Owners of household appliances are often faced with a situation when Indesit refrigerator begins to make extraneous sounds that disturb the usual comfort in the apartment. The clicking noises may be barely noticeable or sound like loud bangs that frighten household members. Understanding the nature of these sounds is the first step to preserving expensive equipment and preventing food spoilage.
Modern models, such as Indesit EF 18 or Indesit NBS 18, are equipped with complex control systems that do not always operate silently. However, if the unit begins to click suddenly and loudly, it cannot be ignored. In this article, we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical causes of noise so that you can determine whether urgent repair the sound is required or a variant of the norm.
The first thing to do when noise appears is to listen carefully. The nature of the sound, its frequency and relation to the compressor operating cycles will prompt the right direction of diagnosis. Do not rush to call a technician until you have ruled out simple everyday factors that often cause anxiety.
Natural causes of clicks when equipment is operating
Many users begin to panic when they hear the first click, although in most cases the equipment is working properly. Thermal expansion is the main physical process that causes sounds in good working order refrigerator. The plastic of the inner chamber, metal shelves and the evaporator constantly change temperature, contracting and expanding, which gives rise to a characteristic crackling sound.
This happens especially often in models with a system No Frost, where temperature changes are sharper. If you have just loaded warm food into the chamber or defrosted the unit, the clicking noise may continue for several hours. This is a normal reaction of materials to changes in thermal conditions.
The second common reason is the work of thermostat or cut-off relay. When the temperature in the chamber reaches the set value, the sensor opens the circuit, which is accompanied by a dull click. A similar sound is heard when the compressor is turned on. If the Indesit refrigerator clicks once every 20-40 minutes and immediately after that it starts to freeze, this is a normal operating cycle.
It is important to take into account the quality of the installation. If the housing is skewed, vibrations from a running motor can be transmitted to furniture or walls, causing rattling, which can easily be mistaken for a knock inside the unit.
⚠️ Attention: If the clicks are accompanied by a lack of cold or the motor hums but does not start, this cannot be explained by natural causes. Diagnostics of the electrical part is required.
Problems with the starting relay and compressor
The most alarming signal is frequent clicks, following at intervals of several seconds, during which the engine does not start. This is a classic symptom of a malfunction start relay or problems with the windings compressor. The relay tries to start the motor, a click is heard, the protection is activated due to overload, and the cycle repeats.
In older Indesit models, posistor-type start-protective relays often fail. Inside them there is a tablet that loses its properties over time. Replacing this element is an inexpensive and quick procedure that you can do yourself if you have basic skills.
A more serious situation arises when the compressor piston mechanism itself jams. In this case, the motor hums and clicks, but cannot turn the shaft. Long-term operation in this mode leads to overheating of the windings and complete combustion of the motor. If you hear a series of clicks and a hum, but no cold is generated, immediately unplug the device.
How to check the starting relay yourself?
To check the relay, it must be removed from the compressor contacts. Shake the part: if a ringing sound is heard inside (as from broken glass or loose parts), it means the mechanism is damaged and requires replacement. Visually inspect the contacts for carbon deposits.
It is also worth mentioning hydraulic shock in the refrigerant system. If freon is not circulating correctly or there is too much of it, clicking noises may occur in the condenser tubes. This requires the intervention of a specialist to recharge the system.
Malfunctions of the No Frost defrosting system
In Indesit refrigerators with technology No Frost clicks are often associated with the operation of the defrost system. The heating element of the heater, defrost timer or defrost thermostat are key components that can make sounds. When you turn on the heating element, the cold heating element may crack slightly due to a sharp temperature change, which is acceptable.
However, if you hear loud clicks or crackling sounds when the refrigerator should be freezing, it may be stuck defrost relay. It may not switch modes, and the compressor tries to start while heating is in progress, which causes conflicts in the electrical circuit.
Another reason is ice on the fan blades. If the defrosting system does not work correctly, a “fur coat” grows on the evaporator. The fan begins to touch the ice with its blades, producing a characteristic crackling or clicking sound. Over time, this can cause the fan motor to break down.
Diagnostics of the No Frost system requires partial disassembly of the rear wall of the freezer. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply for several hours to completely defrost.
Mechanical damage and foreign objects
Sometimes the source of noise is trivial - foreign objects. Bottles, cans or bags that are too close to the walls may vibrate and hit the plastic or each other. Vibration from the compressor is transmitted to the shelves, causing rattling, which users often mistake for equipment failure.
Also check the compressor mounting. If the shock-absorbing springs or rubber gaskets under the engine are worn out or come off, the metal casing will hit the body every time you start it. This creates a loud clanging or clicking sound at the beginning and end of the cycle.
On models with dispensers or complex internal fittings, friction from moving parts may be the cause. Lubricating the mechanisms or adjusting the position of the shelves often solves the problem without calling a technician.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Danger | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare deaf person click | Thermostat operation | No | Observation |
| Frequent clicks without starting | Relay/compressor malfunction | High | Turn off, call a technician |
| Crackling and crunching | Fan (ice) or objects | Medium | Defrost, check cameras |
| Loud knock at start | Motor mounting | Medium | Attach the compressor |
Diagnostics of electrical wiring and contacts
Bad contact in the electrical circuit is another reason why the Indesit refrigerator clicks. Oxidized terminals or burnt contacts in a socket or plug can cause sparking, which is heard as a crackling sound. This is dangerous not only for equipment, but also for the fire safety of your home.
Check the integrity of the power cord. If it is pinched or damaged, vibration may cause a short circuit. It's also worth inspecting the internal wiring if you have access to the technical area (usually the back panel).
In modern models with electronic control, clicks can be made by the control board itself. Relays on the board switch operating modes, and if one of them is “stuck” or fails, the sound becomes intrusive. In such cases, it is necessary to replace the control module or resolder the relay.
⚠️ Attention: Work on the electrical part only when the device is completely disconnected from the network. Capacitors can retain a charge even after being turned off.
When you need to call a technician
Despite the possibility of self-diagnosis, there are situations when you cannot do without a professional. If, after defrosting and checking the fastenings, the refrigerator continues to make strange sounds, and the temperature in the chambers does not correspond to the norm, this is a signal of a serious breakdown.
A technician is needed if:
- 🔧 The compressor hums, clicks, but does not start for more than 10 minutes.
- 🔧 You smell burning or burning plastic.
- 🔧 Clicking sounds are accompanied by a complete absence of cold in both chambers.
- 🔧 You see sparking in the area of electrical contacts.
A timely call to the service center will allow you to save the compressor - the most expensive part of the refrigerator. Attempts to “reanimate” a jammed motor using traditional methods often lead to the final failure of the equipment.
☑️ Checklist before calling a technician
Prevention of noisy operation of the refrigerator
That your Indesit refrigerator served for a long time and quietly, It is important to follow the operating instructions. Regular defrosting (even for the No Frost system once a year) will help avoid the formation of ice jams. Monitor the loading level of the chambers: a crowded refrigerator works with increased load.
Install the unit on a flat surface using adjustable legs. The gap between the back wall and the furniture should be at least 5-7 cm for free air circulation. This will prevent the compressor from overheating and reduce the noise level.
Periodically check the cleanliness of the condenser (grids at the back). Dust and animal hair impair heat transfer, causing the motor to work longer and harder, which accelerates wear of parts.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the refrigerator click immediately after turning off?
This is absolutely normal. When the compressor is turned off, the refrigerant stops circulating under pressure and the gases in the system equalize. In addition, cooling metal parts shrink, making clicking sounds. This is a sign of proper thermoregulation.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it clicks?
If the clicks are rare and associated with the operation of the thermostat, and the cold remains, it is possible. If the clicks are frequent, accompanied by a hum and lack of cooling, operation should be stopped to avoid a fire or breakdown of the compressor.
How much does it cost to replace the start relay?
The part itself is inexpensive (usually from 500 to 1500 rubles, depending on the model), but to this amount you need to add the cost of the technician’s work and travel. Replacing it yourself will be cheaper, but requires skills.
Does a voltage surge affect the appearance of clicks?
Yes, voltage surges can damage the starting relay or compressor windings, which will lead to incorrect starting and characteristic clicking sounds. It is recommended to connect the refrigerator through a voltage stabilizer.