The sudden appearance of loud clicks in the operation of the refrigerator compartment can frighten any owner of household appliances. This sound often indicates that there has been a malfunction that requires immediate attention. Ignoring extraneous noise can lead to more serious damage, including failure of an expensive compressor or complete loss of products. refrigeration unit a failure has occurred that requires immediate attention. Ignoring extraneous noise can lead to more serious damage, including failure of an expensive compressor or complete loss of food.
Before calling a technician, it is necessary to carry out an initial diagnosis. Often the reason lies in little things that you can fix yourself in a few minutes. However, if the clicks are accompanied by a lack of cold or a hum, the situation becomes more serious and requires a detailed analysis.
In this article we will analyze all possible causes of sounds, from harmless to critical, and provide a step-by-step action plan for troubleshooting.
Natural sounds: thermostat operation and expansion of materials
Not always Clicking sounds are a sign of damage. During normal operation, the refrigerator periodically makes sounds associated with physical processes within the system. The first step is to listen to the nature of the sound. If a click is heard once every 15–20 minutes and is accompanied by the motor starting or stopping, then, most likely, the thermostat is working properly. This mechanism opens and closes the electrical circuit depending on the temperature inside the chambers. The click in this case is the sound of the contact group. The housing itself can also be a source of noise. When the temperature changes, plastic and metal contract or expand, producing a characteristic crackling or clicking sound, especially in new models or after defrosting. thermostat.
This mechanism opens and closes the electrical circuit depending on the temperature inside the chambers. The click in this case is the sound of the contact group. The housing itself can also be a source of noise. As temperatures change, plastic and metal contract or expand, producing a characteristic cracking or clicking sound, especially in newer models or after defrosting.
It is worth paying attention to the frequency of the sounds. If they are distributed chaotically and frequently, this may indicate unstable voltage in the network or worn contacts. In older models, the sound may be louder due to the lack of modern noise-absorbing materials.
- 🔔 A single click at start-up is the norm for a starting relay.
- 🔔 Case cracking is the reaction of materials to temperature changes.
- 🔔 Clicks once every 30–40 minutes - thermostat operation cycle.
Problems with the start relay and compressor
The most common and serious cause of loud clicks is a malfunction start relay. This small element is responsible for starting the compressor engine. If the relay has failed, it may make a series of rapid clicking sounds as it tries to start the engine, but is unsuccessful. In this case, the compressor may hum for a couple of seconds and then suddenly go silent.
You can visually check the relay by reaching the back wall of the refrigerator. If the plastic relay housing is blackened, melted, or cracked, it must be replaced. Operating equipment with a faulty relay is dangerous: the compressor can burn out due to constant attempts to start.
How to check a relay with a multimeter?
To check, you need to remove the relay and “ring” its contacts. The resistance must comply with the standard specified in the technical documentation. If the device shows an open or short circuit, the part is faulty.
If the relay itself is intact, the problem may lie in the “heart” of the refrigerator - compressor. Jamming of the piston group or wear of internal parts leads to the fact that the engine cannot turn over and makes a sharp knocking noise. In this case, it is often necessary to replace the entire unit.
☑️ Diagnostics of the starting relay
Faults in the defrost system (No Frost)
In refrigerators with system No Frost clicks may be associated with the operation of the defrost system. If the evaporator is covered with a thick “coat” of ice, the fan may touch the ice with its blades, causing cracking and clicking sounds. Also, the source of the sound may be Heating element. defrost or a timer that switches operating modes.
If the defrost sensor is faulty, the ice does not melt, accumulates and eventually begins to interfere with air movement or fan operation. Clicking in this case can be rhythmic and accompanied by a decrease in cooling efficiency. Sometimes ice breaks off from the evaporator and falls on the heater, making a loud sound.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear clicking sounds combined with a humming sound. fan, do not try to forcibly defrost the refrigerator with a hairdryer or boiling water - this may damage the plastic parts of the evaporator.
To fix the problem, it is often necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator in the off state for up to 24 hours. If after turning on the noise disappeared, but returned after a few days, it means that one of the elements of the defrost system (sensor, timer, heating element) requires replacement.
The influence of improper installation and external factors
Sometimes the reason lies not inside, but outside. Incorrect installation of the refrigerator is a common cause of vibrations and knocks. If the appliance is not level, the compressor creates a resonance during operation, which is transmitted to the body and the floor. This causes rattling and clicking of the contacting parts.
Check the distance to the walls and furniture. If the refrigerator touches the back wall of the cabinet or the side of adjacent equipment, the vibration of the motor will be transmitted to them, causing knocking. It is also worth inspecting the compressor mounting bolts: over time, they may weaken and the motor will begin to “walk” when starting.
Pay attention to the floor. Linoleum, tile or laminate may react differently to vibration. Using anti-vibration pads under the feet helps reduce noise levels. Make sure that all transport bolts and films have been removed before first use.
Comparative table of symptoms and causes
For a quick diagnosis, use the table below. It will help compare the nature of the sound with the probable one. malfunction.
| Sound character | Probable cause | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| Single click every 20 minutes | Thermostat operation | Norm, no repair required |
| A series of clicks, the motor does not start | Faulty starting relay | Replacing the relay |
| Crackling and knocking inside the chamber | Ice on the fan (No Frost) | Defrosting, checking the heating element |
| A loud knock when touching the body | Vibration, touching the walls | Adjust the legs, move away |
| A sharp click and the light turns off | Short circuit | Urgently unplug it |
This table is for reference only.
When urgent intervention is necessary
There are situations when you cannot hesitate. If clicks are accompanied by a burning smell, melting of wires or sparking, you must immediately turn off the refrigerator from the power supply. Continuing to operate in this mode threatens a fire.
Also an alarming signal is the situation when the refrigerator clicks, but does not cool. This indicates that the compressor is trying to start, but cannot gain momentum. Long-term operation in this “wear and tear” mode will completely wear out the engine, turning a simple repair into an expensive replacement of the unit.
Do not ignore the change in the nature of the sound. If quiet clicks are replaced by loud bangs, this is a direct signal of progressive mechanical failure. In modern models with inverter compressors any knocks are an anomaly, since they operate smoothly and almost silently.
Prevention and operating rules
To reduce the risk of problems, it is important to follow the operating rules. Check the door seals regularly: if they do not fit tightly, warm air enters the chamber, causing the compressor to work more often and more intensely, which accelerates the wear of the relay.
Do not overload the refrigerator compartment with food. This disrupts air circulation and creates additional stress on the system. It is also important to periodically clean the condenser (grid at the back) of dust, since overheating of the compressor is one of the common causes of its failure.
⚠️ Attention: Characteristics and location of parts may vary depending on the brand (Indesit, Bosch, LG, Samsung) and year of manufacture. Always check the official instructions for your model before disassembling.
Maintaining temperature conditions and timely defrosting (for drip systems) will extend the life of your refrigerator. Remember that preventative maintenance is cheaper than major repairs.
How to extend the life of a compressor?
Do not place hot food inside, leave a gap at the back wall for ventilation and avoid frequent power surges by using a stabilizer.
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. The relay tries to start the motor, clicks, but the protection turns off the circuit, since the start does not occur.
Is it normal for the refrigerator to click after defrosting?
Yes, in the first hours after switching on, sounds of expansion of materials and operation of the defrosting system can be heard. If the clicking does not stop after a day, diagnostics are needed.
Is it possible to continue using the refrigerator if it clicks?
If the clicking is rare and the cold persists, you can temporarily. If the clicks are frequent, loud and accompanied by heating of the motor housing, operation is dangerous.
How much does it cost to replace the start relay?
The cost of the part itself is low, but the price consists of the work of the technician and the visit. Depending on the model of the refrigerator, repairs may vary.