The refrigerator has stopped freezing, but it is clicking - what to do?

Has your refrigerator suddenly stopped freezing food, but is making rhythmic clicking noises? This is a warning sign that cannot be ignored. Clicking sounds in 90% of cases are associated with a malfunction start-protection relay or compressor, but can also indicate other problems - from a banal power surge to serious breakdowns in the cooling system.

Do not rush to call a repairman: in half of the cases the fault can be fixed on your own in 10-30 minutes. In this article we will analyze all the possible reasons why the refrigerator does not freeze, but clicks, how to carry out diagnostics without special tools and when professional repairs are really required.

⚠️ Important: If the refrigerator Indesit, Samsung or LG s The system No Frost stops freezing and clicks at intervals of 5-10 seconds - this is almost always a sign jammed compressor or faulty relay. In this case, independent repair is fraught with aggravation of the breakdown.

1. Why the refrigerator clicks but does not freeze: the main reasons

Clicks in the refrigerator are the sound of the operation start-protective relay, which is trying to start the compressor. If the motor does not turn on after a click, the problem lies in one of 7 reasons:

• 🔌 Power surge —the machine has been knocked out or the voltage in the network has dropped below 180V
• 🔧 Faulty relay —the contacts are burnt or the spring weakened
• ❄️ Stuck compressor —the motor cannot turn over due to a mechanical blockage
• 📉 Leakage refrigerant —freon has leaked, the pressure in the system has dropped
• 🔥 Compressor overheating —thermal protection has triggered
• 🧊 Frozen fan (in models with No Frost) - blades blocked by ice
• 🔋 Failure of the control board —the electronic module does not give a start command

The most common reasons are the first three. For example, in refrigerators, the relay often fails, and in refrigerators, the compressor suffers due to overheating. If clicks are repeated at intervals of 3-5 seconds, this almost always indicates Atlant And Biryusa relay often fails RTK-X, and in Samsung And LG - the compressor suffers due to overheating. If clicks are repeated at intervals of 3-5 seconds, this almost always indicates jammed motor.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator No Frost clicks and does not freeze, but at the same time ice forms in the freezer - the problem is in the defrost system. Cleaning ice from a fan yourself is dangerous: you can damage the blades.

2. How to diagnose a problem by the nature of the clicks

The nature of the clicks can tell a lot about the malfunction. Here's how to decipher the "signals" of your refrigerator:

If the refrigerator Samsung RL-33 or LG GA-B489 clicks with a pause of exactly 3 seconds, this is a sign of activation of the compressor protection. In 80% of cases, a simple reboot helps: unplug the plug for 10 minutes, then plug it in again. If the clicks are repeated, the problem is more serious.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with inverter compressors (Samsung Digital Inverter, LG Linear Compressor), clicks upon startup are the norm. But if they are repeated cyclically without starting the motor, this is a malfunction.

3. Checking the start-protection relay: step-by-step instructions

The relay is the most vulnerable element in the compressor starting circuit. You can check it without special skills:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Remove the back cover (in most models it is secured with 4-6 screws).
3. Find the relay - this is a small black box attached to the compressor.
4. Carefully remove the relay by pulling it up (do not use force!).
5. Inspect the contacts: if they are blackened or melted, the relay must be replaced.

For more accurate diagnostics, you will need a multimeter:

• 🔧 Set the test mode resistance (200 Ohms).
• 🔧 Attach the probes to the contacts of the relay coil.
• 🔧 The resistance should be within 20-50 Ohms. If the device shows “1” (open circuit) or “0” (short circuit), the relay is faulty.

The cost of a new relay for refrigerators Atlant or Indesit is from 500 to 1500 rubles. For models Samsung and LG the price can reach up to 3000 rubles. When replacing, make sure that the new part is compatible with your compressor model (the number is indicated on the sticker).

4. A jammed compressor: how to determine and what to do

If the relay is working properly, but the compressor does not start and rhythmic clicks are heard, the motor is most likely jammed. This is one of the most serious breakdowns, which in 95% of cases requires replacing the compressor. Here's how to diagnose the problem:

Signs of a jammed compressor:

• 🔊 Clicking sounds repeat every 3-5 seconds
• 🔥 The compressor housing gets very hot
• 💡 Light bulb inside the refrigerator lights up, but the motor does not work
• 📉 The voltage in the network is normal (220V ± 10%)

For final check:

1. Remove the relay from the compressor.
2. Gently twist the compressor shaft with a screwdriver (through the technological hole).
3. If the shaft does not rotate or moves with great force, the compressor is jammed.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to “swing” the compressor by force - this may lead to damage to the windings. If the shaft does not rotate smoothly, the motor must be replaced. In refrigerators with inverter compressors, jamming is less common, but repairs are more expensive (from 8,000 rubles for a new motor). data-i="161">: 5000-7000 rubles Samsung And LG With inverter compressors, jamming is less common, but repairs are more expensive (from 8,000 rubles for a new motor).

Average compressor replacement cost:

• Atlant/Biryusa: 5000-7000 rubles
• Indesit/Ariston: 7000-9000 rubles
• Samsung/LG: 9000-15000 rubles

What will happen if you do not change a jammed compressor?

If you leave a jammed compressor without replacement, this will lead to:

1. Overheating and melting of the motor windings

2. Damage to the start-protection relay

3. Possible fire (in rare cases)

4. Complete failure of the refrigerator

5. Other possible reasons: from a freon leak to the control board

If the relay and compressor are working, but the refrigerator does not freeze and clicks, the problem may lie in:

Refrigerant (freon) leak

Signs:

• 🧊 The condenser (grid at the back) remains cold
• 🔊 Clicks are rare, the compressor tries to start, but immediately turns off
• 📉 The temperature in the chambers gradually increases

Leakage occurs due to corrosion tubes or mechanical damage. You can fix it yourself only if a clear crack is visible in the copper tube. In other cases, special equipment for vacuuming and filling is required.

Failure of the control board

Symptoms:

• 📱 An error flashes on the display (for example, E1, F5)
• 🔊 Clicks are chaotic, without a clear rhythm
• 💡 The refrigerator can randomly turn on/off

In models Samsung RL-34 and LG GA-B509 boards often fail due to power surges. The average cost of repairs is 3000-6000 rubles.

Frozen fan (for No Frost)

If the fan is frozen, the system thinks that the motor is not working and tries to restart it - hence the clicks. To check:

1. Turn off the refrigerator.
2. Open the freezer.
3. Shine a flashlight on the fan (usually located at the back).
4. If the blades are covered with ice, defrosting is required (at least 12 hours).

6. What to do if the refrigerator clicks and does not freeze: action algorithm

Follow this plan to quickly determine the cause and fix the problem:

If the refrigerator Indesit BIAA 13 or Beko CN 335220 clicks at intervals of 5 seconds:

1. Disconnect it from the network for 10 minutes.
2. Try to start again.
3. If the clicks are repeated, remove the relay and check the compressor.

For models with display (Samsung RB-30 J3200, LG GB-B459SLQZ):

• 📱 Write down the error code (if any).
• 🔍 Check in the instructions what it means.
• 🔧 Errors E1, F5 often indicate problems with the sensors or the board.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator clicks and does not freeze, but ice has accumulated in the freezer - No Frost clicks and does not freeze, but ice has accumulated in the freezer - do not break off the ice with a knife or other sharp objectsThis can damage the evaporator and lead to a freon leak. Use only a plastic spatula and a hair dryer for faster defrosting. data-i="218">Attention:

7. When to call a specialist: 5 signs of a serious breakdown

Not all faults can be repaired yourself if:

• 🔧 The compressor hums, but does not start (an interturn breakdown of the windings is possible)
• 🧊 Oil stains appeared on the back wall of the refrigerator (freon leakage)
• 🔥 The compressor body is heated to a temperature that burns your hand
• 📱 There is an error on the display that cannot be reset (E4, F7)
• 💡 The refrigerator turns on for 1-2 seconds and immediately turns off

Average cost of a technician in Moscow and the region:

• Diagnostics: 1000-1500 rubles
• Replacement of relay: 1500-2500 rubles (with spare part)
• Replacement of compressor: 6000-12000 rubles (with spare part)
• Elimination of freon leakage: 3500-5000 rubles
• Repair of the control board: 2000-4000 rubles

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator is under warranty, do not disassemble it yourself! etc.).Samsung, LG, Indesit etc.).

Frequently asked questions about clicking noises in the refrigerator

Why does the refrigerator click but does not turn on after defrosting?

This is a typical situation for models with No Frost. The reason is icing of the fan or a malfunction of the defrosting system. Try:

1. Turn off the refrigerator for 12-24 hours to completely defrost.
2. Turn the fan blades manually (they should rotate freely).
3. If the clicks are repeated after switching on, the defrosting heating element or sensor is faulty.

Is it possible to replace the start-up relay yourself?

Yes, this is one of the easiest operations for you. you will need:

• New relay (the exact model is indicated on the old one).
• Phillips screwdriver.
• 10 minutes of time.

Algorithm:

1. Turn off the refrigerator.
2. Remove the old relay (pull up).
3. Install the new one by aligning the contacts.
4. Fix the relay on the compressor.

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

Samsung refrigerator clicks and shows error E1 - what to do?

Error E1 in refrigerators Samsung means a problem with the freezer temperature sensor Try:

1. Turn off the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then turn it on. again.
2. If the error remains, check whether the products are blocking air circulation.
3. If it appears again E1 replacement of the sensor is required (cost 1500-2500 rubles including labor).

How long can it be stored? products if the refrigerator does not freeze?

Shelf life at room temperature (+20°C):

• 🥩 Meat and fish: 2-4 hours
• 🥛 Dairy products: 4-6 hours
• 🍳 Ready-made dishes: 2 hours
• 🥬 Vegetables and fruits: 12-24 hours

If the refrigerator still cools a little (temperature inside +10...+15°C), the time increases by 1.5-2 times. To extend the shelf life, use cooler bags or wrap the food in foil.

Why does a new refrigerator click when you first turn it on?

This is normal! In new refrigerators (LG, Samsung, Bosch), clicks when first started are associated with:

• Activation of the compressor (it begins to build up pressure).
• The operation of the valve. switching between chambers (in models with Total No Frost).
• The relay is activated when the operating temperature is reached.

The clicks should become less frequent after 12-24 hours. If they do not stop after 2-3 days, this is a reason to contact the service center.