Why the refrigerator constantly clicks: we analyze 7 reasons and solutions

Have you noticed that your refrigerator has begun to make strange clicks - sometimes rare, sometimes frequent, sometimes accompanied by a hum or pauses in operation? This sound can be either a completely normal phenomenon or the first signal of an impending breakdown. In this article we will analyze in detail all possible causes of clicking - from harmless features of the compressor to serious malfunctions that require the intervention of a specialist.

It is important to understand that a refrigerator is a complex device with many mechanical and electrical components. The clicking noises can come from relays, fans, ice makers, or even plastic parts that contract/expand with temperature changes. We will help you diagnose the problem by the nature of the sound, frequency and accompanying symptoms (for example, does the refrigerator turn off after a click or continues to work).

Do not rush to call a repairman: in 60% of cases, clicks do not require intervention, and in the rest, the problem can be fixed on your own in 10-20 minutes. But there are also critical situations when delay threatens compressor failure or freon leakage. So that you do not miss dangerous signals, we have compiled checklist of emergency signswhen the refrigerator needs to be immediately disconnected from the network.

📊 How often does your refrigerator click?
Once every 5-10 minutes
Every minute
Constantly, without pauses
Only when turning on/off
I didn’t notice before

1. Normal clicks: when there is no need to worry

Not all sounds emanating from the refrigerator indicate a malfunction. Many modern models (for example, Samsung RB37J5230SA, LG GA-B489YVQZ or ATLANT XM 4021-000) click during normal operation. Here three harmless reasonsthat do not require your intervention:

  • 🔄 Compressor start relay. When the motor is turned on, the starting relay is activated, which opens the contacts with a characteristic click. This is normal if the sound is heard 1-2 times at startup and does not repeat again.
  • ❄️ Thermoregulator. When the temperature in the chamber reaches the set level, the thermostat opens the circuit - this is accompanied by a quiet click. The frequency depends on the operating mode (for example, in the Super Freeze mode the clicks will be more frequent).
  • 💨 No Frost Fan. In models with a system No Frost (for example, Bosch KAN92VI30R), the fan may touch ice or plastic guides with its blades, making clicking sounds. This is not critical if the cooling is not impaired.

How to distinguish normal clicks from problematic ones? Pay attention to rhythm and accompanying signs:

  • ✅ Normal: rare clicks (once every 10-30 minutes), the refrigerator works without interruptions, the temperature in the chambers is stable.
  • ❌ Problem: frequent clicks (once every 1-2 minutes or continuous), the compressor does not start, the freezer is defrosting, an error flashes on the display (for example, E1 or F5).

2. Clicks with pauses: malfunction of the relay or compressor

If the refrigerator clicks at intervals of 5-10 secondsbut the compressor does not start, this is a classic symptom of a malfunction start relay or the motor itself. Let's consider both scenarios. data-i="89">clicks at intervals of 5-10 seconds

Signs of a problem with the relay:

  • 🔊 A click is heard, but the compressor does not hum or vibrate.
  • 🔄 After 5-10 seconds, the relay clicks again (the relay tries to start the engine again).
  • 🌡️ The temperature in the chambers gradually increases.

In this case, the relay is either stuck (the contacts do not open), or burnt. yourself:

  1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
  2. Remove the back cover (in most models the relay is located next to the compressor - a black box with wires).
  3. Carefully remove the relay and shake it: if you hear a knock inside, it is faulty.
How to check the relay with a multimeter?

For accurate diagnostics, set the multimeter to resistance testing mode (200 Ohms) and measure the resistance between the relay contacts. Normally, it should be 20-50. Ohm. If the device shows “1” (open circuit) or “0” (short circuit), the relay must be replaced.

Signs of a problem with the compressor:

  • 🔊 There is a click, but the motor does not start even after several attempts.
  • 🔥 From the compressor it smells like burning (the winding is burnt).
  • 🛠️ Traces of oil or melting are visible on the motor housing.

If the compressor does not start, but the relay is working properly, there are three possible reasons:

  1. Interturn short circuit in the motor winding.
  2. Piston jamming due to wear or foreign particles.
  3. Insufficient voltage in the network (less than 200V).

Check the voltage in the socket (should be 220-230V)

Inspect the compressor for oil drips

Touch the motor housing - if it is hot, this is a sign of jamming

Try to manually rotate the compressor shaft (through the relay) - if it does not rotate, the motor is faulty-->

3. Clicks and crackles from plastic: thermal expansion

If the clicks are more like crackling or crackling, and the refrigerator is working normally, guilty thermal expansion of plastic. This sound is often heard:

  • 🌡️ When you turn on a new refrigerator for the first time (the plastic “gets used” to the temperature).
  • ❄️ In Super Cooling or Fast Freezemode, when the temperature drops sharply.
  • 🔄 After defrosting, when the walls of the chamber heat up and cool down.

Cheap models with thin plastic walls (for example Indesit DF 4180 W or Beko CNK 335120🧊 Ice trays (if they are plastic and fit tightly to the walls).

  • 🧊 Ice trays (if they are plastic and fit tightly to the walls).
  • 📦 Shelves and containers that are deformed when cooling.
  • 🚪 Door seal (if it is hard and rubs against the body).

How to reduce the cracking?

  • 🔧 Tighten the fastenings of shelves and containers (sometimes they dangle and hit the walls).
  • 🧴 Lubricate the door seal with silicone grease (do not use oil!).
  • 🧊 Rearrange the food so that it does not touch the walls of the freezer.

4. Fan clicks: ice or foreign objects

In refrigerators with a system No Frost (for example, Samsung RL62NBRSA1 or Electrolux ENN2854AOW) clicks are often associated with fanwhich blows on the evaporator. If the fan blades touch ice or foreign objects, you will hear:

  • 🔊 Cyclic clicks at intervals. 1-2 seconds (the blades cling to an obstacle).
  • 💨 Reducing the flow of cold air in the main chamber.
  • ❄️ Ice on the back wall freezer compartment.

What to do:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Remove all food from the freezer.
  3. Remove the back panel (in most models it is secured with latches or screws).
  4. Check that the fan is not blocked by ice or pieces of food. Carefully remove the obstacle with a wooden spatula (do not use metal objects!).
  5. If ice builds up regularly, check defrost heater (TEN) - it may have failed.

In models with Full No Frost (for example, LG GB-B539SLQZ) the fan may click due to bearing wear. In this case, the part will need to be replaced. Signs of wear:

  • 🔊 Clicking even when the chamber is empty.
  • 🌀 The blades rotate unevenly (can be seen through the transparent cover).
  • 🔥 The smell of burnt plastic (the fan motor overheats).

5. Thermostat clicks: malfunction or incorrect settings

Thermostat (thermostat) is a device that controls the temperature in the chamber. When the specified level is reached, it is opens the circuit, which is accompanied by a click. In normal mode, this happens once every 1-2 hours, but if the clicks become more frequent, the following problems are possible:

Cause Symptoms Solution
Incorrect settings Clicks every 5-10 minutes, the compressor runs too long Set the temperature 1-2° higher (optimally: +4° in the refrigerator, -18° in the freezer)
Sensor contamination The clicks are chaotic, the temperature in the chamber is unstable Clean the sensor (usually located on the back wall) from dust and ice
Thermostat malfunction There are clicks, but the compressor does not turn on or runs without stopping Replacement of the thermostat (the part costs 800-2000₽, the work of a technician costs 1500-3000₽)
Freon leakage Clicks frequently, but the refrigerator does not cool Immediately turn off the refrigerator! Freon refilling is required (only at the service center)

How to check the thermostat?

  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Remove the thermostat knob (usually it is secured with a latch or screw).
  3. Take out the thermostat and check its contacts with a multimeter in the "test" mode. At room temperature, the contacts should be closed.
  4. Immerse the thermostat sensor in ice - if the contacts do not open, the part is faulty.
How to temporarily bypass a faulty thermostat?

If the refrigerator does not cool due to the thermostat, and there is no way to wait for a technician, you can temporarily short-circuit the wires, going to the thermostat, among themselves. This will force the compressor to work continuously. Attention: use this method for no longer than 12 hours, otherwise the compressor will overheat!

6. Clicking noises from the ice maker or dispenser

If your refrigerator is equipped with ice maker (for example, Samsung RS62R5001M9or water dispenser (LG GR-B247JVQA), clicking noises may come from:

  • 🧊 Ice supply mechanism (the solenoid clicks when the valve opens).
  • 💧 Water pump (if the dispenser does not dispense water, but clicks are heard, it is possible blockage in the tube).
  • ⚙️ Dispenser motor (in models with crushed ice).

Frequent problems and solutions:

  • 🔊 Clicks without ice dispensing: check if the water in the pipe is frozen tube (turn off the refrigerator for 1 hour).
  • 🚰 Water dispenser clicks, but no water flows: replace the filter (if it has not been changed for more than 6 months).
  • ❄️ Ice forms in lumps: clean the ice tray from ice (use a plastic spatula).

In models with Smart ThinQ (for example, LG Instaview) clicks may be accompanied by errors display:

  • IE —a problem with the water supply.
  • FF —a malfunction of the ice maker fan.
  • dH —a clog in the drainage system.

7. When you urgently need to turn off the refrigerator

Yes 5 critical situations, when clicks indicate a serious breakdown, and the refrigerator must be immediately disconnected from the network:

⚠️ Attention: If after the click a burning smell or smoke appears, this is a sign short circuit. Immediately unplug the plug from the socket and do not turn on the refrigerator until the technician arrives!
  • 🔥 Smell burning or smoke from the back of the refrigerator (relay or compressor burnt out).
  • 💥 Cotton and sparks when clicked (breakdown of the electrical circuit).
  • 🧊 The compressor does not start after 3-5 clicks, and the temperature in the chambers rises.
  • 🔌 The machine on the panel knocks out when the refrigerator is turned on.
  • 🛠️ An error appears on the display E5, F1 or ALARM (freon leak or board malfunction).

What to do in an emergency:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Put the food into a cooler bag or a bowl of ice.
  3. Do not try to disassemble the compressor or control board yourself!
  4. Call technicians (indicate the refrigerator model and symptoms for an accurate diagnosis).
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator clicks and does not turn on after a power outage, wait 10-15 minutes. Perhaps the protection against power surges has worked (especially important for models ATLANT and Stinol).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clicking noises in the refrigerator

❓ Why does a new refrigerator click more often than an old one?

Modern models (especially those with inverter compressorsas Samsung Digital Inverter) click more often due to:

  • More sensitive thermostats (react to the slightest temperature changes).
  • Electronic control (the relay is activated more often to save energy).
  • Thin plastic walls that are more deformed when cooling.

This is not a breakdown, but if the sound is annoying, check the settings: set the mode Eco or Vacation for smoother operation.

❓ Is it possible to replace the start relay yourself?

Yes, this is one of the simplest repair operations. You will need:

  • A new relay (select according to the compressor model, for example, Danfoss 103N0240 or Embraco EGX 130HLX).
  • Screwdriver and pliers.
  • Multimeter for checking contacts.

Instructions:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.

2. Remove the back cover (usually secured with 4-6 screws).


3. Disconnect the wires from the relay (take a photo of the connection diagram!).


4. Remove the relay from the compressor (can be secured with a latch or screw).


5. Install a new relay and connect the wires.


6. Check the operation of the refrigerator.

If the clicks remain after replacement, the problem is in the compressor or control board.

❓ Why do the clicks increase at night?

Is this related? with two factors:

  1. Silence: at night there is no background noise, so clicks are heard more clearly.
  2. Operating mode: many refrigerators at night go into energy saving mode, in which the compressor turns on less often, but with a higher load (hence more loud relay clicks).

Solution: move the refrigerator away from the bedroom or turn it on in the room white noise (for example, a fan at minimum speed).

❓ How to distinguish compressor clicks from fan clicks?

Do a simple test:

  1. Open the refrigerator door.
  2. If there are clicks stopped —the problem is in the fan (it turns off when the door is open).
  3. If the clicks continue —the source of the sound is in the compressor or relay.

Also pay attention to rhythm:

  • 🔄 Compressor: click once every 5-10 seconds (startup attempts).
  • 💨 Fan: frequent clicks (1-2 per second) or crackling.
❓ How much does it cost to repair if the refrigerator clicks but does not freeze?

The cost depends on the reason:

Breakage Cost of parts (₽) Cost of work (₽)
Replacing the start relay 500–1500 1000–2000
Replacing the thermostat 800–2500 1500–2500
Repairing the compressor 3000–8000 2000–4000
Refilling freon 1500–3000 3000–5000
Replacement of the control board 4000–12000 2500–3500

Advice: if the refrigerator is more than 7 years old, compare the cost of repairs with the cost of a new device. For example, replacing a compressor in a model Indesit BIAA 13 can cost 10-12 thousand rubles, which is comparable to the price of a new budget refrigerator.

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