Those symptoms you describe indicate a compressor that is "short cycling", if it is indeed starting and running for those 3 minutes. Is the evaporator cold for those three minutes as well? Many times people think its running, then shutting off, when in fact it is only trying to start. Without proper tools you cant test compressor, but it might be worth finding out from a repair service if its the compressor or the compressor starter, the latter of which is much much less expensive.
Assuming the other motors on the cabinet are running, you've narrowed
your problem down to 2 things, the compressor itself, or the start
device has failed. Without the proper tools you wont be able to test the
compressor first. My advice, go to repair clinic . com, see what a
starter will cost you, if you can find a repairman to check your
compressor for cheaper than what it costs to buy starter, well there you
go. Either way, if its the compressor thats bad, you wont want to spend
the money to replace, unless you have a built in worth several
thousand, or physical constraints of kitchen prevent you from buying new
fridge.
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