Why the Samsung refrigerator clicks: 7 reasons and what to do

Clicks in the refrigerator Samsung is one of the most common user complaints. This sound can range from subtle crackling sounds to loud metallic bangs that can be heard even in the next room. In most cases, clicking sounds are not a sign of failure, but sometimes they indicate problems that require attention. It is important to distinguish normal operating sounds from those that indicate failures in the system.

In this article we will analyze all the possible causes of clicks - from harmless (for example, the thermostat is triggered) to critical (problems with the start relay or compressor). You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, when to contact a service center, and when a simple adjustment is enough. We will also provide a checklist for the initial check and answer frequently asked questions from owners of refrigerators Samsung series RB, RT, RS i RF.

If your refrigerator starts clicking suddenly or the sounds become more frequent/louder, do not panic. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved without calling a technician. The main thing is to correctly identify the source of noise.

1. Normal clicks: when it is not a breakdown

Not all sounds in the refrigerator Samsung are a sign of a malfunction. Many clicks are associated with the normal operation of systems. Let's look at the most common “safe” reasons:

• 🔄 Thermostat operation (temperature relay). When the set temperature is reached, the thermostat opens the circuit and the compressor turns off - this is accompanied by a click. In models with No Frost the sound may be louder due to additional relays.
• ❄️ Automatic defrosting. In refrigerators with a system No Frost the heater is periodically turned on to remove frost. Its start and stop are often accompanied by clicks.
• ⚙️ Fan operation. In models with forced air circulation (for example, Samsung RB37J5230SA), the fan blades may touch ice or condensation, creating cracking.
• 🔌 Compressor start-up protection relay. When the engine starts, the relay operates with a characteristic click - this is normal if the sound is single and does not repeat more than once every 10-15 minutes.

How to distinguish normal clicks from problematic ones? Pay attention to frequency and rhythmicity:

• ✅ Normal: clicks are rare (1-2 times per hour), not accompanied by changes in temperature in the chambers.
• ❌ Problem: clicks are frequent (every 1-2 minutes), the compressor does not start or works with intermittently.

2. Start relay clicks: the most common malfunction

If the refrigerator Samsung clicks, but the compressor does not start the start protection relay is to blame in 90% of cases. This unit is responsible for starting the motor and protecting it from overloads. If the relay malfunctions:

• 🔊 You can hear rhythmic clicks (every 3-5 seconds), but the refrigerator does not cool.
• 🔥 The compressor may overheat (the housing is hot to the touch).
• ⚡ An error appears on the display (for example, 5E or 8E in models with electronic control).

Causes of relay failure:

• 🔌 Power surges c networks (especially important for houses with old wiring).
• 🕰️ Wear of contacts (natural aging after 5–7 years of operation).
• 💧 Hit moisture on contacts (for example, during defrosting).

How to check the relay yourself:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains and pull out the plug.
2. Remove the back cover (in most models Samsung it is secured with 4-6 screws).
3. Find the relay is a small box attached to the compressor.
4. Carefully remove the relay and shake it: if you hear a knock, the magnet inside has broken off (the relay must be replaced).

⚠️ Attention: If you are not confident in your skills, do not disassemble the refrigerator yourself. In models Samsung with inverter compressors (series Digital Inverter), the relay is integrated into the control board - its replacement requires special equipment.

3. Problems with the compressor: when clicks are a symptom of a serious breakdown

If the start relay is working properly, but the refrigerator Samsung clicks and does not freeze, the problem may be in the compressor itself. Common malfunctions:

How to check the compressor without tools:

1. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
2. Turn it back on and listen:
   • ✅ Normal: one click (relay), then a smooth hum.
   • ❌ Problem: multiple clicks without starting the motor.

Touch the body compressor (be careful, it may be hot!):

• 🔥 Overheating (you cannot hold your hand) - a sign of a short circuit.
• 🧊 Cold after prolonged operation - freon leakage is possible.

What will happen if you ignore a compressor malfunction?

If the compressor clicks but does not start, ignoring the problem will lead to:

- Complete failure of the motor (replacement cost is up to 70% of the price of a new refrigerator).

- Increased energy consumption (up to 2-3 times higher than normal).

- Damage to products due to insufficient cooling.

In models with inverter compressors (Digital Inverter), a malfunction can damage the control board, which will increase the cost of repairs by 30-50%.

4. Fan clicks: ice, debris and other obstacles

In refrigerators Samsung No Frost (for example, Samsung RL38T6000SA or Samsung RS62R5001M9) clicks often come from the fan. operation may be disrupted for several reasons: If ice builds up on the evaporator, the fan blades touch it, producing crackling or clicking noises. This is typical for models with

• ❄️ Icing of blades. If ice builds up on the evaporator, the fan blades touch it, making cracking or clicking noises. This is typical for models with No Frost, if the door has been left open for a long time or the seal is worn out.
• 🍂 Debris entry. Crumbs, pieces of cling film or labels may get stuck between the blades.
• 🔧 Loose fastening. Over time, the screws holding the fan can become loose, and the blades begin to hit the housing.

How to fix the problem:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove all food from the freezer (in models No Frost the fan is usually located there).
3. Remove the back panel of the freezer (in most models it is secured with latches).
4. Inspect the fan:
   • If there is ice, defrost the refrigerator for 10–12 hours.
   • If debris is visible, carefully remove it with tweezers.
   • If the blades are loose, tighten the fastening screws.

5. Clicks of the thermostat and electronic board

In refrigerators Samsung with electronic control (series Family Hub, Bespoke), clicks can come from thermostat or control board. These nodes are responsible for maintaining the temperature and coordinating the operation of all systems.

Symptoms of malfunction:

• 📉 Clicks are accompanied by temperature jumps (for example, in the refrigerator compartment it is either +8°C or +2°C).
• 🔄 The display blinks or shows errors (1E, 2E, 3E —sensor fault codes).
• 🔊 The sound comes from the top refrigerator (the board is usually located there).

Frequent reasons:

• 💧 Oxidation of contacts on the board due to high humidity.
• 🔌 Jumps voltageleading to failure of transistors.
• 🕰️ Wear of temperature sensors (thermistors).

Self-diagnosis:

1. Check the error code on the display (the explanation can be found in the instructions for the model).
2. Disable refrigerator for 1 minute, then turn it on again. If the clicks disappear, the problem was a board failure.
3. Inspect the board (usually it is located under the top cover of the refrigerator). If darkened or swollen elementsis visible, it needs to be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: In models Samsung Bespoke the control board is integrated with the display. Improper handling may damage the touchpad. If you are not sure of your actions, contact the service center.

6. Clicks when turning on/off: features of inverter models

Refrigerators Samsung s inverter compressors (technology Digital Inverter) work quieter than classic ones, but can make specific clicks. This is due to the features of their design:

• 🔄 Smooth power control. The inverter compressor does not shut down completely, but goes into low power mode. At the same time, the relays are activated, which is accompanied by clicks.
• 🔋 Saving energy. The compressor adapts its operation to the load, which can cause frequent switching (and, as a result, clicks).
• 🛠️ More complex electronics. In inverter models, an additional compressor control board is used, which can also click.

How to distinguish normal clicks from an inverter compressor from a malfunction:

If your refrigerator Samsung with an inverter compressor it clicks, but at the same time:

• ✅ The temperature in the chambers corresponds to the set one,
• ✅ There are no errors on the display,
• ✅ The compressor does not overheat,

then most likely it is normal operation an inverter system. In such models, clicks may be a little more noticeable than in classic refrigerators.

7. External causes of clicking: what to check first

Before disassembling the refrigerator or calling a technician, exclude external factorsthat can cause clicking:

• 🔌 Unstable voltage in the network. If the lights in your home flicker frequently, the clicking noise may be caused by the compressor protection tripping. Use a voltage stabilizer.
• 🧲 Proximity of other household appliances. A microwave, washing machine or air conditioner located nearby may create electromagnetic interference.
• 🚪 Uneven floor or vibration. If the refrigerator is unstable, vibration during compressor operation may increase and be accompanied by extraneous sounds.
• 🐭 Rodents or insects. In rare cases, clicks are caused by mice chewing wires, or cockroaches stuck in ventilation holes.

Checklist for checking:

If clicks remain after eliminating external factors, proceed to diagnosing internal components (see sections above).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung with function SmartThings clicks may be associated with operation Wi-Fi module (for example, when updating firmware). If the sound appears at night, check the automatic update settings in the application.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clicking noises in Samsung refrigerators

My Samsung refrigerator clicks and does not turn on. What to do?

If the compressor does not start, and only clicks are heard, most likely the compressor itself is faulty. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again. If the problem persists, call a technician to replace the relay or diagnose the compressor. In models with an inverter compressor ( start-up relay or the compressor itself. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again. If the problem persists, call a technician to replace the relay or diagnose the compressor. In models with an inverter compressor (Digital Inverter), self-repair is not recommended.

Is it normal for a new Samsung refrigerator to click?

Yes, in the first days of operation the clicks may be more noticeable due grinding in new parts (especially in models with No Frost). Also, inverter compressors (Digital Inverter) click more often than classic ones. If the temperature in the chambers is stable and there are no errors on the display, there is no need to worry. After 1-2 weeks, the sounds should become quieter.

The clicking noise in the Samsung refrigerator gets worse at night. Why?

This may be due to:

• 🌙 Automatic defrosting (in models No Frost it often turns on at night).
• 🔌 Voltage drop in the network (at night, energy consumption in the house is lower, and power surges more noticeable).
• 📱 Firmware update (in smart refrigerators Family Hub).

Try connecting the refrigerator through a voltage stabilizer and disabling automatic updates in the settings SmartThings.

You can Is it possible to replace the start relay in a Samsung refrigerator yourself?

In classic models (for example, Samsung RL33E*), you can replace the relay yourself - it is attached to the compressor with latches. In refrigerators with inverter compressors (Digital Inverter), the relay is integrated into the control board, and replacing it requires soldering. If you do not. If you are confident in your skills, it is better to contact a service center.

Clicks in the Samsung refrigerator are accompanied by an error on the display. What does this mean?

Error codes associated with clicks:

• 5E - problem with the start relay or compressor.
• 8E - malfunction. fan.
• 1E/2E —temperature sensor failure.
• 3E —problem with the control board.

For the exact explanation, see the instructions for your model. Most errors require diagnostics at a service center.