Extraneous sounds coming from the kitchen can unsettle even the calmest inhabitant of the apartment. It is especially annoying if this sound comes from expensive household appliances that should work quietly and unnoticed. The refrigerator clicks This is one of the most common complaints from owners, with which they contact service centers or try to figure it out on their own.
In some cases, these clicks are an absolutely normal physical process indicating operation cooling systems. However, there are a number of situations where a rhythmic clicking sound or occasional knocks indicate an incipient malfunction. It is important to learn to distinguish natural noise from alarm signals so as not to miss the moment when the unit requires do-it-yourself repair or calling a technician.
Further operation of the equipment in the presence of real mechanical defects can lead to failure of an expensive compressor. That is why we will analyze in detail all the possible causes of knocking and help you carry out an initial diagnosis of the condition of your unit.
Natural physical processes: when noise is the norm
Modern refrigeration units, such as LG, Bosch or Indesit, use various refrigerants and control systems that can make sounds. Most often, owners are frightened by the clicking sounds that occur immediately after turning the device on or off. This is due to the operation of thermostat or the electronic control module, which closes and opens the electrical circuit.
⚠️ Attention: If the click is accompanied by a sharp hum, which immediately subsides, and the light in the apartment does not blink, most likely the protective compressor relay due to a voltage surge.
Another reason may be thermal expansion of materials. The plastic of the inner chamber, glass shelves and metal evaporator tubes contract or expand as the temperature changes. This process is often accompanied by a characteristic crackling sound or single clicks. This is especially often observed in models with a system No Frost, where temperature changes are sharper.
It is also worth considering design features. In some models, for example Samsung with inverter compressors, the sound of the engine may sound like a quiet purr or rare clicks of the bypass valve. This is not a breakdown, but only a design feature.
It is important to understand that new models of equipment often work quieter than old ones, and any unusual sound can be perceived as a breakdown. However, if the unit has been standing for several years and suddenly starts clicking, this is a reason to listen more carefully.
Malfunctions of the starting relay and electrical parts
If the refrigerator clicks and does not turn on, or the clicks are repeated with a certain frequency (for example, every 10-15 minutes), the problem may lie in the starting relay. This small element is responsible for starting the compressor engine. When the contacts wear out or the mechanism breaks down, the relay begins to work incorrectly.
When you try to start, a loud click is heard, followed by a buzzing sound that lasts several seconds, and again a shutdown click. This indicates that the engine is trying to start, but cannot gain the required speed, and thermal relay emergency shuts off the power to avoid burning out the windings.
- 🔌 Oxidation of contacts: Over time, the contacts inside the relay oxidize, which increases resistance and causes sparking, heard as a click.
- 🧲 Coil malfunction: The electromagnetic coil of the starting relay may lose its properties without holding the core in the operating position.
- 💥 Burnt posistor: Some relay models use a posistor, which, if turned on frequently, can fail and emit crackling.
To diagnose this problem, it is often necessary to remove the rear cover of the unit at the bottom where the compressor is located. Visually inspecting the relay for carbon deposits or melted plastic may provide the answer. If you notice blackening, the element must be replaced.
Is it possible to replace the relay yourself?
Yes, if you have basic electrical skills. The relay is usually simply removed from the compressor contacts and replaced with a new one, similar in markings. However, if the reason is not in the relay, but in the compressor itself, independent replacement will not help.
Problems with the compressor: water hammer and wear
The most serious and expensive problem is the malfunction of itself compressor. If you hear more than just a clicking sound, but rather a sound that sounds like metal hitting metal or gurgling followed by a hard knock, this could be a sign of water hammer. This occurs when liquid refrigerant enters the compression chamber instead of the gaseous state.
Liquid, unlike gas, is not compressed, which leads to a sharp impact of the piston group on the valve plate. In modern refrigerators this rarely happens, but it is possible if the filling is incorrect or the temperature regime is severely violated. Also, the cause of knocking may be wear of internal parts: pistons, connecting rods or bearings.
| Type of sound | Probable cause | Urgency of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Rhythmic metal knocking | Wear of the connecting rod-piston group | High |
| Single loud click at start | Start relay or hydraulic shock | Medium |
| Quiet crackling inside the chamber | Thermal expansion of plastic | Not required |
| Humming with vibration and knocking | Compressor imbalance | High |
If the compressor starts making strange sounds, its life is most likely coming to an end. Prolonged operation in this mode will lead to complete jamming of the motor. In this case, a professional replacement of the unit is required, since compressor repair in domestic conditions it is practically impossible and economically unfeasible.
☑️ Symptoms of compressor failure
Influence of the No Frost system and defrosting
Owners of equipment with an automatic defrosting system often encounter clicking noises associated with the operation of the defrost timer or heater. In models Atlant, Stinol and other brands, this process may be accompanied by the sounds of water flowing and clicks of valve switching.
Particular attention should be paid to the fan. If ice freezes on the blades or in the area of the fan bearing, it may touch the housing or ice crust, producing a rhythmic knocking or cracking sound. This often happens if the door was not closed properly and warm, humid air entered the chamber.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear clicking sounds when the refrigerator enters defrost mode, check the drainage system. Clogging of the outlet hole can lead to freezing of water in unintended places and subsequent noise when ice breaks off.
Sometimes clicks are made by the defrosting heating element itself when heating and cooling. The metal shell of the heating element expands and contracts, which is quite natural. However, if the sound is too loud, the heating element may be deformed or incorrectly installed.
To eliminate icing problems, it is often necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator. It is necessary to turn off the device from the network and leave the doors open for at least 12-24 hours. This will allow the ice to completely melt and remove excess moisture from the system.
Mechanical reasons and external factors
The source of noise is not always located inside the mechanisms. Often the reason is that the refrigerator is knocking, there are external factors or incorrect installation. Check whether the unit body is touching walls, furniture or other objects. When operating, the compressor causes vibration, which is transmitted to the housing and can cause rattling or knocking on nearby objects.
It is also worth inspecting the rear condenser grille. If it is deformed and touches the compressor tubes or housing, you will hear a metallic ringing or knocking sound every time it is turned on. Carefully bend the grille to provide clearance.
- 🧊 Foreign objects: Check whether a bottle or tool has fallen inside behind the compressor, which could rattle due to vibration.
- 🍽️ Dishes inside: Sometimes glass bottles or jars placed close to each other on the shelves.
- 🐜 Insects: In rare cases, large insects that have climbed into the technical compartment can create noise by moving over the parts.
Be sure to check the installation level of the refrigerator. If it is unstable, tilted forward or backward, this can cause misalignment and additional stress on the frame, which leads to squeaks and clicks. Use a building level to check.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting methods
Before calling a technician, try to carry out independent diagnostics. This will help you more accurately describe the problem to a specialist or, perhaps, solve it without extra costs. First of all, localize the source of the sound: it is located below the compressor, behind the grille or inside the chamber.
If the problem is in the start relay, it can be replaced. To do this, you need to unplug the refrigerator, remove the compressor casing, disconnect the wires and carefully remove the old relay. Installing the new one is done in reverse order. It is important to select a relay with exactly the same markings.
Sequence of actions when replacing a relay:1. Turn off the power (remove the plug from the socket).
2. Remove the compressor protective casing.
3. Take a photo of the wire connection diagram.
4. Remove the fixing bracket and disconnect the relay.
5. Install the new relay, observing the orientation (UP arrow).
6. Secure the bracket and connect the wires.
If the clicks come from the compressor and are accompanied by a lack of cold, more serious intervention will most likely be required. In this case, independent repair is not recommended, since the system will need to be evacuated and refilled with freon.
Prevention and operating rules
To extend the life of the refrigerator and avoid the appearance of extraneous noise, it is important to follow the operating rules. Do not put too much warm food into the chamber, this will force the compressor to work at its limit. Also make sure that the door seals are tight.
Regular cleaning of the condenser grille from dust and pet hair will help avoid overheating of the compressor. Overheating leads to increased fan operation and increased wear of mechanical parts. Wipe the grill with a dry cloth or use a vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment every six months.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and maintenance requirements may vary depending on the model. Always check the official instructions for your device before carrying out any manipulations.
Compliance with the temperature in the room also plays a role. If the refrigerator is standing near the battery or in direct sunlight, its systems will work with overload, which will inevitably lead to accelerated wear and noise.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the refrigerator click but does not freeze?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the start relay or the start relay itself compressor. The motor tries to start (clicking), but cannot, and the protection turns it off. The compressor needs to be diagnosed and the starting device needs to be replaced.
Is it normal for the refrigerator to click after defrosting?
Yes, this is normal. During defrosting, a sharp change in the temperature of the plastic elements and evaporator tubes occurs. Thermal expansion of materials causes clicks and crackles, which will stop after the temperature has stabilized.
Can a new refrigerator click?
In the first days of operation, a new refrigerator may make various sounds, including clicks. This occurs due to grinding in parts and adjusting temperature conditions. If the noise does not become louder and is not accompanied by a lack of cold, there is no need to worry.
How to understand that the compressor has burned out?
Main signs: the compressor is hot, but does not start (you can only hear a hum or click), the chamber is warm, there may be a burning smell. Only a master can make an accurate diagnosis using a tester by measuring the resistance of the windings.