The situation when a household appliance begins to make extraneous sounds always causes concern for the owner. If your the refrigerator periodically clicks, this can be either a variant of the norm or a harbinger of a serious breakdown. The nature of the sounds, their frequency and accompanying symptoms (for example, lack of cold or constant operation of the motor) are key diagnostic signs.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the occurrence of clicks in various units of the unit. You'll learn to differentiate the harmless sounds of materials expanding from the warning signs of faulty electrical or compressor components. Understanding the source of the noise will help you make the right decision: call a technician or try to fix the problem yourself.
You should not ignore changes in the acoustic profile of the equipment. Modern modelsequipped with inverter compressors operate almost silently, so any knock in them is noticeable immediately. In older models with linear motors, the range of sounds is wider, but even there there are limits to what is acceptable.
Natural physical processes: thermal expansion
The most common and absolutely safe reason for the appearance of clicks, crackles and crunches is physics. The inner walls of the refrigerator and freezer chambers, as well as the evaporator hidden in the housing, are made of plastic and metal. When there is a sudden change in temperature, for example, immediately after defrosting or turning on, materials expand or contract at different rates.
This process is called thermal expansion. Plastic panels can make loud noises, similar to gunshots or crackling sounds. This usually happens in the first hours after turning on the appliance or after loading a large amount of warm food. Such clicks do not pose a threat to the functionality of the unit.
It is important to note that the intensity of such sounds depends on the quality of the plastic and the design of the case. In cheaper models, the walls are thinner, so the deformation and accompanying noise are more pronounced. Over time, when the temperature stabilizes, the frequency of such sounds should decrease.
⚠️ Attention: If the crackling sound is accompanied by an unpleasant burning smell or smoke, immediately unplug the device. This may indicate overheating of the wiring or insulation, which requires urgent intervention.
Faults in the start relay and thermostat
If the refrigerator clicks, but does not turn on, or turns on for a few seconds and stalls again with a characteristic sound, the problem lies in the electrical circuit for starting the compressor. Most often the culprit is starting relay. This small element is responsible for providing an impulse to start the engine.
Inside the relay there is a coil or posistor, which wear out over time. When the device tries to start the engine but cannot do so, an audible click is heard, followed by a pause before the next attempt. Cyclic repetition of this process (click - pause - click) is a sure sign of a relay failure.
Similar symptoms can be observed when a thermostat or thermostat breaks down. If the contacts inside the regulator are oxidized or stuck, the circuit will not close correctly. As a result, the compressor either does not receive a start signal or works intermittently, making repeated switching sounds.
How to check the relay yourself?
For diagnostics you will need a multimeter. Remove the relay from the compressor (after disconnecting the refrigerator from the network) and “ring” the contacts. If the resistance is infinitely high or, conversely, equal to zero in both positions, the relay is faulty and requires replacement.
Problems with the compressor: jamming and wear
The heart of the refrigerator is compressor. If it begins to make metallic knocking, clanging or loud clicking noises during operation, this may indicate mechanical damage to the internal components. The piston group may be worn out, and the valves may be deformed.
A particular danger is when the compressor “buzzes”, trying to start, but then there is a loud click and it goes silent. This is a sign jamming of a piston group or a broken rod. Attempts to start multiple times in this mode can lead to final failure of the motor and burnout of the windings.
In some cases, extraneous sounds do not come from the motor itself, but from its mounts. Vibration during operation is transmitted to the body, and if shock-absorbing springs weakened or burst, the metal parts begin to touch, creating a rhythmic knocking.
Ventilation and No Frost system
In models with the system No Frost fans are responsible for air circulation. If the fan blades are contaminated with dust or frozen with ice, the balancing may be affected. As a result, the fan begins to vibrate and touch the walls of the chamber or the housing, producing rhythmic clicks or crackling sounds.
Often the problem lies in ice. If the condensate drain system is clogged, water freezes on the evaporator and can get into the fan rotation area. Crushed ice, falling under the blades, creates a characteristic noise. After the ice thaws, the sound usually disappears, but the cause (clogged drainage) remains.
It is also worth checking the fastening of the fan itself. If the screws are loose, the motor will rattle. In modern models with several fans (separately for the refrigerator and freezer compartments), it is important to determine which compartment the sound is coming from.
⚠️ Attention: Before checking the fans, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Rotating blades can cause injury, and moisture entering open contacts can cause a short circuit.
The influence of improper installation and vibration
Sometimes the source of noise is trivial - improper installation of the unit. If the refrigerator is not on a level surface, the misalignment causes uneven load on the compressor and frame. This leads to increased vibration and contact of internal tubes or body parts.
Check the distance between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. If the gap is too small, the vibration is transmitted to the building structure, which can resonate and amplify the sound. Also, the tubes leading to the compressor should not touch each other or the motor housing.
Pay attention to the objects lying on the top cover of the refrigerator. Vases, jars or decorative items may resonate with the vibration of the motor. Remove everything unnecessary and check if the sound has disappeared.
☑️ Diagnostics of refrigerator installation
Comparative table of symptoms and causes
To simplify diagnosis, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the table that systematizes the main symptoms malfunctions. By comparing the behavior of your device with the data below, you can narrow down the search for the problem.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Sound character | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clicks when on/off | Thermal expansion, thermostat operation | Single crackling or crunching | Observation, normal |
| Cyclic clicks, no cold | Fault starting relay | Loud click, buzzing, silence | Replacing the relay |
| Metal clanging during operation | Wear of the compressor | Knock, grinding, vibration | Repair or replacement of the compressor |
| Rhythmic crackling in the chamber | Fan (No Frost) | Rustling, brushing of the blades | Defrosting, cleaning, replacing the fan |
| Case vibration | Incorrect installation | Humming, rattling | Alignment of legs, move away from walls |
Remember that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a qualified specialist using diagnostic equipment. Independent repair of complex components, such as a compressor or refrigerant circulation system, requires special skills and tools.
When you need to call a specialist
There are a number of situations when independent actions are not only useless, but also dangerous. If you observe loss of freon (the refrigerator is not freezing, but the compressor is hot), the clicking sounds may be an attempt to start under no pressure conditions. In this case, professional refueling and leak detection are required.
Also, the help of a specialist is needed if the compressor housing is damaged or traces of oil around it are visible. Tightness of the system is broken, and further operation will lead to complete failure of the equipment. The technician will be able to evacuate the system and correctly replace the components.
You should not take risks if you are not confident in your abilities when working with live electrical components. An error in connecting a new relay or thermostat can cause the compressor to burn out, the cost of which is a large part of the price of the refrigerator.
Can a new refrigerator make a clicking noise?
Yes, a new refrigerator can make a clicking noise. This is most often due to thermal expansion of new materials when first cooled. Also, during transportation, the compressor fasteners or pipes may have shifted, which causes a vibration knock. Let the device work for a day: if the sounds do not increase and the cold is produced, most likely this is normal.
Why does the refrigerator click every 10-15 minutes?
Such frequency often indicates the operation of the thermostat, which turns the compressor on and off to maintain the temperature. However, if the click is loud, accompanied by a hum, but the motor does not start, this is a sign of a faulty start relay or problems with the compressor (water hammer, jamming).
Is it dangerous to ignore clicks in the refrigerator?
If the clicks are caused by thermal expansion - no. But if the reason is electrical (sparking of relay contacts) or mechanical wear of the compressor, ignoring it can lead to a fire or expensive repairs. Constant attempts to start a faulty compressor can cause it to overheat and fire the windings.
How to extend the life of a compressor?
Defrost the refrigerator regularly, do not place it close to the wall, ensure good ventilation in the rear grille. Do not load hot foods into the chamber and try not to open the door unless necessary to reduce the load on the cooling system.