Hello, I have a 30 plus Kenmore Coldspot 8609380 refrigerator that stopped working last week. It has come back several times since then, both the freezer and fridge get very cold. A few months ago I started hearing noises from it that sounded like a mouse got caught inside it - major squealing - and then stopped. It has been fine until last week. My husband wants to replace it but I hate giving up the good old workhorses from yesteryear.

I need help in finding the problem to see if it can be fixed. My husband is very hand and is experienced with electricity, etc. In fact, I encouraged him to use this site recently and he fixed a faulty heating mechanism in another refrigerator (that he wanted to throw out). I thank you very much for your guidance and input.

Thank you for your response, CletusT. During this week, the fridge came on and off several times. Right now it is not running at all. When it does come on, both the freezer and refrigerator blow cold air and all the jars in the fridge are cold. Then it will shut off and not come back on. Would it be the compressor itself and how do I check to see if it is still viable. Thank you.