The appearance of extraneous sounds in the operation of household appliances always causes concern, especially when it comes to such an important unit as a refrigerator. If your Atlant two-chamber refrigerator starts to make periodic clicking noises, this is a signal that cannot be ignored. A loud cracking or quiet clicking sound can indicate either simple overheating or serious malfunctions in the electrical circuit or mechanics of the compressor.
Owners of Belarusian equipment are often faced with a situation where the device stops cooling, but continues to make sounds. It is important to understand that normal work cycle involves turning the motor on and off, which is accompanied by sound. However, if the clicks become too frequent, loud, or accompanied by a lack of cold, it is necessary to conduct a detailed diagnosis. In this article we will look at the main causes and methods for eliminating them.
Natural causes of sounds during operation
A clicking sound does not always mean a breakdown. Modern models, such as Atlant XM 4425 or series MXM 2808can produce sounds associated with thermal expansion of materials. When the temperature changes sharply, the plastic and metal inside the chamber contract or expand, which physically causes a cracking sound. This is absolutely normal and does not require the intervention of a specialist.
It is also worth considering the operation of the No Frost system, if it is provided by your model. In such refrigerators, the fan and evaporator heater periodically turn on, which may be accompanied by characteristic sounds of switching modes.
Another reason may be the unstable position of the body. If the refrigerator is placed on an uneven floor, vibration from the running compressor is transmitted to the shelves or doors, causing rattling noises that can easily be confused with clicks. Check whether the drawers and shelves fit tightly.
Failures of the start-up protection relay
The most common technical cause of clicks is the failure of the start-up relay. This small element is responsible for starting the compressor engine. When the relay is activated, a loud click is heard. If the mechanism is worn out or burnt out, you will hear a series of rapid clicks, after which the motor either will not start or will stop immediately.
In models with induction start the relay may click, trying to start the compressor, but due to the high resistance of the windings or low voltage in the network, the protection is activated, breaking the circuit. This is a protective reaction that prevents engine combustion.
Symptoms of a burnt relay
If you remove the back cover and see that the relay is blackened, has cracks or has a burning smell, it needs to be replaced. This often solves the problem if the compressor itself is working.
To replace the relay, you need to disconnect the refrigerator from the mains, remove the compressor casing and carefully dismantle the old element. It is important to choose an analogue with identical characteristics, since there are no universal solutions for all models. Atlant does not exist.
Problems with the thermostat and sensors
The thermostat is the “brain” that gives the command to turn the cooling on and off. If the contacts inside the thermostat are oxidized or stuck, the refrigerator may behave strangely. You can hear a click, indicating an attempt to close the circuit, but the compressor is silent.
In two-chamber models, defrost sensors or temperature sensors often fail, especially in the system No Frost. The electronic control module receives incorrect data and tries to correct the operation by constantly turning various components on and off, which is accompanied by characteristic sounds.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Single click and silence | Thermostat or relay is faulty | Checking contacts |
| Series of clicks and humming | Attempting to start the compressor | Diagnostics of the starting device |
| Clicks without starting the engine | Compressor jammed | Call a technician |
| Crackling inside the chamber | Thermal expansion | Normal, no repair needed |
Mechanical failures of the compressor
The most unpleasant scenario is a malfunction of the very heart of the refrigerator. If the compressor jammed, it cannot turn the engine shaft. At this point, the starting relay continues to pulse, trying to start the unit, which is accompanied by loud, rhythmic clicks every few seconds.
Often this is accompanied by strong heating of the motor housing. If you touch the compressor (be careful, you can get burned!) and it is hot, but the refrigerator is not cooling, the likelihood of mechanical failure is high. In such cases, independent repair is impossible; replacement of the unit is required.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
It is worth noting that in older models Atlant the life of the compressors is quite long, but over time the oil thickens and starting becomes difficult, especially in winter if the equipment was parked unheated room.
The influence of power surges in the network
Unstable power supply is the scourge of many areas. If the voltage in the network drops below the permissible minimum or, conversely, sudden surges occur, the refrigerator’s automatic protective equipment blocks the start. You hear the voltage relay click, but the compressor does not start.
⚠️ Attention: Constant operation at low voltage can lead to burnout of the motor windings. If the clicks start simultaneously with the blinking of the lights in the house, the problem is clearly in the external network.
To protect expensive equipment, it is recommended to use voltage stabilizers or voltage control relays. This is especially true for private homes and summer cottages, where the quality of electricity often leaves much to be desired.
When you need to call a technician
There are a number of situations when independent experiments can only do harm. If after checking the outlet, thermostat and visually inspecting the relay the problem persists, it is better to contact a professional. Especially if you do not have experience working with live electrical appliances.
A master is needed if refilling with refrigerant or soldering of tubes is required. A freon leak is often accompanied by a change in the sound of the compressor; it may work longer than usual or click more often when trying to reach the desired temperature.
⚠️ Attention: Opening the sealed circuit of the refrigerator yourself is strictly prohibited without special equipment and a license. This is dangerous to health and can lead to final breakdown of the unit
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Also, the help of a specialist is needed if complex diagnostics of the electronic control module is required. Modern two-chamber models are equipped with complex electronics, and an error in diagnosis can be expensive.
Prevention and proper care
What is your Atlant refrigerator Served for a long time and quietly, follow simple operating rules. Defrost the equipment regularly (if it is not No Frost), wash the drainage hole and check the tightness of the door. The cleanliness of the condenser at the back of the refrigerator also affects the operation of the motor - dustiness leads to overheating and frequent starts.
Do not overload the chambers with products, this disrupts air circulation and forces the compressor to work with increased load. Uniform distribution of products is the key to stable temperature and quiet operation.
How to wash a condenser
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment or a dry soft brush. Do not use water or detergents to clean the rear grille to avoid corrosion and short circuits.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the refrigerator click but does not turn on?
Most likely, the start relay has failed or the compressor is jammed. Also, the cause may be a malfunction of the thermostat, which does not send a signal to start.
Is it normal for the refrigerator to click when defrosting?
Yes, in models with the No Frost system, cracking sounds (thermal expansion) or valve switching clicks may be heard during defrosting. If the cold returns, this is normal.
Can I use the refrigerator if it clicks?
If the clicks are rare and the cold persists, you can use it temporarily. If the clicks are frequent, loud and there is no cold, operation should be stopped to avoid a fire or permanent breakdown.
How much does it cost to replace a relay in Atlanta?
The cost of the relay itself is low, but the price consists of the cost of the part and the work of the on-site technician. On average, repairs are inexpensive compared to replacing the compressor.