The situation when the refrigerator clicks, but does not startis one of the most common and frightening for owners of household appliances. You open the door, it’s warm inside, the food spoils, and instead of the usual hum of the motor, you can only hear periodic metallic clicks. This indicates that the electrical circuit is closing, trying to start the engine, but the mechanical or electrical part of the system cannot overcome the resistance.
In most cases, such sounds are produced by start relaywhich is triggered, sends an impulse to the compressor windings, but immediately opens the circuit due to overload or lack of shaft rotation. This symptom cannot be ignored, since constant attempts to start can lead to overheating of the windings and final failure, replacement of which is often not economically feasible. In this material we will analyze in detail why clicks occur, how to carry out initial diagnostics and in which cases independent repair is possible. compressor, the replacement of which is often not economically feasible. In this material we will analyze in detail why clicks occur, how to carry out initial diagnostics and in what cases independent repair is possible.
The first thing to do when a problem is detected is to listen to the nature of the sound and the frequency of its occurrence. If the click occurs once every few minutes, this is classic thermal protection or trigger behavior. If the cracking occurs in series, this may indicate problems with the electrical wiring or contacts. It is critically important to immediately turn off the power to the unitif you smell a burning smell or see a spark in the back of the case.
The principle of operation of the trigger mechanism and the nature of the clicks
To understand why the refrigerator clicksyou need to briefly consider the structure of its “heart”. A compressor is an electric motor that requires a short-term connection of an additional starting winding to start rotating the rotor. A special unit, which is often called a start-up relay, is responsible for this process. It is this component that makes the characteristic “click” sound when turning on and off.
In normal operation, the process looks like this: when voltage is applied, current passes through the relay coil, creating a magnetic field that draws in the core and closes the contacts of the starting winding. The engine starts, the current drops, and the core, under the influence of gravity or a spring, returns to its original position, opening the circuit. If you hear a click, but the refrigerator is not freezingthen the cycle is interrupted at the startup stage.
There are two main types of relays that can make these sounds. Induction relays operate on the basis of an electromagnet and are sensitive to voltage changes. Posistor (thermal) relays use the property of the material to sharply increase resistance when heated. In both cases, a click means that the mechanism is trying to do its job, but encounters an obstacle.
⚠️ Attention: Frequent clicks at intervals of 1-2 minutes indicate that the compressor thermal protection is overheating and turns off the power, after which it cools down and tries to start the engine again. This is an emergency operation mode.
Diagnostics of the starting relay: symptoms and testing
The most likely reason why the refrigerator clicks and does not turn on is a malfunction of the starting relay itself. This is a small box that fits directly onto the contact group of the compressor. Over time, the plastic ages, the contacts burn out, and the internal coil may burn out. It is rarely possible to visually determine a breakdown, so dismantling and “listening” of the part is required.
First, you need to remove the back cover of the refrigerator (usually it is secured with latches or screws) and gain access to the compressor. After disconnecting the wires and removing the relay, you need to gently shake it near your ear. If a ringing or knocking sound is heard inside, as if a part has fallen off, then the mechanism is destroyed and requires replacement. This is the simplest and most common case of breakdown.
If the relay seems intact visually and audibly, you can try to check its integrity with a multimeter by ringing the contacts. However, even a seemingly serviceable relay may not hold the load. Modern models, such as Indesit or Stinol, often use posistors that do not ring when cold, which can confuse an inexperienced technician.
- 🔊 The sound of a “clunk” or “click” is heard, but the motor hums and immediately goes silent - a sign of jamming or problems with windings.
- 🔌 The relay makes a cracking noise when touched by hand - an insulation breakdown or poor contact in the connector.
- 🔥 Traces of soot or melting are visible on the relay body - the device burned out due to a voltage surge.
☑️ Starter diagnostics relay
Problems with the compressor: interturn short circuit and wedge
If replacing the relay did not help and the refrigerator hums, clicks and does not startthe problem may lie in the compressor itself. This is a more serious problem. The motor may be electrically correct, but mechanically seized. The piston group could wear out, the oil could thicken or leak, which led to metal-to-metal friction without lubrication.
Another option is turn-to-turn short circuit in the windings of the electric motor. In this case, the starting current becomes too large, the relay is triggered, but the engine does not have time to spin up, and the thermal protection instantly turns off the power. You can check the windings with a multimeter by measuring the resistance between the contacts. Normal values usually range from 20 to 40 Ohms for the starting winding and slightly less for the working winding.
There is a method of “reanimating” a jammed compressor by applying increased voltage directly to the windings, bypassing the standard circuit. However, this method requires special equipment and skills. If the compressor burns out, replacing it requires evacuation of the system, replacing the filter-drier and refilling with refrigerant, which is almost impossible to do at home.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Necessary equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| One click, silence | Starting relay burned out | Low | Screwdriver, new relay |
| Series of clicks, hum | Compressor jamming | High | Starting kit, pressure gauges |
| Clicks, housing heating | Interturn short circuit | Replacing the unit | Burner, freon, vacuum degasser |
| Quiet clicks inside | Deformation of the body or tubes | Average | Tool for editing |
Is it possible to start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can start the motor by applying voltage directly to the working and starting windings through a capacitor. However, this is a temporary diagnostic measure. Long-term operation without standard protection will lead to overheating and fire.
The influence of the thermostat and wiring on starting
Sometimes the reason that the refrigerator clickslies not in the engine compartment, but in the temperature control system. A thermostat (thermostat) is a device that gives the command to turn on the compressor. If its contacts are burnt or oxidized, they may not pass the required current, causing sparking and characteristic clicks in the area of the camera or control panel.
You can check the thermostat by closing its contacts directly (for mechanical models). If after this procedure the compressor starts working and the refrigerator begins to freeze, it means that the temperature controller is faulty and requires replacement. In electronic models LG or Samsung clicks may be produced by triacs on the control board, which indicates the need to repair the module.
It is also worth paying attention to the integrity of the wiring. Rodents, vibration, or simply time can cause the insulation to fray. If the wire is grounded to the frame or shorted to another core, it causes short circuits accompanied by a crackling sound. Carefully inspect the wiring harnesses going to the compressor and fan.
Specifics of operation of inverter compressors
Owners of modern models with a system No Frost and inverter control may encounter different sounds. Inverter compressors do not have a classic starting relay; they start smoothly. If you hear clicking noises in such a refrigerator, this often indicates a malfunction of the inverter board or the motor itself.
The inverter tries to start the rotor, reads the position sensors, and if it detects an error (for example, the resistance of the windings is outside the norm), it interrupts the start attempt. This process may be accompanied by electronic clicking or popping noises. Diagnostics of such systems requires a service remote control or a special tester.
It is important to note that inverter systems are very sensitive to voltage drops in the network. If your lights are flickering frequently or the voltage is jumping, it could be damaging the control electronics. Unlike conventional motors, DIY repairs here are difficult due to the complexity of the components.
⚠️ Attention: Inverter compressors often have a long warranty (up to 10-20 years), but repairing the circuit boards or replacing the motor can be expensive. Before repairing, check the warranty status with the manufacturer's service center.
Algorithm of actions when a malfunction is detected
If you are faced with a situation where The refrigerator clicks, but does not freeze, act consistently. Do not panic and do not try to hit the compressor with a hammer - this may finish off a working valve. First, carry out a visual inspection and basic diagnostics described above.
Try defrosting the refrigerator for 10-12 hours. Sometimes moisture that gets into the electrical part or freezes in the channels creates a false sensation of failure. After complete defrosting and drying, try turning on the unit. If the problem is condensation on the contacts, it may disappear.
If simple methods do not help, evaluate your skills. Replacing the start relay is a task that most men can do with a screwdriver. Repairing the compressor or control board is best left to professionals. It is not forget that improper repairs can lead to a leak of freon, which, although non-toxic in small doses, requires special equipment for refilling.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the refrigerator click immediately after defrosting?
If after defrosting the unit begins to click, water may have entered the start relay or the thermostat contacts. It is necessary to allow the device to dry for 24 hours in a warm room without connecting to the network. If the clicking does not stop, check the relay for corrosion.
Can low voltage in the network cause clicking?
Yes, at low voltage the starting torque is not enough to spin the compressor shaft. The relay is triggered, the current increases, the protection turns off the power. The solution may be to install a voltage stabilizer, especially in the private sector or old houses.
You hear a click, the refrigerator hums for 5 seconds and turns off - is this normal?
No, this is not normal for constant operation. This means that the compressor is trying to start but cannot. Most likely, the start relay or, in the worst case, the compressor needs to be replaced. Operation in this mode will lead to burnout of the windings.
How to distinguish a relay click from a thermostat click?
The relay click is heard from behind, at the bottom of the housing, next to the motor. The thermostat click is usually heard inside the chamber or in the upper part of the refrigerator (where the regulator knob is located) and occurs less frequently, only at the moments when the cooling cycle is turned on and off.
Is it worth repairing an old refrigerator if the compressor has burned out?
If the refrigerator is more than 10-12 years old, replacing the compressor is often not economically feasible, since the cost of work and spare parts can be 50-70% of the price of a new device. If the problem is only in the relay, the repair is definitely worth it.