2306337REL Relay — What Part Fixes This Problem and How to Replace It

Understanding the Problem

Short explanation: I could not reliably identify a single OEM reference for the exact string "2306337rel." The suffix "REL" commonly stands for "relay," so the guidance below assumes this number labels a relay used to start or control a motor or compressor (fridge compressor start relay, washer/dryer motor relay, etc.). Relays are electromechanical/electronic switches that engage a motor or compressor. When they fail, the motor/compressor will not start, will hum, or will run intermittently. Step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions: 1) Confirm part identity and appliance: find the appliance model number (on the appliance door/frame) and check the parts list or take a clear photo of the relay and any markings. If possible, confirm the manufacturer or OEM part number before buying a replacement. 2) Safety first: unplug the appliance or switch off the circuit breaker. For gas appliances, turn off gas supply. Allow moving parts to stop and any high-voltage capacitors to discharge (some motors/capacitors can store energy). 3) Access the relay: typically located behind an access panel or on the side/bottom of the appliance near the motor or compressor. Remove screws or clips and carefully expose the relay. Photograph or label wire locations before disconnecting. 4) Visual inspection: look for burn marks, melted plastic, cracked housing, oil or corrosion (on fridge compressor relays the relay sometimes gets oily if the compressor leaks). Smell for burnt odor. 5) Tap/tickle test (quick check): with power off remove the relay and try to gently wiggle/rock the motor shaft by hand (if accessible). With the relay removed (and appliance still unplugged), you can sometimes spot mechanical binding. This isn't definitive for relay health but can indicate motor issues. 6) Electrical testing with a multimeter (recommended): - Set multimeter to continuity/ohms. Test relay coil pins (for relay types) for continuity. An open coil often means the relay is dead. - For compressor start relays, check for continuity between start and run terminals per the compressor/relay spec. Also check for a short to ground (infinite resistance to chassis is expected; low resistance indicates a short). - If your relay is a PTC or solid-state start device, you may not get the same coil readings. In that case, a failed relay is often indicated by visible damage or by the compressor never starting and only humming. 7) Swap test (if available): if you have an identical working appliance or an identical spare relay, swap the relay to confirm the fault. 8) Replace the relay: - Purchase the exact replacement (confirm OEM part for your appliance model). - With power still off, remove the old relay (unplug connectors or unscrew mounting). Note orientation and terminal ID. - Install the new relay, reconnect wires, secure mounting, and reassemble panels. 9) Restore power and test: plug the appliance in or restore power. Start a cycle or activate the compressor/motor. Listen for proper start-up (no prolonged humming) and check operation. 10) If the motor/compressor still fails to start after replacing a verified good relay, the problem may be the motor/compressor itself, run capacitor (if present), start capacitor, overload protector, or wiring/control board. Proceed to test those components or call a technician. Safety note: Always disconnect power before touching wiring. If you are not comfortable testing live electrical components, get a qualified appliance technician to perform the checks. Working on refrigeration systems or high-voltage components may require professional service and refrigerant-handling certifications.

Common Symptoms

Appliance won't start but gives a humming noise; intermittent starting; motor starts slowly or not at all; clicking noises at start; breaker trips or overload protector opens when trying to start motor/compressor.

Common Causes

• Relay coil or contacts have failed/opened due to age or overload
• Thermal or electronic start device has degraded (common with compressor start relays)
• External causes such as a seized motor/compressor, bad start/run capacitor, or damaged wiring causing overload

Popular Parts That Fix This Problem

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Frequently Asked Questions