The situation when your refrigerator clickingbut does not start or makes extraneous sounds during operation is familiar to many owners of household appliances. This sound can be one-time and rare, or it can turn into an obsessive rhythmic knocking that haunts you day and night. Understanding the nature of these sounds is the first step to maintaining food freshness and peace of mind in your home.
In most cases, clicking signals an attempt start-up relay to start the engine or thermal expansion of the housing materials. However, regular clicking noises cannot be ignored, as they may indicate compressor failure. In this article, we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the unit’s operation so that you can accurately determine the source of the noise.
Modern models, be it Indesit, Atlant or LG, have a similar design, but can react differently to voltage drops or wear of parts. It is important not to panic, but to consistently analyze the nature of the sound and the accompanying symptoms.
Normal operation of the thermostat and temperature expansions
The most harmless reason why the refrigerator makes clicking noises is the operation thermostat. When the temperature inside the chamber reaches the set value, the thermostat opens the electrical circuit, turning off the compressor. This process is accompanied by a characteristic dry click.
A similar sound may occur when the unit is turned on. In older manual models, this sound is more pronounced. If the click is heard approximately once every 30–40 minutes and coincides with the engine stopping or starting, then this is the normal operating mode of the cooling systemit does not require intervention.
Another source of sounds is thermal expansion and compression of materials. The plastic of the inner box and the metal elements of the evaporator may make cracking or light clicking noises when the temperature changes. This especially often happens immediately after defrosting or when loading warm products for the first time.
⚠️ Attention: If the clicks are accompanied by strong vibration of the case or last continuously for several minutes, this is not the norm for a working device.
The nature of the sound during thermal expansion is usually dull, sometimes reminiscent of crackling. This is due to the fact that different parts of the structure have different expansion coefficients. Over time, when the unit “gets used” to the new temperature regime, such sounds may become quieter or disappear altogether.
Malfunction of the compressor start-up relay
If the refrigerator clicks every 3-5 seconds, but does not start, the problem most likely lies in starting relay. This small element is responsible for supplying a starting pulse to the motor winding. When you try to start, the relay clicks, but if the contact does not close or immediately opens, the motor stalls.
A common cause of breakdown is wear of the contact group or breakdown of the mechanism inside the relay. In models with an electromagnetic starter, the core could get stuck. In thermal relays, the bimetallic plate often burns out and stops responding normally to current.
- 🔌 Symptom: Rhythmic clicks at intervals of several seconds.
- 🌡️ Symptom: The compressor heats up, but does not vibrate (does not work).
- 🔌 Symptom: Lack of cold in both chambers.
For diagnostics, you need to remove the back panel and carefully remove the relay from under the compressor casing. Shake the part near your ear: if a ringing or knocking sound is heard inside, it means the mechanism is damaged and requires replacement. This is one of the most common reasons why the refrigerator clicks and does not freeze..
How to remove the relay correctly?
Unplug the refrigerator. Remove the plastic casing from the compressor. Carefully disconnect the wires (after photographing their location). Remove the relay from the compressor contacts by gently rocking it. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the contacts.
Problems with starting the engine (Compressor)
A more serious situation occurs when the engine itself compressor cannot start. In this case, it is the relay that makes the clicking noise, trying to turn on a jammed or faulty motor. If the compressor hums after a click, but does not start, there may be an interturn short circuit in the winding.
In some cases, the engine may be working properly, but it does not have enough voltage to start. This often happens when the network voltage is low or faulty extension cords are used. Attempts to start in such conditions lead to rapid overheating of the windings.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Clicking, buzzing, silence | Piston jamming groups | Replacing the compressor |
| Multiple clicks | Faulty start relay | Replacing the relay |
| Click, start, after 10 seconds. shutdown | Thermal relay has tripped | Checking the current and replacing the relay |
If you hear a loud metallic clang or knock at the moment of clicking, this may indicate mechanical destruction of the internal components of the motor. In such cases, further operation is dangerous and can lead to a fire in the wiring.
The influence of voltage drops in the network
Unstable power supply is the scourge of many regions. If the voltage in the network drops below the permissible threshold (usually below 190–200 Volts), starting relay it may not work the first time. Electronics or mechanics try to compensate for the lack of power by emitting a series of clicks.
Inverter models are especially sensitive to this, although they are equipped with protection. In classic refrigerators, low voltage causes the engine to hum, but cannot turn the shaft, after which the protection is triggered and a shutdown click is heard.
To protect expensive equipment, it is recommended to use voltage stabilizers. They smooth out surges and ensure a smooth start, extending the life of the compressor and relay.
⚠️ Attention: The use of cheap surge protectors ("pilots") does not protect against low voltage. To correct the voltage, you need a stabilizer of the appropriate power.
You can check the voltage using a multimeter or voltmeter. If the indicators in the outlet fluctuate, the problem is not in the refrigerator, but in the house electrical network or wiring.
Faults in the No Frost system
In refrigerators with the system No Frost clicks can be produced not only by electrical components, but also by mechanical ones. For example, when a fan freezes, the blades may touch the ice, making cracking or clicking noises. There may also be a knock on the air duct damper that regulates the flow of cold air.
Deformation of the plastic parts of the air ducts due to the constant freeze-defrost cycle also leads to the appearance of sounds. If clicks are heard from the depths of the freezer, it is worth checking the condition of the evaporator.
- ❄️ Cause: Ice on the fan blades.
- 🌬️ Cause: The air recirculation damper is stuck.
- 🧊 Cause: Tearing off pieces of ice and falling on parts.
Completely defrosting the refrigerator within 24 hours often helps solve the problem. This will allow the ice to melt and the system to return to its original state. If after defrosting the sounds repeat after a few days, diagnostics of the defrost heating element or timer is required.
Diagnostics: step-by-step algorithm of actions
Before calling a technician, you can carry out an initial diagnosis yourself. This will help you more accurately describe the problem to a specialist, or perhaps fix the problem yourself if it is simple.
Start with a visual inspection and listening. Determine where exactly the sound is coming from: from behind (compressor), from inside (evaporator) or from below (relay). Check whether the light in the chamber is on and whether the fan is running (if you can hear it).
☑️ Primary diagnostic checklist
If you decide to remove the relay for inspection, proceed carefully. The contacts must be clean and free of carbon deposits. The compressor itself should not have external signs of overheating or damage to the wires.
When you need to call a technician
There are situations when independent repair is impossible or dangerous. If you determine that it is clicking compressor, and at the same time it has heated up to a high temperature, it is better not to risk it. Replacing the motor requires special equipment for pumping out freon and evacuating the system.
Also, professional help is needed if the problem lies in a refrigerant leak. In this case, the refrigerator may click when trying to start, but there will be no cold due to the lack of pressure in the circuit.
⚠️ Attention: It is prohibited to open a sealed cooling circuit without a license and equipment. This can lead to the release of harmful substances and final damage to the unit.
A timely call to a technician at the first sign of a relay malfunction often saves the compressor from burning out. The cost of replacing a relay is not comparable to the price of a new engine, so do not delay repairs.
Remember that modern refrigerators are complex devices. Even if you managed to start the unit with a “kick” (a blow to the body), this is a temporary measure. Mechanical starting of a jammed compressor is the path to its final breakdown.
Prevention and care of equipment
To reduce the risk of extraneous sounds and extend the life of the refrigerator, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular defrosting (for drip systems) and cleaning the condenser from behind will help the motor operate in optimal mode.
Keep an eye on the installation level. If the refrigerator is not level, vibration during compressor operation increases, which can lead to rattling and displacement of internal parts, causing clicking.
Use high-quality power sources. Voltage surges are the main enemy of electronics and motor windings. A simple stabilizer can save you money on expensive repairs.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it clicks?
If the clicks are rare and are associated with the operation of the thermostat, then you can. If the clicks are frequent, rhythmic and the refrigerator does not freeze, operation is prohibited, as this will lead to combustion of the compressor.
How much does it cost to replace the start relay?
The cost of the part itself is usually low, but the price may vary depending on the model of the refrigerator and the brand. The main cost of the service is the work of a technician to diagnose and replace it.
Why does the refrigerator click immediately after being plugged in?
This is an attempt to start the compressor. If it is not followed by the hum of the motor and cooling, it means that the trigger mechanism is faulty or the engine is blocked.
Is it dangerous if a burning smell comes from the relay?
Yes, this is a sign of overheating of the contacts or short circuit. It is necessary to immediately disconnect the device from the network to avoid a fire.