My refrigerator stopped working. I noticed the freezer was starting to thaw out and the refrigerator was warm also. I took everything out of it and let it sit turned off for an entire day. When I plug it in, it sounds like something is starting, then after about 30 seconds you can hear it kick off. Any help would be much appreciated! It is about 11 years old.

Thanks!

It sounds like the compressor is overloading and shutting down. My first guess is that it needs a new compressor. Unless you're licensed to handle Freon, I think you're going to need a refrigerator repairman.

Right now when I turned it on again, it sounds like it is working - it's running, but about every couple minutes I hear this humming sound like something is trying to start but then shuts off.

Does that still sound like a compressor problem?

Yes, indeed. It appears that it's binding and when that happens, the thermal overload will kick out.

It's possible that the refrigerator is not level. I had an old freezer once (late 1940s vintage, I bought it in 1978 for $35) that I bought from a neighbor. When I turned it on, it did exactly what your 'fridge is doing. I though it was toast. I checked the level and it was 1/4" out of level at one end. I put a 1/4" piece of wood under that side and it ran for 8 years. I then sold it for $5 less than I paid for it.

Thanks for your help. I checked to be sure it was level and it is. Guess we'll have to call a repair guy.