Suddenly The appearance of extraneous sound in household appliances can unsettle any owner. Especially if it constant clickingis repeated with alarming regularity, breaking the silence in the apartment. Many users immediately begin to panic, believing that their refrigerator has completely failed and requires expensive repairs or replacement. However, you should not rush to conclusions, since the nature of this sound can be completely harmless.
Refrigeration equipment, like any complex mechanism, makes sounds during its normal operation. Compressors, valves and expanding plastic are all sources of acoustic signals. But if the clicks become loud, frequent, or change in character, this is a sure signal that the system needs your attention. Ignoring such symptoms can lead to more serious damage in the future.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible causes of cracking and knocking. We will consider both natural physical processes and technical malfunctions that require the intervention of a specialist. You will learn to distinguish the normal operation of equipment from the harbingers of a breakdown, which will help you save time and money on maintenance.
Natural causes of sounds during operation
Before looking for faults, it is necessary to exclude natural physical processes. Users often mistake the absolutely normal functioning of the system for a breakdown. Thermal expansion materials are the main source of crackling noise in new and old refrigerators. The plastic of the inner housing, metal shelves and the evaporator compress or expand when the temperature changes, producing a characteristic clicking sound.
This is especially often observed immediately after the compressor is turned off or, conversely, at the time of its startup. During these periods, the temperature difference is the sharpest. If you hear single, rare clicks that are not accompanied by other alarming symptoms (for example, lack of cold), then most likely everything is in order with your equipment. The design of the camera simply “breathes.”
Another reason may be the operation of the system No Frost. In such models, a fan circulates air, and dampers regulate its flow. The mechanical opening and closing of the air dampers is also accompanied by a clicking sound. The sound may be quite loud, but it is absolutely safe for the unit.
It is important to consider the age of your refrigerator. In newer models, clicks may be more audible due to the rigidity of the plastic, which will become more elastic over time. In old devices, sounds may appear due to dried out seals or loose fastenings of internal panels.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
If the clicks become intrusive and are repeated with a certain frequency, the problem most likely lies in the heart of the refrigerator - the compressor. Starting relay is a device that supplies current to the motor windings to start it. If the relay is faulty or worn out, it may click, trying to start the motor, but cannot cope with the load.
In such a situation, you can observe the following picture: a loud click is heard, the motor hums for a couple of seconds, then another click follows, and the motor goes silent. After some time, the cycle repeats. This phenomenon is called “cyclic starting” and indicates that the compressor cannot reach operating mode. The reasons can be different: from a burnt-out starting winding to jamming of the piston group.
- 🔊 A loud metallic clanging at start indicates wear of the internal parts of the motor.
- 🔥 Heating of the housing of the compressor to very high temperatures (more than 90 degrees) indicates overload.
- 🚫 Lack of cold in the chambers when the motor is running (or trying to work) is a critical sign.
What is a thermal protection relay?
A thermal relay is a fuse that opens circuit if the current exceeds the norm or the motor overheats. The clicking sound you hear after the hum is often what it makes, turning off the power to save the compressor from burning out.
Replacing the start relay yourself is possible if you have electrical skills and access to spare parts. However, if the problem is in the compressor itself (an interturn short circuit or a wedge), then you will need to call a technician and, possibly, replace the entire unit. Prolonged operation in the mode of constant attempts to start can finally finish off a working engine.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
The thermostat (thermostat) is a device that controls the temperature inside the chambers. It is this that commands the compressor to turn on when it gets too warm and turn off when the desired temperature is reached. If the thermostat is faulty, its contacts may begin to “spark” or rattle, which is heard as a frequent crackling sound.
In modern models with electronic control, instead of a mechanical thermostat, temperature sensors a control module is used. In this case, clicks can be produced by the solenoid valves or the relays themselves on the control board. If the sensor transmits incorrect data, the refrigerator may constantly try to adjust the temperature, turning systems on and off in a chaotic manner.
Diagnostics of the thermostat is often carried out by the method of elimination. If when you turn the knob (in mechanical models) the nature of the clicks changes or disappears, the problem is most likely there. In electronic models, you will need a multimeter to check the resistance of the sensors.
☑️ Thermostat diagnostics
A faulty thermostat is dangerous not only because of noise. If it is “stuck” in the “on” position, the refrigerator will work non-stop, which will lead to freezing of food and the formation of an ice coat. If it does not turn on the compressor, the products will deteriorate.
The influence of improper installation and vibrations
Sometimes the source of sound is not inside the mechanism, but outside. Improper installation of the refrigerator is one of the most common causes of resonating hums and clicks. If the unit is not level, vibration from the operating compressor is transmitted to the body, floor and nearby objects, increasing many times over.
Check whether the refrigerator is stable. Try rocking it slightly. If it wobbles, the support legs need to be adjusted. Also make sure that the refrigerator is not touching a wall or furniture. Even minimal contact can turn a slight vibration into an annoying knock.
| Cause of noise | Nature of sound | Elimination method |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven floor | Humming with rattling | Adjusting the legs according to the level |
| Touching the wall | Vibration of the body | Move the equipment 5-10 cm |
| Unstable shelf | Frequent loud knocking | Adjust or replace the shelf |
| Dishes inside | Clinking of glass when vibrating | Move bottles away from the walls |
Pay attention to objects standing on the lid of the refrigerator or inside it. Bottles, cans or decorative items may vibrate with the cabinet and hit each other. This creates the illusion of equipment failure, although in fact the problem is solved by simple rearrangement.
Icing and problems with the defrost system
In refrigerators with the system No Frost Clicks may be associated with the operation of the defrost system. The heating element (heating element) is periodically turned on to melt the ice on the evaporator. If a block of ice forms too thick, it may break off with a crash and fall onto the heater or fan, making a loud sound, like a gunshot or a strong blow.
If the fan is icy, its blades may touch the frozen ice. This causes a rhythmic crackling or clicking noise that gets louder when the fan is running. In such cases, it is necessary to defrost the refrigerator completely (leave it turned off for 24 hours) so that the ice melts naturally.
Continuous formation of ice and subsequent clicks may indicate a malfunction:
- ❄️ Defrost heating element - it does not heat and the ice does not melt.
- ⏱️ Defrost timer —does not give a command to turn on the heating.
- 🌡️ Defrost sensor —incorrectly reads the evaporator temperature.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear the sound of breaking ice, do not try chop it off with a knife or sharp objects. You may damage the evaporator tubes through which the refrigerant circulates. Repair in this case will be difficult and expensive.
Diagnostics and methods for eliminating noise
To accurately determine the cause of the noise, conduct independent diagnostics. First of all, unplug the refrigerator and let it stand. Then turn it on again and listen. Try pressing different parts of the body with your hand at the moment the sound appears. If the sound disappears when pressed, the problem is in the vibration of the case.
If clicks come from the lower part where the motor is located, carefully (observing safety precautions!) Check the starting relay. It is usually mounted on the side of the compressor. Remove it and shake it: if something rattles inside, the part definitely needs to be replaced.
How to remove the start relay?
Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet. Remove the back cardboard cover. Carefully remove the plastic casing from the compressor. The starting relay is usually simply put on the contacts and fixed with a bracket or latches.
In cases where you are not confident in your abilities, or diagnostics indicate complex components (compressor, electronic board), it is better to turn to professionals. Repairing refrigeration equipment requires special knowledge and tools, such as pressure gauges and vacuum pumps.
⚠️ Attention: Work related to the refrigerant circulation system can only be carried out by certified specialists. Opening the circuit on your own is dangerous to health and can lead to a freon leak.
When you need to call a technician
There are a number of symptoms in which self-repair is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. If the clicking sounds are accompanied by a burning smell, this is a sign of overheating of the wiring or motor windings. In this case, operation must be stopped immediately.
A master is also needed if:
- 🛠️ You replaced the start relay, but the problem has not disappeared.
- 📉 The refrigerator has stopped freezing, although the motor is running.
- 💧 Oily spots have appeared under the refrigerator (a sign of a freon leak with oil).
A timely contact with the service center will eliminate the problem at an early stage. Ignoring constant clicks can lead to the fact that simply replacing the relay will not be enough, and you will need to replace an expensive compressor.
Why does the refrigerator click but does not freeze?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the start relay or the compressor itself. The motor tries to start (click), but cannot gain speed due to a wedge or a broken winding, and the protection turns it off again. There is no refrigerant circulation, so no cold is generated.
Is it normal for the refrigerator to click after defrosting?
Yes, this is normal. After defrosting and switching on, the materials are sharply cooled. The plastic contracts and the metal contracts, causing thermal expansion sounds. Usually, after a few hours of operation, the noise subsides.
Can a new refrigerator click?
Yes, new refrigerators often make louder sounds of thermal expansion, since the plastic is still hard. The No Frost system may also buzz and click when setting modes for the first time. If after 2-3 days the sounds do not become quieter, it is worth checking the level of the installation.
Is it dangerous to ignore frequent clicks?
If the clicks are caused by attempts to start a faulty compressor, then ignoring it will lead to its complete failure and possible fire of the wiring. If it's just thermal expansion, there's no danger. The main thing is to correctly diagnose the source.