P002
- Type: Compressor start relay — direct plug-in, no wiring required
- Compatible Brands: GE, GE Profile, Café, Monogram
- SKU: WR01F00355
- Fits: 50+ GE platform refrigerator models
Before ordering, pull the start relay off the compressor (it unplugs with no tools) and shake it next to your ear. A rattle or loose internal component is a confirmed failure — order the replacement. If it doesn’t rattle, the relay may still be electrically open — test with a multimeter across the terminals (should read near 0Ω when cold). Also check the overload protector on the same compressor terminal block — a failed overload mimics relay symptoms and is often replaced at the same time to avoid a second service call.
Installation Notes
- Skill Level: Beginner — no tools required
- Always unplug the refrigerator before accessing the compressor
- The start relay is located at the bottom rear of the unit, plugged into the compressor terminal block
- Pull the old relay straight off — note orientation before removing
- Shake the old relay: a rattle confirms internal failure
- Plug in the new WR01F00355 in the same orientation
- Restore power and listen for the compressor to start within 2–5 minutes
- Allow 24 hours for the fridge to reach full operating temperature before declaring success
Compatible Models
GDRC3KBYARBB, GDRC3KBYARWW, GDRC3KBYCRBB, GDRC3KBYCRWW, GDRS3KBYARSS, GDRS3KBYCRSS, GDRS3KBYJRSS, GDSC3KCYC, GLM25WGTN, GSE26GGECCBB, GSHS6HGDECSS, GSHS6KGZDCSS, GSLT6AEDDFGP, GSMT6AEDCFGP, GSMT6AEDDFGP, GSMT6AEDFFGP, GSMT6AEFAFES, GSMT6AEFAFSP, GSMT6AEFBFSP, GSRC5KLZBFWW, GSRS5KLZEFSS, GZS23HSECFSS, IOM23WGZD, IOMS5PGFBFSS, IOMS5PGFCFSS, PDRF2MBXBRWW, PFRS2MJXB, PFSS2MIXA, PFSS2MIXB, PIM23LGTP, PSE26KSEFESS, PSLN3FFBBFBN, PSLS3FFBBFSF, PSMN3FFBBFBN, PSMS3FFBBFSF, PSMS3FGFBFSL, PSMS3KEFBFSS, PSMS3KEFCFSS, PSMS5PGFBFSF, PSMS5PGFCFSF, PSMS5PGGBFSS, PSMS5PGGCFSS, PSMS6FGFAFES, PSMS6FGFBFSS, PSMS6FGFCFSS, PSMS6PGGACSS, TDRF3KCDARBB, TDRF3KCDARWW, TDRY3KCDALSS, TDRY3KCDARSS, VDRY3KCDALSS, ZFMB26DRN
✓ Model-Specific Repair Pages
✅Compatibility & Cross Reference
Not sure about your model number? Call 1-877-899-7278 and we’ll help you confirm. All brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used for compatibility reference only.
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