OEM vs Aftermarket Compressor Relay for Whirlpool & Maytag: Honest Comparison (61005518)

Your Whirlpool or Maytag fridge just stopped cooling. Compressor clicks but won't start. You've diagnosed it down to the relay and overload — now you're staring at two options: a $45–$65 OEM part that won't ship for 5–7 days, or a $12 aftermarket relay that'll arrive tomorrow. Here's what actually matters in that decision.

Quick Answer

For compressor relays, aftermarket parts perform identically to OEM in 95% of installations. The relay is a simple electrical component with no moving parts beyond the start mechanism — there's minimal variation in quality between manufacturers who meet UL standards. Save your money unless you're repairing a commercial unit still under warranty.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

There are exactly three situations where I'd recommend spending extra on the factory part:

Your fridge is under extended warranty. Some warranty companies void coverage if you install non-OEM parts. Read your contract — if it explicitly requires manufacturer parts, you don't have a choice here.

You're running a commercial kitchen. Health inspectors in some jurisdictions require OEM parts for food service equipment. It's bureaucracy, not engineering, but it's real.

You've already had two relay failures in 18 months. This isn't a relay problem — you've got a compressor that's drawing too much current or a voltage issue. The OEM part won't fix that either, but at this point you need a tech to diagnose the root cause, not another relay.

When Aftermarket Wins

For the CT19G4W, ATB1935HRQ, or any of the 100+ compatible models, the aftermarket relay delivers identical performance at a fraction of the cost. Here's why:

The part is dead simple. A compressor relay is a temperature-sensitive bimetal switch and an overload protector. There's no complex circuitry, no precision calibration. If it meets UL 1004 standards (which the 61005518 does), it'll work exactly like the original.

Failure rates are identical. This part typically fails from heat cycling over 8–12 years of use. The aftermarket version uses the same grade materials and will last just as long as OEM in normal residential service.

You're already paying for food loss. Every day your fridge is down costs $40–$80 in spoiled groceries. Paying $50 extra for a part that won't arrive until next Tuesday makes zero financial sense when the $12 part works perfectly and ships today.

Installation is identical for both options: unplug the fridge, pull it out, remove the rear access panel, disconnect the old relay from the compressor terminals, snap the new one in place. Ten-minute job with a screwdriver and a flashlight. The aftermarket part uses the same terminal configuration and mounting clips.

Our Verdict

Buy the aftermarket relay unless you're legally required to use OEM. You'll save $40–$50, get it faster, and have a longer warranty. The 61005518 is compatible with Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Amana, Crosley, and Magic Chef models including the CTB1722GRW, ATB2135HRW, and CT21G6Q — functionally identical to the factory part at 75% less cost.

The one upgrade worth considering: buy two relays. At $12 each, it's cheap insurance. Stick the spare in your utility drawer. When this part fails again in 2035, you won't remember the model number or where you ordered it — you'll just swap it out and move on with your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an aftermarket relay void my refrigerator warranty?

No, unless your warranty explicitly states "OEM parts only." Federal law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) prohibits manufacturers from voiding warranties simply because you used aftermarket parts. That said, if the aftermarket part causes damage, that specific damage isn't covered. For a simple relay, this risk is negligible.

How do I know if my compressor relay is actually the problem?

Three symptoms point to relay failure: the compressor clicks but won't start, the fridge is too warm but the light works, and the compressor feels hot to touch. If your compressor runs but the fridge won't cool, you've got a different problem — likely a refrigerant leak or failed compressor.

Can I use this relay on a different brand refrigerator?

Check the part number cross-reference. The 61005518 replaces 12002782, AP4009659, and PS2004057 across multiple brands. If your original relay has any of those numbers stamped on it, this aftermarket version is a direct fit. Don't guess based on brand alone — verify the part number or model number compatibility.