A sudden extraneous sound in kitchen appliances always causes alarm, especially if it is a regular click that interrupts the silence. When clicks inside the refrigerator, this may indicate either normal operation of the electronics or a serious malfunction of the compressor or start relay. Understanding the nature of these sounds helps the owner save time and money without calling a technician to solve basic problems.
Modern models of household appliances, be it Indesit, Bosch or LG, emit various sounds in the course of their life. However, if the rhythmic ticking is replaced by loud bangs or crackling sounds, it cannot be ignored. It is important to learn to distinguish between normal operating noise and signals that the unit requires immediate intervention or replacement of parts.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the mechanics of the refrigeration circuit so that you can accurately determine the source of the problem. We will consider situations where sound is normal, and cases that require urgent repairs. If clicks are accompanied by a lack of cold or long pauses before starting, this is a sure sign of failure of the start-up relay.
Natural sounds: when you should not panic
Many owners encounter strange sounds right away for the first time after purchasing new equipment or defrosting. Often clicks in the refrigerator are an absolutely normal phenomenon associated with the physical processes of expansion and contraction of materials. The plastic of the inner chamber and the metal tubes of the evaporator change their geometric dimensions with temperature changes, which causes a characteristic crackling sound.
Models with the system make such sounds especially often. No Frost. They constantly operate fans and defrost heaters, the cycles of which are accompanied by sound effects. If the sound is heard rarely and does not affect the quality of cooling of products, then, most likely, the equipment is working properly.
It is worth listening to the nature of the sound: natural crackling is usually quiet and chaotic. It does not repeat with rigid frequency every minute. Unlike mechanical breakdowns, thermal clicks are not accompanied by vibration of the case or humming.
- 🔊 Thermal expansion: Crackling of plastic or metal when the temperature inside the chambers changes.
- ❄️ Defrost cycle: Sounds of the heater operating or falling ice in models with automatic defrosting.
- 💨 Refrigerant movement: Quiet gurgling or hissing, which can sometimes be disguised as light clicks.
⚠️ Attention: If quiet clicks suddenly become loud, ringing or begin to be accompanied burning smell, immediately unplug the device. This may indicate a short circuit in the wiring or overheating of the insulation.
Why does the new refrigerator click more often than the old one?
The new seals and plastic parts have not yet “got used to” each other. In the first weeks of operation, sounds may be more pronounced due to the tension of materials and the active operation of the compressor, which is trying to quickly reach the set temperature in an empty chamber.
Diagnostics of the starting relay and compressor
The most common and serious reason why the refrigerator clicks and does not turn onis a malfunction of the starting relay. This small element is responsible for supplying voltage to the compressor motor windings. When the relay tries to start the motor, a loud click is heard, but if the mechanism is jammed or the coil is burned out, the start does not occur.
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its operation should not be interrupted by constant attempts to start. If you hear a series of clicks a few minutes apart, followed by silence, the thermal protection is tripping. The engine heats up, the protection turns off the current, the motor cools down, and the cycle repeats again.
In older models, posistor or electromagnetic relays were often used, which wore out over time. In modern inverter models Samsung or Haier relay functions are built into the electronic unit, and the nature of the clicks may be different, quieter, but the problem remains the same - the main unit does not start.
For accurate diagnostics, you need to remove the back cover at the bottom of the unit and visually inspect the relay. Often traces of soot or melting of the plastic are visible on the body. You can also gently shake the removed relay: if you hear the ringing of a broken ceramic element inside, the part definitely requires replacement.
Problems with the thermostat and sensors
Another source of characteristic clicks is the thermostat (thermostat) or electronic temperature sensor. In mechanical models, this device has contacts that open and close with an audible click when the set temperature is reached. This is normal operation, but if the clicks become too frequent, the device may be “stuck” or incorrectly calibrated.
In electronics, this function is carried out by sensors that are silent themselves, but their signals are processed by the control module. If the control board is faulty, it may issue erroneous commands to turn on the compressor, causing chaotic clicking of the relay on the board. In such cases, flashing or replacing the controller is often required.
You can determine the problem with the thermostat by the operation of the refrigerator: if it either does not turn off at all, working for wear, or remains turned off for too long, defrosting all the contents, look for the reason in the sensor. Adjusting the screw on the thermostat sometimes helps, but more often it requires installing a new element.
- 🌡️ Mechanical wear: The contacts inside the thermostat burn out and stop closing normally.
- ⚡ Power surges: Can damage the sensitive electronics of the control module.
- 🔌 Oxidation of contacts: Humidity inside the chamber contributes to corrosion of electrical connections.
⚠️ Attention: Before replacing the thermostat or any electrical components, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with 220V voltage without proper qualifications is life-threatening.
The influence of network voltage and power surges
The quality of electricity in our networks often leaves much to be desired, and refrigeration equipment is very sensitive to these changes. If there is a clicking sound inside the refrigerator at an unstable voltage, this may be a reaction of the protective automation or the compressor itself to a lack of power to start.
At low voltage, the starting current increases, and the engine hums, but cannot turn over. At this moment, the thermal protection relay begins to operate in emergency mode, making frequent clicks. Long-term operation in such conditions is guaranteed to lead to burnout of the motor windings.
To protect expensive equipment, it is recommended to use voltage stabilizers or at least voltage control relays. These devices will turn off the power when the parameters exceed acceptable standards, saving the compressor from breakdown. Modern models Electrolux i Whirlpool have built-in protection, but it does not always have time to react to sudden surges.
Table: Comparison of symptoms and possible causes
To simplify the diagnostic process, we have systematized the main symptoms of malfunctions. Compare the behavior of your device with the data in the table to narrow down the search for the problem.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Required actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single click when turned off | Normal operation of the thermostat | Not required | Observation |
| Series of clicks, no cold | Starter fault relay | Low | Replacement of relay |
| Loud clicking and humming | Compressor jammed | High | Call a technician |
| Frequent clicks and light blinking | Problems with wiring or board | Medium | Electrical diagnostics |
Instructions: How to check and replace the starting relay
If you determine that the source of the problem lies in the starting relay, you can replace it yourself, with minimal skills in working with tools. This process requires no special equipment other than a screwdriver and maybe a multimeter to check.
You must first gain access to the compressor. To do this, move the refrigerator away from the wall and remove the rear protective panel (usually secured with latches or screws) at the bottom of the cabinet. You will see a black compressor tank, to which a small box is attached - this is the relay you are looking for.
Carefully remove the relay from the compressor contacts. It can be held on by latches or a metal bracket. Visually inspect the insides: if the plastic is blackened and the contacts are covered with carbon deposits, the part is faulty. When purchasing a new relay, be sure to check the markings with the old one, as they are not universal for all models Beko, Zanussi or Atlant.
☑️ Replacing the start relay
Installing a new element done in reverse order. It is important to make sure that the relay is seated tightly and the contacts fit into the grooves until they stop. After assembly, turn on the device and listen: if the click becomes single and the compressor starts working smoothly, the repair was successful.
Prevention and extension of service life
In order to avoid situations in the future when the refrigerator makes strange soundsit is necessary to follow the operating rules. Regular defrosting (for drip systems), cleaning the condenser from dust and checking the door seals will help keep the equipment in working condition for many years.
Do not overload the refrigerator with food, especially immediately after loading a large batch of warm goods. This forces the compressor to work at its limit, which accelerates wear on the starting equipment. Also make sure that the equipment is level: misalignment can cause vibration and additional noise, which can easily be confused with mechanical knocks.
Periodically check the condition of the electrical plug and socket. Burnt contacts at the connection point are a common cause of crackling and clicking noises that come not from inside the unit, but from the connection point. Timely elimination of such little things prevents more serious damage.
Can a refrigerator click if it is empty?
Yes, an empty refrigerator can click even more often, since the air gap inside the chamber is larger and the temperature fluctuates more actively. The thermostat will cycle the compressor on and off more frequently, producing characteristic sounds. In addition, the absence of cold storage products makes the operation of the unit more cyclical.
Is it dangerous to ignore relay clicks?
It is dangerous to ignore frequent relay clicks. If the compressor does not start the first time and constantly tries to do so, it will overheat. This can lead to an interturn short circuit of the windings, after which the motor burns out completely. Repair in this case becomes economically unfeasible.
Why does the refrigerator click after defrosting?
After defrosting, clicks can be caused by thermal expansion of materials that have sharply changed the temperature. It is also possible that moisture gets on the electrical contacts, causing short circuits. Allow the equipment to dry completely (at least 4-6 hours) before turning it on.
How to distinguish the sound of a compressor from the sound of a fan?
The sound of a compressor is usually low-frequency, dull and accompanied by vibration of the housing. The fan sound (in No Frost systems) is higher frequency, similar to a hum or whistle, and comes from deep in the freezer compartment. The compressor clicks are sharper and more metallic.