A sudden knock or regular clicks in a working refrigerator can unsettle any owner. Instead of the usual smooth hum, the unit makes frightening sounds, casting doubt on its serviceability. The refrigerator clicks during operation for various reasons, and not all of them indicate a critical breakdown.
However, these signals cannot be ignored. Often it is sound anomalies that become the first harbingers of a serious malfunction, which can lead to product damage and costly repairs. Understanding the nature of sound will help you make the right decision: try to fix the problem yourself or immediately contact a specialist.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the operation of various components of refrigeration equipment and explain why extraneous sounds occur in different operating modes. Modern models may behave differently than old Soviet units, but the basic diagnostic principles remain similar.
Let's consider situations when clicks are the norm, and when they require intervention. It is important not to panic, but to consistently check the condition of the equipment in order to accurately determine the source of the noise.
Normal operation: when clicks are not dangerous
Before sounding the alarm, it is worth excluding natural physical processes. Many users begin to worry when they hear a click, although the equipment simply switches from one mode to another. Thermostat is a device that controls the temperature inside the chambers, and its operation is always accompanied by a characteristic sound.
When the compressor reaches the set temperature, the thermostat opens the power circuit and the motor stops. This process is almost always accompanied by a click. If you hear a single sound when you stop or, conversely, when you start the engine, this is absolutely normal.
It is also worth considering the material from which the body is made. Plastic panels and metal walls are subject to thermal expansion. When the temperature inside the chambers changes (especially in No Frost mode), materials may slightly deform, producing sounds similar to cracking or clicking.
- 🔊 The click is heard exactly when the engine stops.
- 🔊 The sound is heard only when turned on compressor.
- 🔊 The clicks are irregular and depend on the temperature set.
- 🔊 The refrigerator continues to freeze without any complaints.
Starting relay malfunctions: the most common cause
If clicks become frequent, repeated and are accompanied an attempt to start the engine, which immediately ends, the problem most likely lies in starting relay. This small but important unit is responsible for starting the compressor engine. It is this that supplies the impulse to the windings, allowing the rotor to begin rotating.
Over time, the contacts inside the relay can oxidize or burn, and the plastic case can become deformed from heating. As a result, the relay cannot keep the circuit closed or does not operate at all the first time. You hear a series of clicks, the motor hums for a split second and then goes silent. After some time (when the thermal protection is triggered), the attempt is repeated.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator clicks and does not turn on, further constant attempts to start may lead to burnout of the compressor windings. It is recommended to disconnect the device from the network until the technician arrives.
Replacing the start relay is one of the most common and inexpensive repair procedures. Often it is enough to simply replace this component to get the equipment working quietly and stably again. However, it is better to carry out diagnostics with a multimeter to make sure there are no other problems.
Problems with the compressor: when the motor “knocks”
The most serious and an expensive problem is a malfunction of the compressoritself. If during operation you hear not just a click, but a distinct metallic knock, clanging or rumble, this may indicate mechanical wear of the internal components of the engine.
Inside the sealed compressor casing there are pistons and valves. If bearings break, valves break, or the piston group wears out, runout occurs. In such cases The refrigerator clicks during operation continuously while the motor is on. This is the sound of metal on metal.
Another reason for the knocking is a break in the internal suspension of the compressor. The engine is mounted inside a metal casing on springs to dampen vibrations. If one of the springs breaks, the motor begins to beat against the walls of the casing with each stroke of operation.
It is difficult to diagnose such a breakdown on your own, but you can try to carefully (without touching the hot parts!) put your hand on the body of the running compressor. If the vibration gives off strong shocks to the palm, and the sound comes from the “pot”, a mechanical defect is likely.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Need for repair |
|---|---|---|
| Single click | Thermostat activation | Not required |
| Series of clicks, the motor does not start | Start relay or compressor | High |
| Metallic knocking operating time | Wear of compressor components | Critical |
| Crackling and clicking inside the chamber | Deformation of plastic/ice | Not required |
System No Frost and defrosting
Owners of refrigerators with the system No Frost often encounter clicks that come from inside the freezer or refrigerator compartment. Unlike older models, additional mechanisms work here, such as a fan and a defrost heater.
One of the characteristic sounds is cracking or clicking of ice. When the defrost heater turns on, the ice frozen on the evaporator begins to crack and break off, falling into the pan. This sound can be quite loud and scary, but it is normal operation of the automatic defrosting system.
The fan can also be a source of noise. If ice builds up on the blades or dust gets into the fan bearing, it begins to make intermittent sounds that can be mistaken for clicks. Sometimes the blades touch the ice, creating a rhythmic knock.
- ❄️ The sounds appear cyclically (once every 8-12 hours).
- ❄️ Clicks come from the depths of the back wall of the chamber.
- ❄️ The sound is accompanied by hissing or gurgling.
Why does ice crack?
Ice has a crystalline structure. With sudden heating from the defrost heating element, the structure is disrupted and the ice layer bursts with a sound similar to a shot or a loud click.
The influence of improper installation and operation
Sometimes the reason is trivial and lies not in the details, but in the operating conditions. If the refrigerator clicks, check whether it is level. If the body is skewed, the doors may not fit tightly or, on the contrary, they may pull the seal too tightly, creating tension in the structure, which is released with a click.
The distance to the walls is also important. If the equipment is moved close to furniture or a wall, vibration from the operating compressor is transmitted to building structures, causing resonance and rattling. Objects standing on or next to the refrigerator may also vibrate.
Check the contents of the chambers. Glass bottles or dishes placed close to each other on shelves may jingle or click due to vibration. Simply adjusting the products is enough to eliminate the noise.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the transport bolts (if your model has them to secure the compressor during transportation) are completely removed. Their presence causes severe vibration and knocking.
☑️ Checking the installation of the refrigerator
Other possible causes of noise
There are a number of less common, but possible reasons. For example, malfunction solenoid valve (in two-compressor models or models with one compressor and several circuits). When switching refrigerant flows, the valve makes an audible click. If the valve is “stuck,” clicks may become more frequent.
Another option is problems with the wiring. A loose connection in the compressor power circuit can cause sparking, which can be heard as a crackling or clicking sound. This is already a fire hazard that requires immediate shutdown of the device.
In some cases, clicks are made by the refrigerant itself, passing through narrow sections of the capillary tube, especially if there is an air lock in the system or the freon balance is disturbed. However, more often it is more like gurgling or hissing.
Diagnostics and sequence of actions
What to do if you find a problem? The first step is to localize the source of the sound. Place your ear on different parts of the unit (being careful). If the sound comes from below from behind, this is the compressor zone. If from the inside there is an evaporator or fan area.
Try to lightly press the body or rock the refrigerator. If the sound pattern changes, it may be due to vibration or poor installation. If the sound remains the same and comes from the motor, a technical malfunction is likely.
Below are brief instructions for initial diagnosis. If simple measures do not help, it is better not to take risks and call a specialist for accurate diagnostics with instruments.
1. Unplug the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.2. Check that the installation is even and free of foreign objects.
3. Turn on the device and listen.
4. If the clicks are repeated and the motor does not start, call the service.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The refrigerator clicks, but does not hold cold. What to do?
This is a sign of a serious breakdown, most likely associated with the compressor or freon leak. If the motor clicks (trying to start), but does not work, and there is no cold, the equipment cannot be operated. You need to call a technician.
Is it possible to continue using the refrigerator if it clicks?
If the clicks are rare and are associated with the operation of the thermostat, and there is cold, then you can. If the clicks are frequent, accompanied by attempts to start or a metallic knock, it is better to turn off the device so as not to aggravate the breakdown.
How much does it cost to replace the starting relay?
The relay itself is inexpensive, the main part of the cost of the service is the work of a technician and diagnostics. The price may vary depending on the refrigerator model and region.
Why does a new refrigerator click?
New appliances may make sounds of thermal expansion of plastic when first cooled. Also make sure that you remove all shipping materials and bolts before turning it on.