When I plug in my mini fridge, it doesn't have any clicking sounds at all so I think it might just be the relay. Here's a pic of the two components that I unplugged from the compressor. I'm not sure which is which and neither one of them can be unplugged from the wire. I've pulled as hard as I can and it won't come off. What kind of connection is that? Do I just pull harder?

Those are just straight-blade spade connectors.

Yes, just pull harder but pull at the connector or as close to it as possible to keep the wire from separating from the connector. Sometimes I'll use 1 pair of needle nose pliers and a flat-blade screwdriver to gently pry them off.

The item on the left is your overload. The item on the right is your start relay.

I've replaced several of these over the years. It seems they have some universal replacements that are classed by HP of the compressor. They are usually pretty cheap - $10-$20.

EDIT: I just saw that you didn't hear any clicking noises. Usually when the relay fails, the overload will keep opening the circuit (making a 'click') to prevent damage to the compressor when it fails to start quickly. I'm not sure then exactly what's going on.

I just replaced the capacitor and the thermostat in mine. Not sure which one was bad, but they are cheap and replacement was easy. Lots of information on youtube.

Last one I had was similar and the overload had failed.

should be able to grab the numbers off the overload and relay to be able to match up from Amazon. Each should be $10 or less. Buy both and return the one that you didn't need.

Ribeye-Rare said:

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Those are just straight-blade spade connectors.

Yes, just pull harder but pull at the connector or as close to it as possible to keep the wire from separating from the connector. Sometimes I'll use 1 pair of needle nose pliers and a flat-blade screwdriver to gently pry them off.

The item on the left is your overload. The item on the right is your start relay.

I've replaced several of these over the years. It seems they have some universal replacements that are classed by HP of the compressor. They are usually pretty cheap - $10-$20.

EDIT: I just saw that you didn't hear any clicking noises. Usually when the relay fails, the overload will keep opening the circuit (making a 'click') to prevent damage to the compressor when it fails to start quickly. I'm not sure then exactly what's going on.

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Yep. I just replaced the relay and overload on my 25 year old full size Kenmore on Tuesday. Used a small flat blade to work the connectors loose. The relay was definitely bad(had the clicking noise) plus it rattled when I shook it. I replaced the overload as a pre-caution. $64 total for OEM parts. Could have spent less but I'm not putting cheap ass generic parts on a 25 year old kitchen fridge.