It's hard to imagine a modern kitchen without the steady hum of the refrigerator. This is perhaps one of the indispensable attributes of a modern home. Therefore, any signs of breakdown cause alarm among owners. One of the most common questions is why did the refrigerator start clicking? Let’s try to figure out whether the equipment urgently needs to be sent in for repair or whether this is a design feature.
Start of diagnostics
The first thing you need to do is see if the refrigerator turns on and if it holds the desired temperature. There are three options:
- the refrigerator turns on, the motor runs, the desired temperature is reached;
- the refrigerator turns on, there is the sound of the motor, but the desired temperature is not reached;
- The refrigerator does not turn on, the engine does not start.
In the first case, most likely, the clicks are associated with deformation of the plastic parts during heating and cooling. This is a design feature that should not bother you. The clicking sound may be coming from the thermostat sensor. Some models are inherently noisier than others.
It’s worse if the refrigerator “doesn’t cool” or the motor doesn’t start at all. In this case, you cannot do without contacting a specialist. Let's consider all cases in more detail.
Primary diagnostics of the refrigerator
Household appliances differ in design features, but certain problems occur on all types - drip, No-Frost, etc. Budget models Atlant, Biryusa, Indesit, Liebherr are very popular. First you need to check the severity of the problem:
- The refrigerator clicks but does not turn on.
- Extraneous sounds appear periodically at different stages.
Thus, two situations are considered: clicking is the only suspicious symptom or the device completely stops working.
Clicks in the new refrigerator model
After the purchase, people wonder why the new refrigerator clicks. It is necessary to observe the operation of the device and consult with specialists. If the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer is correct and there are no deviations, then clicks are one of the operating features. The device may click when turned on or off, or crackle slightly. If this situation does not cause discomfort, then there is nothing to worry about.
No reason to worry
There are two main reasons for a refrigerator to click during operation, which do not affect its performance.
- Plastic parts and tubes change in size and deform when heated and cooled, making unusual sounds. In this case, clicks will occur immediately after turning the unit on and off. The developers took such deformations into account, so they usually do not lead to failure.
- Clicking noises may accompany the operation of the thermostat. Some models initially produce loud sounds. This is your option if your new refrigerator begins to crack from the very first day of operation.
If previously the equipment worked quietly, but now it clicks during operation or has become very loud compared to previous periods, you will need to contact a workshop.
Malfunctions
Here are the main faults that cause the refrigerator to crack or click.
| Symptom | Malfunction | Necessary repairs |
| When turned on, the motor does not start, the refrigerator constantly clicks. The light in the camera does not light. | The start protection relay has failed. | The relay needs to be replaced with a new one. |
| The lamp in the chamber is on, but the engine does not start. The refrigerator makes clicking noises periodically. | The thermostat, which should send a signal to the motor about the temperature difference, has broken down. This part can click even in working condition - then when it breaks, the sound becomes louder. The Indesit and Ariston refrigerators are most susceptible to this problem. | Replacing the thermostat (temperature sensor). |
| When turned on, the unit makes a clicking sound, the motor starts working, but immediately turns off. In this case, most often a loud click is heard again (the start-up relay has tripped), but the equipment can turn off quietly. | The motor-compressor, the main unit of the unit, broke down. It tries to start working, but immediately overheats. The protective relay produces an emergency stop. | Compressor replacement. |
| The equipment turns on, works normally, a click is heard when turned off. | The compressor mounts are loose. This happens if the refrigerator is not installed at the level. Vibrations during operation weaken the fastenings, and when the motor stops, it begins to knock on the walls of the housing. Most often, problems with the motor occur in Atlant refrigerators. | There are two possible solutions to the problem: install the refrigerator level or adjust the mounting springs. The second method is preferable, since incorrect position of the motor can lead to its breakdown. |
| After turning on, the unit first clicks several times, then the motor starts and then works normally: the light in the chamber is on, the temperature is kept at the desired level. | Low voltage in the network. The motor is trying to start, but there is not enough voltage. Therefore, the relay makes characteristic clicks. Start attempts continue until the compressor starts. | It is necessary to tidy up the wiring and purchase a voltage stabilizer. If a surge occurs during operation, the unit may break. |
We recommend: Is it allowed to place a refrigerator next to a radiator?
You can fix the problem yourself, but it is better to take the help of professionals. Refrigerators and parts for them cost a lot, and it would be a shame if, due to inept actions, the equipment breaks down completely. In addition, now it is not necessary to take the unit to a workshop. The technician will perform all the necessary actions at home.
When a cracking sound indicates a breakdown
A household refrigerator creaks and clicks when the motor is running. There is often a rattling noise, which is not a problem. Sometimes noise signals a malfunction of the device. To understand the situation, it is necessary to study the possible causes of noise.
A cracking noise when starting a compressor often indicates a breakdown:
- The engine tries to start several times, hums and runs for a couple of seconds, then stops - most often it needs to be replaced.
- When the unit starts, the start relay clicks, but the light inside the chamber does not light up, and the refrigerator does not start - the reason lies in the relay failure.
- If there is a rattling sound when the engine is turned off, the motor mountings must be checked; most often they will need to be tightened so that the compressor does not vibrate. In this situation, you can try to adjust the inclination and height of the legs of the household appliance.
- Clicks are heard periodically, there is light in the chamber, but the unit does not cool - this indicates a malfunction of the thermostat: the engine tries to turn on, but no signals are received from the thermostat, which needs to be replaced.
- Clicks that are heard several times in a row with pauses between them indicate an insufficient voltage level in the network or breakdowns in electrical parts and wiring - the plug, contacts and network must be checked. It is worth purchasing a current stabilizer if the situation does not improve.
View » How to change the thermostat in the refrigerator
A clicking sound that sounds more like a loud murmur indicates that the cooling system needs to be checked. The pipes could be clogged, or there might be a freon leak.
Causes of malfunctions of individual refrigerator models
The comparative table shows the features of the most famous brands of household appliances and the main causes of clicking noises.
| Refrigerator brand | Peculiarities | Malfunction | Cause |
| "Atlant" | Affordable equipment made in Belarus. The quality of the parts is good, but there are often problems with fastenings. | The most common breakdowns: failure of the relay, loosening of the motor mounts. | Initially weak fastenings, small margin of safety of “original” parts. |
| "Bosch" | One of the most reliable refrigerators. | The most common problems are with the thermostat and compressor. | Problems arise due to electrical problems or worn-out equipment. |
| "Indesit" | Good technique, but there are some weak points. For example, the door seal is not of the highest quality, which causes the temperature in the chamber to rise and the load on the motor to increase. In models with the No Frost function, it is possible that an ice “coat” may appear on the walls, which interferes with air circulation. | Failure of the thermostat, fan, relay, compressor. | Voltage drops and “weak” points - poor sealing and frost deposits on the walls. In these cases, the load on all components increases, and the equipment quickly breaks down. Therefore, owners of Indesit refrigerators need to monitor the condition of the seal and change it in a timely manner. |
| "Liebher" | Premium class refrigerators - the highest quality, best materials, energy saving, unique design, lots of functions. Strict production control eliminates manufacturing defects and low-quality components. | Failure of the relay, compressor, weakening of the compressor springs. | The main reason is improper operation. Most often, equipment suffers due to improper installation and voltage surges. |
| "Samsung" | High-quality and reliable technology. The likelihood of manufacturing defects is minimized. | Compressor failure, relay. | Breakdowns usually occur due to voltage surges in the network. |
| "Hotpoint Ariston" | Equipment equipped in accordance with the most modern technologies. LED displays, touch panels, sophisticated electronics are the characteristic features of this brand. | Thermostat failure, motor failure. | Malfunctions arise due to the rapid wear of “original” parts. |
We recommend: Pros and cons of No frost compared to a drip system
Like any equipment, refrigerators sometimes break down. If you notice strange things in the operation of the refrigerator (clicks, crackling sounds, extraneous sounds, or something else), do not wait for a final breakdown. If you contact a specialist on time, the repair will be easier and cheaper. Contact specialized service centers, then the equipment will last for many years.
Malfunctions and what to do
A household device cannot operate silently; it constantly crackles during operation and makes sounds for which there are many reasons - from normal condition to minor malfunctions or engine failure. In a situation where the unit was working quietly, but suddenly began to crack, it is better to invite a specialist who will carry out diagnostics and advise what to do if the Ariston refrigerator clicks loudly from behind.
The start protection relay is broken
The household appliance crackles at intervals, but the engine does not start; on No Frost models the fan does not function and the light in the chamber does not light. This indicates problems with the start relay, which erroneously turns off the engine. The mechanism will need to be replaced for the refrigerator to start working.
Thermostat is faulty
In normal mode, the thermostat must transmit information about the temperature to the automation unit, which sends signals to the compressor to turn on or off. The thermostat works with sounds, but if the engine does not start due to a breakdown and does not start to crack, the clicking sound is heard more clearly.
The equipment makes noise, but the engine does not start. The refrigerator does not freeze due to the compressor being turned off; the temperature in the chambers rises, but the lights and indicators are on. Apart from loud clicks, the unit does not make any other sounds.
Who is the manufacturer of your refrigerator?
A set of symptoms indicates a failure of the thermostat, which clicks when the temperature in the chamber exceeds the set value. In normal condition, after a click, the compressor should start and the cooling process begins - the broken part does not transmit the signal to the motor to start, and the refrigerator does not turn on. Some craftsmen replace a faulty thermostat on their own, but to be on the safe side, it is better to invite a professional.
Compressor motor broken
An interturn or short circuit of the winding to the housing (starting or working) occurs, which causes the compressor to overheat and the starting relay turns it off.
There are several options:
- The refrigerator is crackling and not cooling, the engine is trying to start, but quickly stops. Then the attempt is repeated.
- The compressor turns on, the unit hums for some time, but does not function. Then the start relay makes a click and the motor turns off, the equipment does not freeze. There may be a burnt plastic aroma.
- Before turning off, the engine can click once, and everything works - the correct temperature conditions are maintained in the chambers.
The symptoms of the first 2 cases are similar and indicate a malfunction of the compressor, which cannot start or starts to work, but quickly overheats. A crackling noise means that the relay has triggered and turns off the motor in forced mode.
The only way to solve the problem is to install a new motor, which is cheaper than buying a refrigerator. In some situations, it is possible to restore a broken motor, but you will have to call a specialist.
Loose compressor mounts
Such a breakdown is easily repaired - the engine is most often not broken, but simply “loose.” Under the influence of vibrations, the fasteners become loose. The compressor swings on springs during operation and touches the housing when turned on or stopped. At such a moment, a clicking sound is heard.
It may be enough to simply adjust the installation of a household refrigerator and try to tilt the unit back or forward.
Vibrations are reduced, the device is leveled, and the engine will stop rocking. If such actions do not help, you should invite a specialist to tighten the springs and eliminate the problem. You should not delay calling a mechanic, because the motor will burn out.
Low voltage in the network
Signs of unstable voltage:
- The compressor may click and work, and then turn off. Then the Indesit refrigerator does not start. A click is heard and it becomes quiet. After a pause, the equipment crackles, but does not turn on. This happens many times.
- The engine starts and runs after clicking. In the subsequent cycle it crackles, or it may start working immediately, while the chamber freezes and the light bulb shines in it.
The reason lies in low voltage in the electrical network. Clicking sounds are the start relay trying to start the compressor. If there is sufficient current, the equipment will work immediately. The low current is not enough to start the motor. The problem is both the constant low voltage and surges that exist in many electrical networks.
It is necessary to take current measurements to determine why the Hotpoint refrigerator is clicking. If such a malfunction is detected for the first time, which did not last long, you can do nothing. There is a possibility that voltage surges will not recur.
To connect to old and worn-out networks, experts recommend installing an electric current stabilizer. Refrigerator manufacturers insist that equipment be connected to networks with stable voltage, otherwise they will refuse to fulfill their warranty obligations. It is worth purchasing a stabilizer that will increase the service life of the refrigerator.
Low voltage is the simplest fault that is easy to fix. If there are clicks that are caused by a breakdown of the refrigerator, you need to invite a specialist. It is dangerous to repair mechanisms with your own hands; there is a risk of snagging adjacent components and aggravating the condition of the household unit.
Why does the refrigerator leak: what to do to eliminate leaks from below and inside
How to repair a refrigerator with your own hands: frequent breakdowns and ways to fix them
Start-up protection relay of the refrigerator for the compressor: test of functionality, connection diagram, how to remove and change it yourself
Why in the Atlant two-chamber refrigerator the refrigerator compartment does not work but the freezer works: reasons for the breakdown, what is the problem, what to do
