A sudden extraneous sound from household equipment always causes alarm, especially if it refrigerator, ensuring the safety of products. The situation when a device makes clicking noises when turned on or during operation is one of the most common complaints to service centers. The nature of the sound can vary from a barely noticeable clicking sound to loud bangs that can scare household members in the middle of the night.
Understanding the nature of these sounds is critical for timely diagnosis. If you notice that the refrigerator clicks, this may indicate either normal operation of the automation or a serious malfunction of the electric motor or control system. Ignoring alarm signals often leads to expensive repairs or complete replacement of the unit.
In this material we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the occurrence of clicks, draw the line between normality and pathology, and also consider action algorithms for various breakdown scenarios. Your attention to detail will help the technician quickly determine the cause of the malfunction.
Natural sounds: when clicks are the norm
Before sounding the alarm, it is necessary to exclude natural physical processes. Many owners of modern models, such as LG or Samsunghear specific sounds for the first time only after purchase, since the old units worked differently. First of all, you should pay attention to the material of the internal shelves and body.
When the temperature changes, plastic and metal expand or contract. This process is called thermal deformation. When the temperature difference is large, materials produce characteristic crackling sounds, reminiscent of clicks. This is absolutely normal for any refrigeration equipmentoperating in cyclic mode.
⚠️ Attention: If the clicks are accompanied by a strong hum, vibration or odors, this is no longer normal, but a sign of a malfunction that requires intervention.
It is also worth considering the operation of the system No Frost. In such models, the fan and defrost system periodically turn on, which may be accompanied by sounds of dampers switching or ice falling into the drain. If the sound is heard rarely and does not affect the quality of cooling, there is nothing to worry about.
Start relay: the main source of problems with starting
If the refrigerator makes a series of noises clicks when trying to start, but the compressor itself does not turn on or immediately stalls, with a high degree of probability the problem lies in the start relay. This component is responsible for supplying voltage to the motor windings at the time of start. When the relay is worn out or burnt out, it tries to start the motor, opens the circuit and tries again, making a characteristic sound.
Frequent repetition of on-off cycles is dangerous for the compressor itself. Start relay may fail due to voltage surges in the network or natural aging of the plastic and contacts inside the case. The malfunction can be visually determined only after removing the casing and dismantling the part.
In some cases, the relay simply becomes dirty or the contacts oxidize. However, given the low cost of spare parts, specialists rarely undertake cleaning, preferring to install a new element. This guarantees stable operation of the unit in the future.
☑️ Diagnostics of the start relay
Replacing this part is one of the simplest procedures in refrigerator repair, which can be done independently if you have basic skills and tools. The main thing is to choose an analogue that fully corresponds to the characteristics of your unit.
Thermostat and sensors: failures in the control system
Another reason for clicks may be a faulty thermostat. If you hear a clicking sound but the compressor does not start, the contacts inside the thermostat may be burnt or stuck. In models with electronic control, temperature sensors and the control module are responsible for this.
When thermostat incorrectly reads the temperature, it can command the compressor to turn on too often or, conversely, not start it at all. When the contacts inside the mechanical regulator open or close, a distinct click is also heard. If this sound has become louder than usual or is heard with a suspicious frequency, the part requires replacement.
In modern models Bosch or Electrolux diagnosis is carried out through the service menu or using a multimeter. Electronic sensors do not have moving contacts in the classical sense, but their failure leads to chaotic operation of the entire system.
How to check a thermostat without instruments?
Remove the thermostat from the refrigerator (after first disconnecting it from the network) and short-circuit the two wires going to it directly. If the refrigerator starts working, the problem is in the regulator.
It is important to understand that constant clicks of the thermostat can lead to rapid wear of the compressor, since it does not have time to cool down between start-up cycles. This reduces the life of the main unit of the unit.
Compressor: when the heart of the refrigerator clicks
The most unpleasant scenario is a malfunction of the compressor itself. If, when turned on, a loud click is heard, followed by a hum, and then silence, this may indicate a jammed piston group or an inter-turn short circuit of the windings. At this moment, the thermal protection relay is triggered, producing that same click.
Compressor - this is a sealed unit, and its repair at home is impossible. Attempts to “unwedge” the motor with a hammer or by applying increased voltage often lead to final failure. If diagnostics confirm the death of the motor, it needs to be replaced.
Sometimes the compressor clicks due to loosening of the mounting bolts or shock absorbers. In this case, vibration is transmitted to the body, causing clanging and knocking. Checking the rubber bushings and tightening the fasteners can eliminate the noise without replacing an expensive component.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor is hot to the touch, but does not start and clicks, immediately unplug the unit. Further attempts to turn on may lead to a fire in the wiring.
The cost of replacing a compressor often accounts for a significant part of the price of a new refrigerator, so the economic feasibility of repairs in such cases is called into question.
Symptoms of a faulty start-up relay
For accurate diagnosis, it is important to be able to distinguish between symptoms. The start-up relay is a small unit, often black, mounted on the side of the compressor. It is he who most often becomes the culprit of characteristic clicks at startup.
Below is a table that helps classify symptoms and probable causes:
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Single click, then silence | Start relay burnt out | Low |
| Series of rapid clicks | Thermostat or wiring faulty | Medium |
| Click, hum 5-10 sec, click | Compressor jammed | High (replacement) |
| Cracks constantly during operation | Fan or ice in the No Frost system | Average |
As can be seen from the table, most problems with clicks at startup are solved by replacing inexpensive components. However, an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist with equipment.
The influence of voltage drops on the operation of equipment
Unstable voltage in the power grid is the scourge of many areas. Voltage surges can cause premature failure of start relays and thermostats. If at the moment of the surge the refrigerator tried to start, the contacts could burn out, which causes subsequent sparking and clicking.
To protect expensive equipment, it is recommended to use voltage stabilizers or surge protectors with the appropriate power. This is especially true for private houses and old apartment buildings with worn-out communications.
If you notice that the refrigerator began to click after a thunderstorm or a blackout in the house, the likelihood of an electrical breakdown increases to 90%. In such cases, independent repairs can be dangerous without checking the entire electrical circuit.
Algorithm of actions when a malfunction is detected
If your the refrigerator is clicking is not getting cold, you need to act consistently. First, make sure that the plug is firmly inserted into the socket and that there is voltage. Then listen to the nature of the sound: rhythmic or chaotic, quiet or loud.
Try to defrost the unit for 10-12 hours. Sometimes this helps if the problem is related to the evaporator freezing or contacts sticking due to moisture. After complete defrosting, turn on the device and evaluate the result.
If the problem persists, diagnostics with disassembly will be required. Be sure to disconnect the device from the network before any manipulations. Remove the back panel, inspect the wires for melting, check the condition of the relay.
⚠️ Attention: Work with electrical components only when the device is completely disconnected from the network. Residual voltage or accidental switching on can lead to electric shock.
If you lack experience or confidence in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialized service. A professional technician will carry out diagnostics in 15-20 minutes and give the exact cost of repairs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the refrigerator click but does not turn on?
Most often this indicates a malfunction of the start relay or the compressor itself. The relay tries to start the engine, but due to a breakdown it opens the circuit, making a clicking sound. The thermostat may also fail.
Is it dangerous to ignore clicks when starting up?
Yes, it is dangerous. If the compressor cannot start but continues to receive impulses, its windings may overheat and burn out. In addition, there is a risk of the wiring or starting relay catching fire.
Is it possible to repair a clicking relay yourself?
It usually makes no sense to repair an old relay, since the contacts burn out inside and the bimetallic plate is deformed. It is easier and more reliable to buy a new analogue according to the model of your refrigerator and replace it.
How to distinguish a normal click from a breakdown?
A normal click is heard once when the compressor is turned on or off (once every 30-60 minutes). If the clicks are frequent, rhythmic and accompanied by a lack of cold, this is a sign of a breakdown.