The situation when Something clicks at the back of the refrigeratorcan cause alarm for any owner of household appliances. This sound is often associated with a breakdown, but is not always a harbinger of costly repairs. In some cases, this is the normal operation of the unit’s systems, in others it is a signal about the need for intervention. It is important to be able to distinguish the nature of the sound and the frequency of its occurrence in order to make the right decision on further actions.
Ignoring extraneous noise can lead to failure compressorwhich is the heart of the refrigeration unit. Replacing this unit is often comparable in cost to purchasing new equipment. Therefore, when you hear clicks, you should not immediately panic, but you also cannot ignore the situation. In this article, we will analyze in detail the mechanics of sound occurrence, self-diagnosis methods and situations when calling a technician is required.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any diagnostic work related to disassembling the rear panel or checking electrical contacts, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with 220V voltage without the appropriate skills and tools is life-threatening.
Natural sounds of refrigeration equipment
Many owners begin to worry ahead of time, mistaking operating noises for a malfunction. Modern equipment, especially models with the No Frostsystem, makes a lot of sounds during operation. Periodic clicks can be associated with thermal expansion and contraction of materials. The plastic of the internal chambers and the metal elements of the pipeline change their volume when the temperature changes, which is physically accompanied by a characteristic crack or click.
Another common reason is work thermostat. When the temperature inside the chambers reaches the set value, the relay contacts open, turning off the compressor. This process is almost always accompanied by a loud click. If the sound is heard at intervals of 30–60 minutes and coincides with the moment the engine stops or starts, then this is a normal situation. It is also worth noting the operation of the defrost system in models with drip defrosting or No Frost.
In refrigerators with automatic defrosting, it turns on periodically Evaporator heating element. When the ice crust on the evaporator heats up, sounds similar to gunshots or loud clicks may occur. This occurs due to a sharp temperature change and ice destruction. If the clicking sounds occur during a pause in the compressor operation and do not last long, there is nothing to worry about. However, if the sound becomes constant or changes tone, you should listen more carefully.
Problems with the compressor start relay
The most likely technical cause of clicking is a malfunction starting relay. This small but critical element is responsible for starting the compressor motor. Inside the relay there is a coil and contacts that, when current is applied, must close, providing starting torque. If the mechanism is worn out or dirty, the contacts begin to spark and make frequent, rhythmic clicks, trying to start the motor.
A characteristic sign of a relay failure is the cyclical nature of the process. You can observe the following picture: a click is heard, the compressor hums for a few seconds, then another click follows, and the motor stops. After some time (usually a few minutes), the cycle repeats. This means that starting device cannot keep the contacts closed or does not provide the necessary current to start. Long-term operation in this mode is detrimental to the motor windings.
In some cases, the relay may simply “stick” in the open or closed position, which is also accompanied by sound effects. For diagnostics, it is often necessary to remove the rear cover at the bottom of the unit where the compressor is located. A visual inspection may reveal melted relay housings or blackened contacts. Replacing this element is one of the most frequent and relatively inexpensive procedures in refrigerator repair.
⚠️ Attention: Start relays come in different types (induction, posistor). When purchasing a spare part, be sure to check the labeling with the old part or model of your refrigerator. Installing an unsuitable relay may result in the compressor burning out.
Malfunctions of the compressor and electrical circuit
If the relay is in order, attention should be switched to itself compressor. Clicking sounds may indicate that the engine is trying to start but lacks power, or that the internal overheating protection is tripping. In this case, you will hear a dull click, a hum, and a click again. This condition is often referred to as a "no-crank" hum. The reasons may lie in the interturn short circuit of the windings or mechanical jamming of the piston group.
Another scenario is problems with the wiring or contact group. Loose terminals, oxidized contacts or frayed wires may produce cracking and clicking noises due to spark jumping. This is especially dangerous as it creates a fire risk. Inspect electrical cable and the connection points of the wires for melting. If you notice a burning smell or see traces of soot, you must stop using the device immediately.
In rare cases, clicks may come from thermostatif it is located in the engine compartment (which happens in older models). Mechanical wear of the bimetallic strip causes the contacts to not close tightly, causing vibration and sound. Diagnosis of this malfunction requires testing the contacts with a multimeter in different temperature conditions.
Symptoms of interturn short circuit
If the compressor hums, clicks and heats up very quickly (becomes hot in 1-2 minutes), and then clicks and turns off - most likely the winding has burned out. It is impossible to operate such a unit.
The influence of the refrigerant and the defrost system
Sounds reminiscent of clicks or even shots can also be emitted by the circulation system tubes refrigerant. When freon passes through bottlenecks or when pressure changes in the system, water hammer may occur, which is transmitted to the metal body and is heard as clicks. This is usually accompanied by gurgling or hissing. If the clicks are rare and are not accompanied by loss of cold, this is normal.
In refrigerators with a No Frost system, a timer or electronic module is responsible for defrosting. Switching between “cooling” and “defrosting” modes is always accompanied by a click. If the sound becomes too loud or the temperature changes, the evaporator fan motor may be faulty or the drain may be clogged. Ice accumulating on the fan can cause it to periodically stop and jerk, which is heard as a series of clicks.
Also worth mentioning casing deformation. If there is a sudden change in temperature in the room (for example, a draft or an air conditioner operating nearby), the metal of the case can “play”, making sounds. This is not a malfunction, but it does cause acoustic discomfort. Check if the refrigerator is touching walls or furniture, as vibration can amplify these sounds.
Diagnostics: step-by-step instructions
To accurately determine the source of the problem, it is necessary to carry out consistent diagnostics. There is no point in guessing from the tea leaves when it comes to a complex electrical appliance. Below is a technique that will help localize the fault without calling a technician at the initial stage. Remember that your safety is priority number one.
Conduct a visual and auditory inspection first. Turn on the refrigerator and listen. Where exactly does the sound come from? Below, where is the motor, or above, where is the evaporator? Use a medical tube or simply place your ear close to the back wall (being careful). This will help you understand whether the sound is mechanical or electrical.
☑️ Primary diagnostic algorithm
Next is a check of temperature conditions. Make sure the cells remain cold. If the refrigerator clicks but does not freeze, the problem is serious (freon leak, compressor wedge). If there is cold, but the clicks become more frequent, a breakdown may soon occur. Also check the mains voltage: low voltage may prevent the compressor from starting normally, causing the relay to click.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Danger | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhythmic clicks when starting | Faulty start relay | High (the motor will burn out) | Replacing the relay |
| Single click once an hour | Thermostat operation | No | Observation |
| Crackling and clicking inside the chamber | Thermal expansion | No | Ignore |
| Clicks and humming without starting | Compressor wedge / winding | Critical | Call a technician |
⚠️ Attention: If during the diagnostic process you If you smell burning plastic or see sparking, immediately unplug the cord from the outlet. Further experiments may lead to a fire.
When you need to call a specialist
There are a number of situations when independent repair is not only impractical, but also dangerous. If you determine that the clicks come from the compressor, and at the same time it gets very hot or, conversely, remains cold when you try to start, you need a professional. The technicians have special equipment to check the compression and integrity of the windings under load.
Also, the help of a specialist is necessary if filling with freon or soldering tubes is required. These works require a license and special tools. Trying to get to the refrigerant yourself can lead to damage to the heat exchanger, which in modern refrigerators is often foamed into the body. In addition, unqualified intervention in the defrosting system No Frost is fraught with failure of sensors and heating elements.
Do not forget about the warranty. If your refrigerator is less than 3-5 years old, any independent repairs associated with breaking the seals or opening the electrical part will void the manufacturer's warranty. In this case, having heard clicks, it is best to contact an authorized service center.
Is it worth changing the compressor yourself?
Replacing the compressor requires soldering copper pipes, evacuating the system and accurately charging the refrigerant. It is impossible to do this efficiently without professional equipment and skills. Saving on the work of a technician in this case will lead to the purchase of a new refrigerator.
Prevention and operating rules
To extend the life of the refrigerator and avoid the appearance of extraneous sounds, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regularly clean the condenser (black grille at the back) of dust. A capacitor clogged with dust causes compressor to work with overload, which leads to overheating and accelerated wear of the start relay.
Make sure that the refrigerator is level. Incorrect installation causes vibration, which loosens the fastenings of internal components and can provoke false clicks and knocks. Use a building level to check for levelness. Also, do not place the refrigerator close to the wall; provide clearance for ventilation of the engine compartment.
Do not overload the refrigerator compartment with food and do not place hot food in it. A sharp jump in temperature forces the unit to work at its limit, which reduces the life of the thermostat and compressor. Following these simple rules will help you avoid situations when something starts to click at the back of the refrigerator. thermostat and compressor. Following these simple rules will help you avoid situations where something starts to click on the back of the refrigerator.
Why does the refrigerator click but does not turn on?
Most likely it has failed starting relay or turn-to-turn short circuit in the compressor windings. The relay tries to start the engine, but due to a malfunction it immediately opens the circuit, making a clicking sound. The relay needs to be replaced or the motor repaired.
Is it normal for the refrigerator to click when defrosting?
Yes, this is normal. With the No Frost system or drip defrosting, there may be sounds of ice thawing, plastic cracking from temperature changes, and clicks of the timer switching modes.
Can a new refrigerator click?
In the first days of operation, a new refrigerator may make sounds due to the “shrinkage” of materials and thermal expansion. If the clicks are not accompanied by loss of cold and are periodic, this is not a defect.
How much does it cost to replace the starting relay?
The cost consists of the price of the part (usually inexpensive) and the work of the technician. It is difficult to name the exact amount, since it depends on the model of the refrigerator and the region, but this is one of the most budgetary repair procedures.
Is it dangerous to ignore relay clicks?
Yes, it is dangerous. Constant attempts to start a faulty compressor lead to its overheating and actual combustion of the windings. Repair in this case will cost much more than timely replacement of the relay.