The appearance of extraneous sounds in household appliances always causes concern for the owner, especially when it comes to a refrigerator operating 24/7. When Biryusa refrigerator clicks, this can signal both the normal completion of the cooling cycle and serious malfunctions in the electrical circuit. Owners often confuse rhythmic knocking with emergency signals, which leads to an unnecessary call to the technician or, conversely, to ignoring the real problem.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons for clicking in refrigerators of the brand Biryusa, including the popular models 133, 134 and 6 series. We will look at the design of the start-up relay, the operation of the thermostat and the mechanical features of the compressor. Understanding the nature of the sound will help you make the right decision: continue operation, make a simple adjustment, or replace the part.
It is important to immediately note that the nature of the sound and the frequency of its occurrence play a key role in diagnosis. A brief clicking sound once an hour is different from a clicking sound that repeats every 10 seconds. Next, we will systematize possible scenarios and propose an algorithm of actions for each case.
Normal operation versus malfunction
Before you panic and look for tools, it is necessary to exclude natural physical processes. A refrigerator is a complex thermodynamic system where changes in temperature, pressure and state of refrigerant constantly occur. Many sounds that seem to users to be a sign of a breakdown are actually the norm of operation.
One of the common causes of clicks is thermal expansion and contraction of materials. The plastic of the inner housing and the metal elements of the evaporator react to changes in temperature. When the compressor turns off and the temperature in the chamber begins to rise, or, conversely, drops sharply upon startup, the parts may make sounds resembling crackling or single clicks.
⚠️ Attention: If the clicks are accompanied by a burning smell, smoke or a complete lack of cold, immediately unplug the device. Operation of faulty equipment can lead to a fire.
It is also worth considering the features of the No Frost system (if your model Biryusa is equipped with it). In such refrigerators, the defrost heating element is periodically turned on, and the switching of the “cooling-defrost” modes is controlled by an electronic module, which can also produce quiet clicks when the relay is activated.
Start-protection relay: the main source of clicks
The most likely culprit for loud and rhythmic clicks is the start-protection relay. This small component is responsible for supplying voltage to the compressor motor windings at startup. If the relay is faulty or incorrectly selected, it will constantly try to start the motor, making a characteristic sound “click - hum - click”.
The principle of operation of the device is based on heating a bimetallic plate or electromagnetic influence. When current is applied, the plate closes the starting winding circuit, and the motor tries to start. If starting does not occur (due to stuck pistons or low voltage), the relay opens the circuit, making a clicking sound. The cycle is repeated until the thermal protection is triggered or the cause is eliminated.
In refrigerators Biryusa relays of the RKT, RT series or their modern analogues are often used. Over time, the contacts inside the relay burn out, and the spring elements lose their properties. This leads to the fact that the relay “does not hold” the start, even if the compressor itself is working.
How to check the relay without instruments?
Carefully remove the relay from the compressor and shake it near your ear. If a clear knocking or rattling of moving parts is heard inside, most likely the mechanism is damaged and requires replacement.
Replacing a relay is one of the most affordable repair procedures. However, it is important to choose a model with identical electrical characteristics. Installing the wrong relay can lead to burnout of the compressor windings, which is a much more expensive problem.
Thermostat and its effect on acoustics
Thermoregulator (thermostat) is a device that controls the temperature in the refrigeration chamber and sends a command to turn the compressor on or off. It is at the moment of opening or closing the thermostat contacts that you can hear a distinct click. In a working refrigerator, this happens 1-2 times per hour.
If the clicks become more frequent and the refrigerator begins to operate in short cycles (it turns on and off frequently), the problem may lie in incorrect settings or a malfunction of the thermostat. The contacts may “stick” or react too quickly to the slightest temperature fluctuations, preventing the system from reaching operating mode.
In models Biryusa with mechanical control, adjustment is made by turning the knob. Sometimes simply turning the control to the minimum position is enough to see if the click frequency changes. In electronic models, a temperature sensor and control board are responsible for this function.
It is worth noting that the capillary tube of the thermostat, which senses the temperature, may be incorrectly secured or displaced. If it does not fit tightly to the evaporator, the temperature readings will be incorrect, which will lead to chaotic operation of the contacts and frequent clicks.
Compressor: when the motor cannot start
The most unpleasant situation is when the clicks come directly from the compressor and it does not start. In this case, the relay clicks, trying to give an impulse, but the motor only hums or is silent. This may indicate an interturn short circuit of the windings or, more often, a wedge jamming piston group.
During prolonged inactivity or natural wear, the oil in the compressor may thicken or be distributed unevenly. When trying to start, the pistons cannot budge. The relay operates, supplies current, a click is heard, but there is not enough inertia. After a few seconds, the protection turns off the power, and the cycle repeats.
There is a “wedging” method, when increased voltage is applied to the compressor for a short time in order to break off the jammed parts. However, doing this at home without special equipment (for example, a transformer to increase voltage) is dangerous. You can finally finish off the motor.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to disassemble the sealed compressor casing yourself. This requires special tools to weld and evacuate the system. Intervention in the HDA makes further professional repairs economically unfeasible.
If the compressor makes clicking noises and gets very hot (case temperature exceeds 60-70 degrees), this is a sure sign of overload. In this case, operation must be stopped, since there is a high risk of fire in the winding insulation.
Defrost system and fan
In refrigerators Biryusa with the No Frost system, clicks may be associated with the operation of the defrost system. The refrigerant direction solenoid valve or mode change relay may make noise when changing cycles. This usually happens once every 8-12 hours.
The fan blowing the evaporator can also be a source of noise. If ice forms on the blades or dust gets into the bearing, the fan may jam. When you try to turn it, it makes a cracking noise or a series of clicks. This is often accompanied by a buzzing sound.
For diagnosis, you need to defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours. If after complete defrosting the clicks disappear, then the problem lies in freezing of the nodes. If the sound remains, it means that a mechanical malfunction of the fan or its motor requires replacement of the part.
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrost system
It is important to check the drainage system. If the drainage hole is clogged, moisture will accumulate and freeze, creating ice dams. When the compressor is operating, the ice may crack or shift, creating sounds similar to clicks inside the housing.
Fault diagnosis table
For convenience, we systematize the main symptoms and their probable causes in the table. This will help you navigate the nature of the malfunction.
| Sound character | Periodicity | Associated symptoms | Probable cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loud click, then humming | Every 2-5 minutes | The refrigerator is not freezing, the compressor is hot | The starting relay is faulty or the compressor is stuck |
| Single quiet click | Once every 30-60 minutes | Normal cooling | Normal operation of the thermostat (Normal) |
| Crackling or a series of clicks | Periodically, chaotic | Sound like friction | Thermal expansion of plastic or ice on the fan |
| Clicking and no response | Constantly or when turned on | Silence, no vibration compressor | Relay burnt out, open circuit or faulty wiring |
This table covers the most common scenarios, however, each situation is unique. It is important to take into account the age of the refrigerator Biryusa and the conditions of its operation.
Instructions for replacing the relay yourself
If the diagnostics indicated a start-up relay, you can replace it yourself, having minimal skills in working with equipment. This procedure does not require calling a technician and takes about 15-20 minutes.
First you need to completely turn off the power to the refrigerator. Unplug the cord from the outlet. Move the unit aside to gain access to the rear wall. At the bottom, next to the compressor, you will see a black or gray plastic box - this is the casing.
Remove the casing by unscrewing the screws or snapping the latches. A compressor with a box (relay) and a capacitor attached to it will open in front of you. Carefully remove the relay from the compressor contacts. It may fit tightly, so wiggle it slightly from side to side.
Inspect the removed part. If blackness, carbon deposits or melting are visible on the contacts, replacement is necessary. Buy a similar relay (the markings are indicated on the body, for example, RKT-1, RTK-X, etc.). Installation is carried out in the reverse order: put the new relay on the compressor contacts, return the capacitor to its place (if it was separate), snap the casing and turn on the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Some relay models have a strict vertical orientation (indicated by the “UP” arrow). Installation upside down will lead to immediate failure of the new part.
Prevention and care of equipment
To ensure the service life of the refrigerator Biryusa and to avoid the appearance of extraneous sounds, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular defrosting (for drip systems) prevents the formation of a thick ice crust, which puts a strain on the compressor.
Keep the condenser (black grill) on the back wall clean. Dust and pet hair clog the cells, impairing heat transfer. The compressor is forced to work longer and more intensely, which leads to overheating and accelerated wear of the starting equipment.
Also check the door seals. If they do not fit tightly, warm air enters the chamber, forcing the thermostat and compressor to work harder. This indirectly affects the frequency of clicks and the overall service life of the equipment.
Is it possible to lubricate the relay with WD-40?
Absolutely not. The spray can damage plastic parts and insulation, as well as wash away the special lubricant from the rubbing mechanisms, which will speed up the breakdown.
Regular visual inspection and careful attention to the sounds your refrigerator makes will help identify the problem at an early stage. Clicks are the language in which equipment communicates its condition, and it is important to learn to understand it.
Why does the refrigerator click but does not freeze?
This is a classic sign of a faulty start relay or compressor. The relay clicks, trying to start the engine, but due to a breakdown, the start does not occur, and no cold is produced. The relay needs to be replaced or the compressor repaired.
Is it dangerous if the clicks become louder?
Yes, a change in operating acoustics usually indicates the development of a defect. Increased noise may indicate destruction of the internal parts of the relay, loosening of the compressor fastenings, or the formation of ice on the moving parts of the fan.
How much does it cost to replace the relay in the Biryusa refrigerator?
The relay itself is inexpensive (usually in the range of 500-1500 rubles depending on the model). If you change it yourself, that's the entire cost. The services of a specialist will cost extra, but they will save time and guarantee the correct selection of the part.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it clicks?
If the clicks are rare and the refrigerator is freezing, you can. If the clicks are frequent, accompanied by a humming sound and lack of cold, operation will lead to the compressor burning out. In this case, it is better to turn off the device before repair.