Clicks in the refrigerator when turned off: 7 reasons and what to do about them

You unplugged the refrigerator from the outlet, and it suddenly clicked - and now you are in a panic looking for what it was? Do not rush to call a specialist: in 80% of cases such sounds are absolutely normal and are associated with physical processes inside the equipment. But sometimes clicks signal hidden faults, which over time can lead to serious breakdowns.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible causes of clicks when the refrigerator is turned off - from harmless relay operation to dangerous failures in the compressor. You will learn how to distinguish “healthy” sounds from alarming ones, which models Samsung, ATLANT or Indesit most often click when turned off, and what to do if clicks are accompanied by other symptoms (for example, blinking indicators or refusal to turn on).

We’ll warn you right away: if your refrigerator clicks only when unplugged and there are no more problems - most likely this is a variant of the norm. But if the sounds are repeated during operation or are accompanied by unstable temperatures, read on: we have compiled a diagnostic checklist and troubleshooting instructions.

1. Normal clicks: why the refrigerator “shudders” when turned off

Most modern refrigerators click when unplugged - and this is not a defect, but a design feature. Here are three main reasons that should not cause concern:

• 🔌 Activation of the starting relay. When the power is suddenly turned off, the relay contacts open with a characteristic click. This is normal for models with linear compressor (for example, LG Inverter Linear or Bosch VitaFresh).
• ⚡ Discharge of the capacitor. There is a capacitor in the compressor power circuit that discharges when turned off - this can accompanied by a quiet clicking or crackling sound.
• 🧊 Thermal compression plasticThe refrigerator body is slightly deformed when cooled, and when turned off it returns to its original state - sometimes this is heard as a slight click (especially in models with thin walls, for example, ATLANT XM 4021-000).

How to distinguish a “healthy” click from a problematic one? Pay attention to:

• 🔊 Volume: a normal click is quiet, similar to the click of a light switch.
• ⏱️ Periodicity: the sound is one-time, immediately after disconnecting from the socket.
• 🌡️ Refrigerator behavior: after switching on, it works as usual, without errors.

If all three conditions are met, no action needs to be taken. But if there are clicks. loud, repeated or accompanied by other symptoms, read the following sections.

2. Clicks due to a faulty start relay: how to check

The start relay is a small device that starts the compressor when the refrigerator is turned on, it also works when disconnected from the network, and if the relay is faulty, the click may be louder than usual or repeated. several times.

Signs of problems with the relay:

• 🔊 A loud click, similar to metal hitting metal.
• ⚡ The refrigerator does not turn on after connecting to the network (or turns on only after 2-3 attempts).
• ⚠️ An error appears on the display (for example, E1 or F2 y Samsung, AL01 y Liebherr).

How to check the relay yourself:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and wait 10 minutes.
2. Remove the back cover (if the model allows it) or find the relay next to the compressor (usually a black box with wires).
3. Gently shake the relay: if you hear a knock or rattle inside, it is faulty.
4. Try to start the refrigerator by lightly knocking on the relay (sometimes this helps temporarily).

If the relay is really broken, it needs to be replaced. The cost of a new part is from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the model. To replace it, it is better to call a specialist, since you need a soldering iron and knowledge of the connection diagram.

3. Problems with the compressor: when clicks are a symptom of a serious breakdown

If the refrigerator clicks when turned off and at the same time:

• 🔥 The compressor gets very hot (you can get burned by touching it).
• ❄️ Does not freeze or freezes slightly.
• 🔄 It turns on and turns off immediately (protection is triggered).

—these are signs of a compressor malfunction. Let's consider the two most common problems:

3.1. Interturn short circuit in the winding

If the compressor winding is damaged, it cannot start normally, and the starting relay clicks repeatedly, trying to turn it on. When disconnected from the network, a loud click is heard - this is triggered by thermal. protection.

How to diagnose:

• Listen to the compressor: if it hums, but does not start, and then clicks, this is a sign of a short circuit.
• Check the current consumption with a multimeter (should be between 1–1.5 A for most models).

3.2. Piston jamming

If the compressor was idle for a long time (for example, the refrigerator was turned off for the winter), the oil could drain and the piston “stuck.” When you try to start, you can hear the relay clicks, but the compressor does not rotate.

What to do:

• Turn off the refrigerator for 24 hours, then try to turn it on again.
• If that doesn’t help, you will need to replace the compressor (cost from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles).

How to check the compressor without tools?

Plug in the refrigerator and listen: if the compressor hums, but does not start, and after 5-10 seconds a click is heard - this is the protection. Repeat 2-3 times: if the picture repeats, the compressor is faulty.

4. Clicks due to electronics: control board and sensors

In refrigerators with electronic control (for example, Samsung No Frost or LG DoorCooling+) clicks when turned off can come from:

• 📱 Control boards — when the power is abruptly turned off, the capacitors on the board are discharged with a characteristic sound.
• 🌡️ Temperature sensors —some models click when resetting readings (for example, Beko CNK 335220).
• 🔋 Inverter unit - in inverter refrigerators (Hitachi Inverter, Panasonic NR-B) clicks can be associated with the operation of the voltage converter.

How to distinguish “electronic” clicks:

If clicks come from the board, but the refrigerator is working normally, you don’t need to do anything. If errors appear on the display or the modes are out of order, you may need to reflash or replace the board (cost from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles).

5. Clicks in No Frost refrigerators: features of the system

Refrigerators with the system No Frost (for example, Indesit DF 5200 W, Bosch KGE39AW21R) click more often than usual due to additional elements:

• 🌀 Blowing fan — when the power is turned off, its blades may move slightly, making a sound click.
• 🔥 Defrost heating element —if it was turned on at the time of shutdown, it may crackle as it cools down.
• ❄️ Air duct dampers —in some models they close when turned off with a characteristic sound.

Refrigerators click especially often No Frost s electronic damper control (for example, Samsung RB-30 J3200EF). This is normal, but if the clicks are accompanied by:

• ❄️ Freezing of the rear wall.
• 🌬️ Weak airflow.
• 🔊 Constant fan humming.

- these are signs of a system malfunction No Frost.

What to do:

1. Defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
2. Check whether the air ducts are clogged with ice.
3. If the problem persists, call a technician to diagnose the heating element or fan.

6. Clicking noises in inverter refrigerators: why are they louder

Inverter refrigerators (LG GA-B489 YVQZ, Samsung RT-32 K5930S8) click louder than usual when turned off due to the way the inverter operates. Here's why:

• 🔄 Inverter unit converts direct current into alternating current, and when turned off, its capacitors are discharged with a loud click.
• 🔋 Smooth start of the compressor —in inverter models, the compressor does not turn on abruptly, but “accelerates,” which may be accompanied by clicks relay.
• 🛡️ Protective circuits — during voltage surges, the inverter can operate with a characteristic sound.

As a rule, such clicks are not dangerous, but if they become louder than usual or accompanied by:

• 🔥 Overheating of the inverter unit (can be felt with your hand).
• ⚡ Unstable operation of the compressor (it turns on and off).
• 🔌 Knocking out the machine c panel.

is a reason to check the inverter.

Important: inverter refrigerators are sensitive to power surges. If your network has frequent fluctuations, install a stabilizer - this will extend the life of the inverter and reduce the number of clicks.

7. When you urgently need to call a technician: alarming symptoms

If clicks when turning off are accompanied by at least one of these signs, do not delay repairs:

Loud repeated clicks (3 or more times)

The refrigerator does not turn on after connecting to the network

On the display shows an error (for example, E1, F2, AL01)

The compressor heats up to a high temperature

The cold does not stay in the chambers (food spoils)

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Urgent repairs are required:

• 🔥 Interturn short circuit of the compressor - can lead to fires.
• ⚡ Malfunction of the starting relay —if not replaced, the compressor will burn out.
• 📱 Problems with the control board —can damage all electronics.

Average prices for repairs (Moscow and regions, 2026):

If the refrigerator is under warranty, do not try to repair it yourself! Contact the brand's service center. The list of official service centers can be found on the manufacturers' websites:

• Samsung: www.samsung.com/ru/support
• LG: www.lg.com/ru/support
• ATLANT: www.atlant.by/service

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clicks in the refrigerator

❓ Why does the refrigerator click? when you turn it off, but not when you turn it on?

This is normal: when you turn it off, the relay contacts open and the capacitors are discharged, and when you turn it on, the sound may be muffled by the operation of the compressor. If the refrigerator turns on and works without problems, there is nothing to worry about.

❓ Is it possible to replace the start relay yourself?

Theoretically, yes, but only if you have experience working with electricity. The relay is attached to the compressor and connected to the wires - if you mix up the contacts, you can burn the compressor. For most users, it is safer to call a specialist.

❓ Why did the clicks become louder after moving?

Possible reasons:

• 🚛 The refrigerator was transported lying down - the relay or compressor could have moved.
• ⚡ The new outlet has a different voltage (for example, 230V instead of 220V).
• 🌡️ The temperature in the room has changed (for example, if the refrigerator is now next to the battery).

Let the refrigerator stand for 24 hours - if the clicks do not disappear, check the voltage in the network and level the refrigerator.

❓ Are clicks dangerous for the refrigerator?

The clicks themselves are not dangerous - it’s just the sound of the mechanisms operating. Dangerous reasonsthat cause them: a faulty relay, a short circuit in the compressor or failures in the control board. If the clicks are not accompanied by other symptoms, there is no need to worry.

❓ How to reduce the number of clicks?

Some tips:

• 🔌 Use a surge protector - it will smooth out power surges.
• 🧲 Install the refrigerator away from heat sources (batteries, stove).
• 🔧 Check if the refrigerator is touching furniture - vibration can amplify sounds.
• ⚡ If clicks are from the inverter, install a voltage stabilizer.

If your refrigerator It clicks when turned off, but it freezes normally and does not show errors - most likely this is a variant of the norm. However, if the sounds become louder, repeat, or other symptoms appear, do not delay diagnosis. Modern refrigerators are sensitive to minor faults, and timely repairs will cost less than replacing a burnt-out compressor.

For models with electronic control (Samsung, LG, Bosch), regularly update the firmware - this helps to avoid failures, which can also manifest themselves as clicks. Instructions for updating are usually in the user manual or on the manufacturer's website.