Suddenly appearing extraneous sounds in the operation of household appliances always cause alarm owners. When the refrigerator makes clicking noises, this can be either a natural process of the system functioning or a harbinger of a serious breakdown that requires immediate attention. Understanding the nature of these sounds allows you to save time and money, since not every noise indicates a malfunction.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the operation of various components of the unit so that you can independently determine the source of the problem. Regular monitoring A sound background helps prevent the failure of an expensive compressor. We will consider both normal operating modes and emergency situations requiring replacement of parts.
Often owners confuse a harmless hum or a single click with signs of a critical malfunction. However, there are specific sound patterns that cannot be ignored. Cyclic clicks or a crackling sound that repeats with a certain periodicity is a signal that requires your attention and initial diagnostics.
Natural sounds of a working refrigerator
Modern models of refrigeration equipment, be it Indesit, LG or Bosch, are equipped with complex thermoregulation systems that operate cyclically. In normal operation, you can hear characteristic sounds that are a consequence of physical processes inside the circuit. Thermal expansion The plastic and metal body when the temperature changes causes a crackling noise, which is often confused with a breakdown.
When the compressor starts or stops, contacts open in the electrical circuit, which is accompanied with a dull click. This is normal operation of the start relay, which occurs 1-2 times per hour depending on the thermostat settings. If the sound is single and is not accompanied by other anomalies, then, most likely, the equipment is working properly.
In models with the system No Frost the fan and evaporator heater periodically turn on, which can also be accompanied by a slight crackling or clicking of mode switching. It is important to distinguish these sounds from a mechanical knock, which may indicate imbalance.
Faults in the start relay and thermostat
One of the most common reasons why a refrigerator clicks but does not turn on, the start relay is faulty. This small element is responsible for starting the compressor engine. If the relay contacts are oxidized or burnt, the device will make frequent clicks, trying to start the engine, but without success.
The thermostat (temperature regulator) can also become a source of sound. When the set temperature is reached, it opens the circuit, which is accompanied by a click. If the thermostat is “stuck” or fails, the clicks may become chaotic or stop altogether, which will lead either to constant operation of the compressor or to its complete downtime.
⚠️ Attention: Frequent clicks with an interval of 10-20 seconds, after which the compressor hums and goes silent, is a clear sign of an attempt to start with a faulty starting device. Operation in this mode will quickly damage the compressor.
How to check the start relay?
Remove the back cover of the refrigerator, find the box on the side of the compressor. Carefully remove it and shake it. If you hear a knock inside (as if from a broken stone), it means that the starting tablet or coil is damaged and requires replacement.
Problems with the compressor: water hammer
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and any changes in its sound are critical. If you hear a loud metallic clanging sound or a series of loud clicking sounds when starting up, this could indicate water hammer. This happens when liquid refrigerant enters the compressor cylinder instead of the gaseous state.
The cause of liquid ingress may be a freon leak, a malfunction of the capillary tube, or improper charging of the system during a previous repair. Hydraulic hammer extremely dangerous for the piston group and can lead to mechanical destruction of the valves.
In some cases, clicks come from the compressor housing itself due to the weakening of the internal springs on which the motor is suspended. During operation, it begins to vibrate and hit the walls of the casing. To accurately diagnose this unit, it is often necessary to dismantle and open the casing, which is best left to professionals.
The influence of the No Frost and defrosting system
Refrigerators operating using technology No Frosthave an automatic defrosting system. During defrosting of the evaporator, the heating element is turned on according to a timer, which may be accompanied by a switching click. The sound can also be made by the defrost timer itself, located inside the case.
If ice has formed in the defrost system, the fan blades may touch the ice, causing cracking and clicking noises. This often happens when the drain hole is clogged and there is nowhere for the water to drain. In such cases, it is necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator within 24 hours.
Fault diagnostics: table of symptoms
To make it easier to find the problem, we suggest turning to the summary table. It will help you compare the sounds you hear with the likely causes of their occurrence. Remember that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist using measuring instruments.
| Sound type | Frequency | Probable cause | Need for repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaf single click | Once every 30-60 minutes | Operation of the thermostat or start relay | Not required (Normal) |
| Frequent crackling/clicking | Every 10-20 seconds | Starting relay malfunction | High (Replace the relay) |
| Metal clanging | At the moment of starting | Hydraulic shock or suspension wear | Critical (Risk of motor combustion) |
| Plastic cracking | When temperature changes | Thermal expansion of materials | Not required (Normal) |
Instructions for the initial check with your own hands
Before calling a technician, you can carry out a number of simple steps that will help eliminate common causes of noise or prepare the equipment for repair. Safety is paramount, so carry out all manipulations only with the appliance unplugged.
First of all, check the stability of the refrigerator. If it is not level, vibration from the compressor can be transmitted to the chassis and floor, creating a resonating sound similar to clicking or rattling. Adjust the legs using a building level.
⚠️ Attention: Before any diagnostic work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical components is life-threatening!
☑️ Primary diagnostic checklist
Next you need to gain access to the compressor. Remove the rear protective panel (usually held in place by screws or clips). Turn on the refrigerator and listen to where exactly the sound is coming from. Be careful not to touch hot condenser tubes and moving parts.
When you need to call a specialist
There are situations when self-repair is not only useless, but also dangerous. If you determine that the clicking sounds come from inside the sealed circuit or are associated with the electrical part of the motor-compressor, it is better not to take risks. Replacing a compressor or soldering pipelines requires special equipment and skills.
Also, professional help is needed if after replacing the start relay the problem does not go away. This may mean that the motor itself is faulty or there are problems with the control electronics (control module), which sends incorrect signals to start.
Why shouldn’t you change the compressor yourself?
Replacement requires evacuation of the system, precise filling of freon of a certain type and weight, as well as soldering of copper tubes in a nitrogen environment. Errors lead to rapid breakdown of the new compressor.
Do not ignore repeated clicks, even if the refrigerator continues to freeze. Early diagnosis allows you to replace inexpensive parts, such as a relay or sensor, avoiding the purchase of a new expensive unit.
Is it normal if the refrigerator clicks immediately after being plugged in?
Yes, this is absolutely normal. At the moment of connection to the network, an initial cycle of self-diagnosis and startup occurs, which is accompanied by a click of the start relay. If after this the refrigerator begins to operate normally and cool, there is no cause for concern.
Can a new refrigerator click?
New models may make sounds of materials adapting. When first cooled, plastic and metal shrink, producing a cracking sound. Also, new compressors may have a stiffer suspension, which requires a short break-in time.
Is it dangerous to ignore frequent clicks?
Yes, it is dangerous. If the clicking noise is caused by attempts to start a faulty compressor, the motor windings may overheat and burn out. This will lead to expensive repairs or complete replacement of the refrigerator. It is better to play it safe and carry out diagnostics.
Does a voltage surge affect the appearance of clicks?
Power surges can damage the starting relay or electronics, which will lead to incorrect operation and the appearance of extraneous sounds. If your network has unstable voltage, it is recommended to use a stabilizer or surge protector to protect equipment.