The main reasons why the refrigerator cracks or clicks during operation

During operation, the refrigerator always makes sounds, since the device consists of complex mechanical components. But sometimes new sounds are added to the usual ones - clicking and crackling. Some owners begin to worry about the condition of the equipment, because increased noise can not only cause discomfort, but also cause breakdowns. To understand the situation, you need to study possible factors that can affect the appearance of crackling.


If clicking sounds are heard while the compressor is resting, the sounds most likely arise from the deformation of materials during cooling and heating.

When does a cracking sound indicate a breakdown?

A refrigerator is a household appliance that produces extraneous sounds during operation due to its powerful motor. Most often you can hear a cracking sound. In most cases this is not a problem. But sometimes it may indicate a technical malfunction. To figure out why the refrigerator is cracking, you need to study the probable causes of the noise.


Some models of temperature sensors are more sonorous and can be heard quite well. This is not considered a breakdown.

Note! If the cracking does not stop for several months, you need to seek help from specialists.


If the refrigerator is making a lot of noise, this is a sign of a problem, the troubleshooting of which should not be put off for a long time.

Unit owners should contact a service center if:

  • the engine does not start during a crackling or clicking sound;
  • there is no light in the refrigerator compartment;
  • the refrigerator is crackling, but not freezing;
  • during the crackling sound, the engine hums and there is a burning smell;
  • loud sound before shutting down;
  • The relay clicks, preventing the engine from starting.


The materials used by the manufacturer in the manufacture of equipment expand and contract when the temperature changes. This crackling disappears over time.

If the equipment is new, in most cases the crackling sound is considered normal. Materials adapt to low temperatures. If the refrigerator is many years old, some parts may break.


Try to ensure a stable temperature in the chambers, do not open the door for a long time, and do not put a lot of unrefrigerated products on the shelves.

The refrigerator makes a clicking noise when operating (clicking noises)

The refrigerator is not a silent appliance, so it makes sounds when operating. When you hear the quiet murmur of freon in the pipes or the rare “roar” of the compressor when turned on, this is not a breakdown, but the normal functioning of the systems. If the refrigerator is making a lot of noise, this is a sign of a problem, the troubleshooting of which should not be put off for a long time.

Important! Pay attention to when the cracking noise appears - when you open or close the door to accurately find the cause of the breakdown.

Let's look at the causes of crackling noise in modern refrigerators and ways to eliminate this problem.

If the refrigerator is new, the cracking noise is often not associated with technical problems. During operation, the systems periodically heat up and cool down. The materials used by the manufacturer in the manufacture of equipment expand and contract when the temperature changes. This crackling disappears over time.

If several months have passed and the cracking has not stopped, it’s time to sound the alarm. You should react especially quickly when a previously quiet refrigerator suddenly begins to make unusual sounds and crackling noises.

Just brought your refrigerator back from the store and it’s cracking? Turn the device with the back wall towards you and unscrew the transport bolts on the compressor - they create noise and can cause a serious failure. If the equipment is under warranty, repair of the breakdown will be paid for, because the case is not covered by warranty and occurs due to the user’s negligence. Instructions for dismantling the mount are specified in the user manual.

Another non-critical case in which refrigeration equipment (RE) crackles during operation is an uneven floor in the apartment or incorrectly adjusted legs. Rearrange the equipment or tighten the legs.

If all else fails, look for the cause of the failure in the systems and nodes. Let's look at the possible causes of the breakdown below.

The refrigerator is cracking: the main reasons

The following factors lead to cracking:

  1. Some fasteners are not adjusted.
  2. Have you been using XO for a long time? The compressor has broken down or lost its performance, causing noise.
  3. When switching temperature conditions, plastic parts, as we said above, expand. Try to ensure a stable temperature in the chambers, do not open the door for a long time, and do not put a lot of unrefrigerated products on the shelves.
  4. The reason is the contact of parts with the motor tubes. The compressor may come into contact with the rear grille and other components.
  5. Wear of engine shock absorbers.
  6. Poor condenser connection. The cracking sound is accompanied by noticeable vibration.

Electricity problems

Sometimes XO cracks and sparks at the same time. This means there are problems with the electrical component. What you need to inspect first:

  • socket;
  • power cord and plug;
  • carry out wiring maintenance;
  • control module - it may have burnt out and make a cracking noise (the refrigerator will stop working or the lights on the control panel will blink).

Models with No Frost are designed slightly differently than regular ones. They are designed with a fan that circulates cooled air in the chambers. If there is a mechanical or system problem, or if annual defrosting is not done, the cooler blades may become coated with ice. Then there will be noise, and crackling, and grinding.

What to do? Urgent defrosting is required. No Frost models defrost within 24 hours. If the sound does not disappear after connecting to the network, it means that there are other problems in the system.

There may be several reasons:

  1. The relay has failed. In this case, the engine does not start, there is no lighting in the chamber - replacing the part will help.
  2. Compressor motor malfunction. The unit crackles loudly, clicks, “shoots,” but does not turn on; The engine tries to start, but cannot. In this case, the compressor needs to be replaced.
  3. Thermostat failure.
    The motor does not work, but the lighting in the camera is present, and clicks are also heard. Replacing the thermostat will help you.
  4. Loose fastenings. In this case, the refrigerator performs all functions properly, but during operation it creaks, knocks and “grunts”. The fact is that the motor (compressor) mounts periodically become loose (often due to improper installation), and the motor touches the housing when stopped. This is what causes the clicking/knocking sound. You need to fix/tighten the fasteners or replace them.
  5. The power supply voltage is low. The cause of the clicking sound in this case is an insufficient amount of electric current due to low voltage in the outlet. The start-up relay tries to start the engine, but it does not succeed the first time. Hence the characteristic clicking sound when trying to start the compressor.

Installation of a stabilizer will be required for normal operation of the unit.

Otherwise, you risk ending up with more serious damage.

You can do this yourself, or contact a specialist.

What to do if the refrigerator clicks?

  • Check the voltage in the network (the best option is to call an electrician).
  • Observe the operation of the refrigeration unit and see under what conditions the sound/knock/click is heard.
  • Contact service. The reasons for this cannot be eliminated on your own.

Replacing the plug

If you find that the cracking noise is coming from the plug, you should replace it with a new one. Do not attempt to repair this part by wrapping it with electrical tape, otherwise you will create a potential fire or electrical hazard in your home. In refrigerators of all brands - Indesit, Atlant, Ariston, Samsung and others - the plug is replaced depending on the type of plug:

  • If the plug is disassembled,
    the broken or broken wire can be cut off, cleaned and installed inside the plug.

Important! The wire can only be mounted inside!

  • If is not removable,
    go get a new one. Do not try to cut the cord where it is damaged or twist it - for your safety, avoid such actions.

Decide which plug you need - with or without grounding. The refrigerator requires plugs with a grounding pin. But, if you live in an old apartment building where the wiring does not have a grounding conductor, do not waste your money.

When choosing, pay attention to the electrical power - it should be higher than the power consumed by the refrigerator.

The replacement goes like this:

Important! If you are replacing a grounding plug, remember or photograph the wires so you don't confuse the grounding wire with others. As a rule, this is a yellow-green cable, but it is better to be on the safe side. Also note that the ground wire is always connected to a metal part of the refrigerator body.

If the cracking noise stops after replacing the fork, you did everything right. And if all the reasons listed in the review are excluded and checked, and the sound does not disappear, contact the service center to find the true cause of the failure.

Is your refrigeration unit making unusual clicking noises? Don't worry ahead of time - it's quite possible that these sounds are normal for him. But you shouldn’t leave the matter unattended, because in some cases clicks turn out to be a sign of a serious malfunction. We will tell you about five possible reasons why the refrigerator clicks. And at the same time we will advise what to do in each individual case.

Normal, working sounds

The refrigerator constantly or periodically crackles, gurgles and clicks during operation, but at the same time it functions completely normally:

  • the required temperature inside the chambers;
  • water does not leak anywhere;
  • no smell of burnt plastic;
  • The display (if present) does not show any errors, only operating parameters.

This means that all the sounds that the unit makes are completely natural and should not be a cause for concern.

For example, crackling sounds and quiet clicks can be produced by elements of the cooling circuit and the unit housing. They contract and expand due to temperature changes, hence the unusual sounds. Listen to the crackles and clicks of your freezer drawer when you pull it out into the warm environment. The rest of the refrigerator parts “sound” exactly the same. As a rule, this crackling noise begins a few minutes after the engine is turned off.

When the compressor is turned on (when the refrigerator starts up and starts humming), the thermostat clicks. With this click he turns on the motor. The same thing repeats when turned off: a click and the compressor stops humming.

What to do? Don't worry, but keep a close eye on the refrigerator for a few days. You must be 100% sure that it is working properly. After all, it may be that the unit broke down and started clicking only today, so the temperature in the chambers has not yet had time to rise, and there are simply no other symptoms.

Important! It is normal for the refrigerator to make clicking sounds from the first day of operation. Over time, they may gradually get worse. If previously the unit worked almost silently, but today it suddenly clicks strongly and loudly, call a technician. Such sudden changes in the operation of household appliances indicate malfunctions. It’s better to play it safe right away than to wait for complications and then pay for more expensive repairs.

Problems with the motor-compressor

There are several options here. Carefully observe the operation of the refrigerator and determine which description best suits your case:

  1. The refrigerator clicks but does not work. After each click, the engine tries to start, but stalls almost immediately. Then the unit “rests” for some time, and the startup attempt is repeated.
  2. The motor turns on, the refrigerator hums for a while, but does not work. Then the start protection relay clicks loudly and the compressor turns off. At the same time, the refrigerator does not freeze at all. There may be a smell of overheated or burnt plastic.
  3. Just before shutting down, the compressor clicks once, clearly and loudly. Otherwise, everything looks quite normal - the temperature in the chambers is maintained at a given level.

The first two cases are similar. Their symptoms indicate engine failure. It is either unable to start at all, or it “spins” but quickly overheats. An audible click is the activation of the start-up relay, which forcibly turns off the motor when it overheats.

The only solution to this problem is to replace the compressor. It's expensive, but still cheaper than buying a new refrigerator. In some cases, it is also possible to repair an old, broken motor. But, be that as it may, one cannot do without a master.

But the last case is simpler. Most likely, the compressor did not break, but only became loose. More precisely, under the influence of constant vibrations, its fastenings became loose. As a result, during operation, the motor “swings” on its springs so much that it touches the housing elements and turns off. At this moment a click is heard.

What to do? You just need to adjust the position of the compressor. First of all, try tilting the entire refrigerator back or forward a little. It will level out, vibrations will decrease, and the compressor will not swing as much. If this does not help, you should call a specialist. It will tighten the springs that support the motor, and the problem will disappear. The main thing is not to delay repairs, otherwise the compressor may simply burn out.

Thermostat malfunction

The refrigerator clicks periodically, but the motor does not turn on. Due to the constantly switched off compressor, the unit does not cool or freeze, the temperature in the chambers rises. Apart from clicking, no sounds are heard at all. At the same time, the clicks themselves are quite loud. The light in the camera is on and the indicators are on.

This set of symptoms indicates a thermostat failure. It clicks when the temperature in the chamber exceeds the set temperature. But normally, after this click, the motor turns on and cooling begins. A broken thermostat cannot send the command to start to the compressor, and the refrigerator does not work. The faulty part must be replaced. Some home craftsmen do this on their own, but it’s easier and more reliable to call a professional.

Source: https://strana-sovetoff.ru/hranenie/holodilnik-treshchit-pri-rabote.html

What to do in this case

What can constantly click in a running refrigerator? Problems in the operation of freezing equipment can be divided into mechanical (damage to gaskets, housing, depressurization of cooling tubes) and electrical (breakage of the motor, power relay, fan).


Be sure to keep an eye out for additional signs, they will help you determine exactly what the problem is, because cracking can occur for various reasons.

In the first case, you can try to fix the problem yourself. If the refrigerator begins to make noise or crackle when turned on, this is most likely an electrical type of failure. It is impossible to fix the problem on your own. In this case, you will need the help of a qualified technician.


When the unit is working completely normally, but sometimes a cracking noise occurs, there is no point in “sounding the alarm.” Most likely, the cracking noise occurs due to temperature changes inherent in the components of refrigerators.

The main causes and ways to eliminate refrigerator crackling

Why there is a cracking sound in the refrigerator, only people who understand the device will answer with accuracy. Extraneous sounds during operation of the refrigerator do not always indicate its breakdown. In some cases, you can eliminate them yourself. The main thing is to understand the factors that provoke the appearance of crackling and clicking sounds.


If there is a strong, continuous sound that is unbearable, if the refrigerator is new, contact the seller; if not, contact the service center.

Clicking noises during operation

There are several reasons for the appearance of clicks during operation of equipment.

  • Compressor operation (the device is designed to maintain the required temperature, while the noise level is indicated in the device passport).
  • Cracking of the plastic casing due to temperature changes (when the optimal mode is set, the sound stops).
  • Friction of elements.
  • Circulation through the refrigerant pipes.
  • When the motor turns on and off, the thermostat clicks (the volume depends on the model and brand of freezing equipment).
  • Uneven surface (clicks occur due to subsidence or malfunction of the adjusting supports).
  • Thermostat malfunction (the equipment does not freeze during operation, the refrigerator must be turned off before a specialist arrives so as not to damage the engine).
  • Failure of the motor-compressor (when turned on, the rear part of the equipment creaks, crackles, the engine makes a hum and an unpleasant odor is felt. In this case, it is also worth unplugging the unit from the outlet and waiting for the technician to arrive).
  • Loose compressor mount (there is a loud clicking sound before disconnecting from the power supply. The problem can be fixed by adjusting the springs supporting the compressor).
  • Burnout of the evaporator heating element (the resulting ice creates a load on the operation of the compressor).
  • Contact of parts with motor tubes.
  • Wear of compressor shock absorbers.


If this has not been observed with the refrigerator before, then in this case there is a possibility that the temperature control device will soon need to be changed. Call a specialist to confirm or deny this point.

For reference! Sometimes the cause of the crackling sound is the fork. The problem can only be corrected by replacing it with a new one. Do not wrap the part with electrical tape. This is a potential ignition source.


If, despite the extraneous noise, the refrigerator and freezer continue to freeze and the light inside is on, then there is no serious damage.

It crackles but doesn't work

The main reasons include the following factors.

  • Failure of the thermostat (when the refrigerator is turned on, this unit gives a command to the control module that drives the motor. Starting the thermostat is always accompanied by a crash, but if the equipment does not start working, then the problem is 90% in the thermostatic relay).
  • Failure of the start-up relay (the equipment does not turn on, there is no light and a click is heard).
  • Failure of the motor-compressor (when connected to power, a click occurs, the motor starts for a few seconds, hums loudly and stalls).
  • Low voltage in the network (after turning off the engine does not start for a long time, and the refrigerator itself crackles).


If you discover any breakdown, the best option is to contact a service center. The cost of repairs varies depending on the severity of the damage and your region of residence.

Note! Clicks are considered a feature of the model if they accompany the unit from the moment of purchase.


If you find it difficult to determine why the refrigerator is cracking during operation, consult a specialist. It is better to call a specialist to your home so that he can perform diagnostics to determine the exact cause.

The lack of necessary knowledge and diagnostic tools makes it much more difficult to identify the true cause of extraneous noise.

Where to start looking for the cause?

If you notice that the refrigerator clicks when operating, first check how it generally works. There are two options here:

  1. Apart from strange sounds, the equipment does not show any symptoms of failure. In both chambers - the refrigerator and the freezer - the temperature is normal. In this case, there is no need to worry too much - most likely, the clicks are part of the normal sound of the unit.
  2. The refrigerator clicks but does not work. It either does not start at all, or it turns on, hums, but does not freeze (the temperature in the chambers is increased). Other symptoms are also possible. This already indicates the presence of a serious breakdown.

Let's take a closer look at the specific causes of clicking sounds.

When clicks are not a problem

Normally, the refrigerator may click in the following cases:

  1. After the compressor is turned off. When the chambers are cooled to the desired temperature, the motor turns off and the refrigerator stops humming. And during “rest” the unit periodically clicks, crackles, and taps. These sounds are produced by plastic and metal parts that contract and expand with temperature changes. For example, this is how a freezer drawer clicks when you take it out and put it in a warm kitchen. All this is normal and will not harm the refrigerator - temperature deformations of the materials are taken into account in its design.
  2. When turning the motor on and off. At this moment the thermostat clicks. Depending on the model and brand of your refrigerator, it may sound louder or quieter.

The following is very important here: sound should accompany the operation of the unit from the very beginning, from the day of purchase. Then the clicks are considered not a breakdown, but a feature of the model. A malfunction is possible in the following cases:

  • Previously, the refrigerator worked silently, but then suddenly it started clicking.
  • Before, the clicks were quiet, but now the unit clicks very loudly and loudly.

With such unexpected changes in the operation of the equipment, you need to contact a specialist .

Malfunctions that cause the refrigerator to click

But the signs listed below indicate serious problems. They must be eliminated in order for the refrigerator to continue to function normally.

SymptomsPossible problemHow to fix the problem
The refrigerator clicks periodically, but the motor does not start. There is no light in the cell. The start protection relay is broken.Replace the relay ( call a technician ). Cost from 750 rubles.
Periodic clicking sounds are heard. The engine does not turn on, but the light in the refrigerator is on. Thermostat is faulty. It must transmit a command to start the motor when the temperature in the chamber becomes higher than the set one. If there is a malfunction, the thermostat cannot do this. It often happens that the unit clicks normally, but after a breakdown the clicks immediately become much louder. Replace the thermostat ( call a specialist ). Replacement price is from 850 rubles.
The refrigerator clicks, then the engine starts. It hums, but does not work and soon turns off with a characteristic loud click (this is how the start-up relay clicks). In other cases, the compressor just tries to start and immediately stops. The motor-compressor is broken. It tries to work, but overheats. Immediately the start-up relay is activated: there is a click and the motor is knocked out. Then there is silence in the refrigerator until the next startup attempt. Replace the motor-compressor (you need to call a specialist ). Price - from 820 rubles.
The refrigerator is working normally (the temperature in the chambers corresponds to the set temperature, the light turns on). The compressor clicks before switching off. Loose compressor mounts. This happens due to improper installation of the unit and the vibrations caused by it. The motor stays in place less easily. Stopping operation, it comes into contact with the body of the refrigerator. At the same time, one loud click is heard. First, you should change the position of the refrigerator, slightly changing its tilt relative to the vertical. It is quite possible to do this yourself. If the clicking does not stop, call a technician to adjust the springs holding the compressor. You should not postpone the adjustment, as over time the situation will only worsen and the motor may fail. Price from 600 rub.
When the compressor is turned off, several loud clicks with short pauses are heard. With the last of them, the motor starts, and then the refrigerator operates normally. The temperature and lighting in the cells are also normal. Low voltage in the network. The start-up relay tries to start the engine, but there is not enough current to do so. The relay will continue to try until the motor starts running. After the compressor completes its cycle and turns off, the refrigerator may click again, or it may start without problems the first time. Install a stabilizer to provide the refrigerator with normal voltage. Otherwise, during the next surge, any component may break - from the relay to the compressor.

You can fix some problems yourself. But it’s better not to undertake complex repairs and replacement of expensive spare parts - this work is for professionals. Moreover, you can easily get rid of any breakdowns by calling a good refrigerator repairman to your home. Call Formula Cold or leave a request directly on the website. We will quickly repair your refrigerator - it will work again as quietly and diligently as in the first days after purchase.

Source

How to solve a problem


Insufficient quality of capacitor fastening. The noise is accompanied by noticeable vibration.

What to do if strange sounds appear? You must adhere to the following algorithm of actions:

  • check the connection to the electrical network (installing a stabilizer will help to prevent power surges);
  • correct the position of the refrigerator body;
  • sometimes the noise is caused by the close distance of the equipment to the wall (the distance should be at least 20 cm);
  • adjust the springs that support the compressor;
  • check the serviceability of the fan (sometimes ice interferes with the normal functioning of parts. In this case, defrosting the equipment will help);
  • replace the relay;
  • check the pipeline (clogging can lead to an increase in the amount of work of the compressor);
  • check whether the door is tightly closed and what condition the seals are in.


Malfunction in the start-up relay. In this case, the refrigerator stops working, the light inside does not light and the temperature does not drop.

Sometimes the refrigerator may click and shoot sparks at the same time. Here the problem lies in the electrical component. First of all, you need to check the socket, plug, cable, and also the control module (due to burnout, it may make a cracking noise).


In this case, you need to take the equipment to a service center or invite a technician to your home.

A malfunction of the thermostat, compressor motor and other more complex breakdowns can only be resolved by a specialist.


If there are symptoms of a more serious breakdown, you should contact a warranty workshop.

Troubleshooting

Some breakdowns do not cause serious concern because they can be fixed independently or relatively inexpensively. If the refrigerator freezes, the light inside is on, but only occasionally crunches, then most likely this is just a characteristic feature of a particular model. Especially if such sounds appeared from the very beginning.

In other situations, the problem occurs with the thermostat (the light is on, but the device does not respond), with the relay (humming, ticking), with the compressor (does not freeze). For service, it is worth calling a technician to your home so that he can carry out an accurate diagnosis. You should only carry out minor repairs yourself - check the fastenings of the wall, motor, relay.

If the household appliance is still under warranty, you need to call the manufacturer’s hotline - Samsung, Biryusa or any other. The store where the purchase was made will tell you what to do in such a situation. An at-home specialist will inspect, repair the device or write a technical condition report. On the basis of this paper, the defective product is exchanged in the store. It is advisable to save the cash receipt and other documents so that you do not have to restore them.

After the warranty expires, you should simply call a technician to your home from an authorized service center. There is no need to transport large equipment anywhere on your own. Typically, for popular models, repairs even with replacement of parts will cost from 1,500 to 6,000 rubles. It's much cheaper than buying a new refrigerator.

Video: Refrigerator hums and rattles - a simple solution

The refrigerator is humming and rattling - a simple solution

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Video: The refrigerator makes noise, crackles, creaks, and grinds. Solution.

The refrigerator makes noise, crackles, creaks, and grinds. Solution.

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How to determine if a refrigerator needs repair?

Refrigerator repair is inevitable in the following cases:

  • when the device begins to freeze worse (the problem may arise due to a freon leak);
  • the refrigerator does not turn on;
  • a lot of liquid accumulates inside the unit (possibly due to a clogged drain system);
  • lack of light;
  • the equipment does not turn off (may be due to a malfunction of the thermoregulation sensor);
  • the sound of a cracking or clicking does not stop, but only intensifies;
  • Excessive ice freezing in the freezer.


Cracking also occurs in old units due to wear of parts. In this case, carry out diagnostics: if the problem is not a technical breakdown, and the device is no longer new, then it’s “time to retire.” Call a technician to adjust or replace worn out old parts.

If the system works properly in the presence of sounds, you should just observe the equipment. It is not recommended to make independent changes to the design of the refrigerator if the warranty period is still valid.


If in some cases the owners of refrigerators can independently eliminate the unpleasant sounds emitted by the device, then if the compressor, thermostat, or start-up relay breaks down, they need to call a refrigeration repair specialist.

When the cause of the crackling noise is a malfunction

Having ruled out the reasons when the refrigerator cracks during operation and this is acceptable, there is a reason to find out what the threat is and what can be done. It is best to solve the problem right away, since often one or another element can be repaired, which will cost less. Replacement costs more and it may be impossible to find the right component, especially for older models.

Having noticed that the refrigerator is cracking and the compressor does not start, and there is no light inside, most likely the start-up relay has failed.

When you hear a crackling sound, the compressor does not turn on, but the light is on, it means the thermostat is broken.

The refrigerator crackles before the compressor starts, after which a hum is heard, and then a characteristic click is heard, after which the refrigerator turns off. Similar signs are typical for a broken compressor.

The refrigerator is working properly, starting to crack before the compressor turns off. This indicates a weakened motor mount, which occurs for various reasons. For example, this often happens due to incorrect installation of the refrigerator, which causes excessive vibrations that contribute to loosening of the fastenings. By the way, this significantly increases the permissible cracking noise that occurs from the expansion of materials. You can fix this yourself: turn off the refrigerator, tighten the compressor mounts and set the refrigerator level.

If you discover any breakdown, the best option is to contact a service center. The cost of repairs varies depending on the severity of the damage and your region of residence.

If you find it difficult to determine why the refrigerator is cracking during operation, consult a specialist. It is better to call a specialist to your home so that he can perform diagnostics to determine the exact cause. Even if a specialist does not find any cause for concern, a comprehensive check of the refrigerator will not be superfluous.

It’s probably no secret to anyone that refrigerators make certain sounds when operating. Some people are used to the rumbling of the refrigerator, others hear the sounds of circulating freon from the unit, and others do not pay attention to this kind of noise at all. But if the refrigerator begins to click during operation, which is usually unusual for it, then it is difficult not to notice. The first thing that owners of household appliances think is that the device is really broken?!

Before you give the verdict “Broken!” and call a specialist, it won’t hurt to check the device yourself - maybe nothing is broken in it. First you need to determine whether the unit is freezing. If at first glance everything is in order with the refrigerator, the temperature corresponds to the set temperature in both chambers and you are only concerned that the refrigerator makes extraneous clicks, then several reasons may contribute to this process.

1. If you hear clicking sounds when the compressor is “resting,” then such sounds may be coming to your auditory receptors due to deformed materials during the cooling and heating processes. The cracking noise can come from both plastic parts and the “crying” evaporator tube. You should not be afraid of such noises - they arise due to the design of your refrigeration unit. The manufacturer provides for the possible expansion and contraction of certain materials and such processes do not lead to breakdowns.

2. Clicking noises when turning the refrigerator on or off are most likely due to the fault of the temperature controller. In some models of refrigerators, especially older ones, the temperature sensors are quite loud and can be heard quite well, and this cannot be classified as a malfunction. But if this is about your refrigerator, then remember that it should start clicking from the first hours of operation, and not after months and years of operation.

If the refrigerator has never played the role of the “Nutcracker” before, or in addition to the fact that the refrigerator makes sounds, it also does not freeze, or other problems are observed in the operation of the unit, then a breakdown is a very likely scenario for you. Since, in addition to the harmless reasons listed above, clicks may also appear due to the fact that the refrigerator has encountered a number of malfunctions.

  • Symptom: a clicking sound is heard in the refrigerator on the electromechanics, accompanied by the fact that the compressor does not turn on. Reason: Most likely, a thermostat failure should be considered as a malfunction. In working condition, this sensor informs the control module about the temperature in the chambers, and it, in turn, does not give the command to the unit to start working. As a rule, the operation of the thermostat is characterized by clicking, but if this is accompanied by the fact that the motor does not turn on (and it does not make noise if it does not work), then you simply hear these clicks more clearly. Action: The thermostat needs to be replaced.
  • Symptom: when you turn on the refrigerator, you hear clicking sounds - the motor is trying to turn on, but fails. The light in the refrigerator compartment is on.
  • Cause: The compressor may have failed. As a rule, the operation of a broken motor is as follows: it starts up, hums for a while and overheats. After this, the starting protective relay turns on and turns off the motor, emitting a characteristic loud click.

    Action: The motor-compressor needs to be replaced.

  • Symptom: There is no light in the refrigerator, you hear clicking sounds, the compressor does not work. Cause: The fault may lie with the start-up relay. If there are problems with the relay, this is often accompanied by the fact that the light in the refrigerator does not turn on (but it doesn’t hurt to check if the light bulb is burnt out). Action: The broken part needs to be replaced.
  • Symptom: Clicking noises are heard before the engine turns off.
    Reason: if you hear sound signals before the compressor turns off, this indicates that the compressor fastenings may have become loose, so when it stops, it touches the housing and various sounds are heard, including clicks. Action: try changing the tilt of the device body. If this does not change the situation, you can try to adjust the springs that hold the motor-compressor.

A quick guide to diagnosing household appliances


Attempts at unprofessional repairs or replacement of parts yourself can lead to more expensive repairs or even lead to permanent breakdown of the refrigerator.

A sequence of simple steps will help you determine the cause of extraneous sounds.

  • Contacting a qualified specialist will help you successfully resolve the issue (the technician will inspect the equipment, identify the problem and help eliminate the malfunction).
  • In some refrigerator models, a cracking sound occurs due to the contact of the evaporator tubes (the sound occurs due to a temperature jump between the tubes and the metal sheet to which they are attached. In this case, this is normal and does not relate to a malfunction).
  • Take a photo of the power wire where it exits the case; perhaps sending a photo to the service center will help remotely determine the source of the crackling sound.
  • Sometimes the refrigerator may crack due to the insulation or the body of the equipment. If the click is very loud, it is better to send it to service.


You shouldn’t immediately start panicking, but you shouldn’t ignore these events either.

Advice! The earlier a problem is identified, the easier it is to fix it. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out maintenance every two years.


If there was no sound, and suddenly it appeared, it’s worth finding out why this happened. The compressor mounts may have become loose.

Additional Tips

By following some recommendations, you can avoid the appearance of extraneous noise from the refrigerator. First of all, it must be installed correctly. To prevent the equipment from tilting, it must be installed on a flat surface. If the floor is uneven, you can level the horizontal or vertical position of the device by adjusting the legs.


Your refrigerator is installed crookedly, as a result of which some elements of the device touch each other and crack.

The refrigerator should not be moved very close to the wall; the radiator should not come into contact with its surface. It is necessary to ensure air flow to the condenser.


Modern models of household appliances are equipped with an alarm that goes off when the refrigerator is open for a long time.

If the transport bolts were not removed during transportation of the structure, they must be removed. They can also cause rattling noise. By removing them, the refrigerator will become much quieter.


According to GOST 16317-87, the recommended noise level for an operating compressor is 53 dB.

It is not advisable to slam the door too hard to avoid damaging the rubber seal. A loose fit can cause the door to crack. It is also not allowed to place the device near a heat source.


When choosing a refrigerator in a store, pay attention to the noise level, which is indicated in the product data sheet.

It is not always clear why the refrigerator starts to crack. If the equipment freezes the camera properly and does not notify you of an error on the control panel, then there is no need to worry. If the noise intensifies and additional factors appear that indicate a malfunction, you need to diagnose and fix the problem.

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