^FINALLY - got the fridge the work. YES, it was the
  relay/overload switch. BUT I got fooled - the freezer fan didn't
  start up right away, and I was sure that "oh, crap, gotta
  replace the FAN" now. But an hour later ,I look in the freezer
  and "whirrrrrr" - spinning happily again. At least now I know
  that the replacement is $43 should the freezer fan go. Everybody
  seems happy to be filling the fridge up again.^