Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation where the refrigerator clicks during operation, creating discomfort in the room. This sound can be barely noticeable, barely noticeable against the background of the general hum of the engine, or it can manifest itself in the form of loud, frightening blows. Often, users begin to panic, believing that the unit is about to fail completely, but this symptom does not always indicate a critical breakdown.
In most cases, periodic clicking is a normal reaction of the control system to changes in the temperature conditions inside the chambers. When the sensors detect that the set temperature has been reached, the circuit opens and the compressor stops - it is at this moment that a characteristic sound is heard. Understanding the physics of the processes occurring inside the refrigeration circuitrefrigeration circuit
However, the changed nature of the sound cannot be ignored. If a previously quiet appliance begins to make loud, frequent or rhythmic clicking noises, this may indicate a problem with the trigger mechanism, an overloaded motor, or ice blockage. In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible causes of noise, methods of self-diagnosis and situations when you can no longer do without calling a specialist.
⚠️ Attention: If the clicks are accompanied by a lack of cold in the chambers or a continuous hum without stopping, immediately disconnect the device from the power supply to avoid failure of the compressor.
Natural causes sounds
The most common reason why the refrigerator clickslies in the operation of the thermostat. This small device is responsible for maintaining the set temperature: when the air in the chamber is cooled to the desired value, the thermostat opens the electrical circuit that supplies power to the compressor. The mechanical opening of the contacts is always accompanied by a sound effect, which we perceive as a click.
A similar process occurs when the unit is turned on. As soon as the temperature rises above the set norm, the thermostat closes the circuit again, starting the motor. In modern electronically controlled models, this function is performed by sensors, but even they can make quiet sounds of relay switching. If clicks are heard exactly at the moment the motor starts or stops, then this is absolutely a normal phenomenon.
Another factor causing extraneous noise is the thermal expansion of materials. The chamber walls, evaporator and cooling system pipelines are made of metals and plastics, which have different expansion coefficients. When there is a sudden change in temperature (for example, immediately after defrosting or loading hot food), the materials become deformed, producing cracking or clicking sounds. Usually this sound resembles the crackling of ice or plastic and stops after the temperature has stabilized.
Problems with the start-up relay and compressor
The situation becomes more serious if the refrigerator clicks and does not turn on or makes a series of quick clicks before starting. In this case, the source of the problem is most often the start relay. This element is responsible for supplying voltage to the motor windings at the moment of start. If the relay contacts are oxidized, burnt, or the mechanism is jammed, it begins to endlessly try to start the motor, making characteristic clicking sounds.
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and its serviceability is critical. When you try to start a faulty relay or if there are problems with the motor itself (for example, an interturn short circuit or jamming of the piston group), the current in the windings increases sharply. The starter acts as a protection, breaking the circuit and you hear a click. After some time, the cycle repeats. If you leave the unit in this condition, the motor windings may burn out.
You can diagnose a relay malfunction visually and by ear. If, when plugged in, you hear a loud click, the motor hums for a few seconds, then a second click is heard and the hum stops - this is a classic symptom of a “dry” start. In some cases, you can replace the relay yourself by selecting an analogue for your model refrigeration equipment.
Is it possible to temporarily remove the relay?
In some models, the relay is made in the form of a separate box, placed on the contacts of the compressor. Theoretically, if you carefully remove it and shake it, you can hear whether the tongue inside is dangling. If it breaks off and dangles, the relay is definitely faulty. However, you cannot operate the refrigerator without a working relay - this will lead to the compressor burning out.
The influence of ice and the No Frost system
Owners of equipment with the system No Frost often encounter clicks that are caused by the operation of the defrost system. In such models, ice periodically forms on the evaporator, hidden behind the rear wall, which must be removed. To do this, the heating element (heating element) is turned on and the ice begins to melt. Drops of water flowing into the pan may fall on the hot heating element or metal parts, making sounds similar to clicking or hissing.
A more dangerous situation occurs when an ice plug blocks the fan. If the defrost system does not work correctly (the defrost sensor, timer or heating element is faulty), too much ice accumulates on the evaporator. The blades of the fan driving the cold air begin to touch the ice crust. This causes a rhythmic crackling or clicking sound, the frequency of which depends on the fan speed. Over time, the sound may increase until the blades break or the fan motor jams.
It is also worth mentioning the sounds that occur during manual defrosting. If you were defrosting the refrigerator, and after turning it on it started making strange clicking noises, you may have been too hasty. There could be condensation left in the system, which expanded when freezing, or the thermostat has not yet reached operating mode. In such cases, it is recommended to let the device operate for several hours without loading food.
☑️ Signs of problems with defrosting
Diagnostics by the nature of the sound
To correctly determine the cause of the malfunction, it is necessary to carefully analyze the nature of the sounds produced. Different types of breakdowns generate unique acoustic signatures that an experienced technician can recognize the first time. Below is a table to help classify symptoms.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Degree of danger |
|---|---|---|
| Single click when turning on/off | Operation thermostat | Normal |
| Series of quick clicks, the motor does not start | Malfunction of the starting relay | High (risk of motor burning) |
| Rhythmic crackling or knock | Fan touches ice or wall | Medium (needs defrosting/repair) |
| Loud clicking and buzzing, then silence | Protective shutdown of compressor | High |
| Quiet crackling of plastic | Thermal expansion of materials | Safe |
Pay attention to the periodicity of sounds. If the refrigerator is clicking chaotic and rare, most likely it is due to the physics of materials or rare power surges in the network. If the clicks become intrusive and are repeated at intervals of several minutes, this is a direct signal that the compressor operating cycles are broken.
It is also important to listen to where exactly the sound is coming from. If the source of the noise is located at the bottom of the unit where the motor-compressor is located, the problem is likely mechanical or electrical. If the sound is heard inside the chamber or from the rear wall, it is worth checking the air circulation system and the presence of ice.
When urgent repairs are needed
There are a number of signs indicating that independent experiments should be stopped and you should contact a specialist. The first and most important sign is the lack of cold in the chambers when the compressor is running (or trying to work). If the refrigerator is clicking, the motor is humming, but the temperature inside does not drop, which means the cooling cycle is broken.
The second alarming symptom is the smell of burning or burning plastic. It indicates overheating of the insulation of the motor windings or melting of the starting relay elements. Operating such a device is a fire hazard. The third sign is the knocking out of plugs or circuit breakers in the panel when the refrigerator is turned on, which indicates a short circuit in the circuit.
It is also worth calling a technician if you notice that the compressor is working non-stop, trying to gain temperature, and is constantly clicking. This indicates that the control system cannot start the unit correctly, and the motor is wearing out. Long-term operation in this mode will lead to expensive repairs or replacement of the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to repair the electrical part of the refrigerator without having the skills to work with high voltage. Capacitors can retain a charge even after being disconnected from the network.
Prevention and operating rules
To minimize the risk of extraneous noise and extend the life of the equipment, you must follow simple operating rules. First of all, make sure that the refrigerator is installed level. Misalignment of the housing can lead to improper operation of the door mechanisms and changes in the geometry of the internal components, which will cause vibration and clicks.
Regular defrosting (for drip systems) or checking the drainage hole (for No Frost) will help avoid the formation of ice jams. Do not load hot products into the chambers - this places excessive load on the compressor and causes strong thermal expansion of the materials, accompanied by cracking sounds. Also, do not place the refrigerator close to the wall, ensuring the necessary ventilation of the rear grille.
Periodically check the condition of the rubber seals on the doors. If they do not fit tightly, warm air enters the chamber, forcing the compressor to work more often and more intensely, which accelerates wear of the starting equipment. Following these simple recommendations will allow your Regular maintenance and proper installation prevent 80% of problems associated with noise and clicking in the refrigerator. refrigeration unit to operate quietly and efficiently for many years.
Why a refrigerator does it click immediately after defrosting?
After defrosting, moisture remains in the system, which, when turned on, can freeze in the form of individual crystals, causing a cracking sound. Also, the thermostat can work in enhanced mode, turning the compressor on and off more often to increase the temperature, which increases the frequency of clicks. This usually goes away after 3-5 hours of operation.
Is it dangerous if the refrigerator clicks but is cold?
If there is cold in the chambers, the food does not spoil, and clicks occur only when the motor is turned on or off, then this is normal. However, if the clicks become louder, more frequent, or change their character, it is worth carrying out diagnostics so as not to miss the initial stage of relay failure.
Is it possible to replace the starting relay yourself?
Technically, you can replace the relay if it is made in the form of a removable unit. However, to do this you need to know the exact model of the refrigerator, select an identical relay and follow safety precautions. If you do not have experience working with electrical appliances, it is better to entrust this procedure to a professional, since an error can lead to the compressor burning out.
Does the voltage in the network affect the clicks of the refrigerator?
Yes, low or unstable voltage in the network can prevent the compressor from starting normally. The engine tries to start, hums, but cannot turn over, after which the protection is triggered and a click is heard. In such cases, it is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer.