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.
The refrigerator clicks and does not freeze
There are several symptoms that indicate problems with the XO motor:
- The engine does not start, but you can hear the start relay clicking. You can hear the motor hum for a short time, then switch off again.
- The compressor turns on, but there is no cold in the chamber. After the relay command, the engine turns off.
- The motor clicks loudly before shutting off. The departments operate as usual, the products are cooled.
When the engine does not start, this indicates its failure. What to do? In such cases, only replacing the part will help. If clicks are heard before turning off, it means that the engine mounts are loose and need to be tightened.
As you can see, the reasons for clicks can be different. It is important to pay attention to signs of breakdown, then you will be more likely to detect and fix it. Sometimes strange sounds are normal operation of the refrigerator. But if you notice something strange, contact a specialist.
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.
Determining the specific cause of the breakdown
A malfunction of the compressor motor is one of the most difficult breakdowns in a refrigerator. This is evidenced by the clicking of the thermostat.
If the owner of the refrigerator knows how to work with electric motors, then it is possible to ring the compressor winding - its three contacts should respond without shorting to the housing.
When traces are found between the contacts and the housing, or a resistance of less than 20 ohms is found between them, the compressor cannot be repaired. The replacement must be carried out by a technician in a repair shop.
A serious breakdown that prevents the refrigerator from starting is a malfunction of the thermostat. If there is no characteristic click when the thermostat is turned on, the contact may break and this prevents the thermostat from turning on.
If you have experience working with electrical equipment, you should find two wires that connect to the thermostat. Then the wires are removed from the terminals. We connect the wires tightly. If the device starts, it must be replaced.
Installing a new thermostat
If the problem is not resolved, then you need to check the elements of the device that are powered from the network. These are the start relay and the protection relay. Quite often they are located in a common building. The test is carried out with an ohmmeter. If a break is detected, the faulty part is replaced with a new one. If no faults are found according to this diagram, then the cause of the breakdown is the electronic circuit - only a professional can replace it.
Network faults can be one of the reasons why the refrigerator starts but immediately turns off, or does not start at all.
Normal startup of the refrigerator is carried out at a minimum network voltage of 200 to 240. If there are deviations, the device will not start. A sign of too low voltage in the network may be a very weak glow of the light bulb and a hum. If the compressor is humming - does not turn on, does not freeze, then a voltmeter can be used to determine the possible voltage.
You should also inspect the plug and power cord of the refrigerator. If there are no problems, you need to inspect the outlet to which the refrigerator is connected. To check it, you need to try connecting any household appliance to the outlet.
Atlant refrigerator compressor does not turn on
In order to avoid possible problems caused by too high or too low voltage when working with the Atlant refrigerator, a stabilizer is needed.
The reasons causing such malfunctions will be:
- damage to the socket or power cord;
- breakdown in the start relay;
- engine-compressor breakdown;
- Temperature controller failure.
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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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.
Signs of a compressor malfunction
If the refrigerator operates with irregular temperature conditions, often turns on or, on the contrary, almost never turns off, or gets very cold, this is a reason to think about the serviceability of the unit.
Usually the refrigerator compressor does not start after abnormal operation or overload. A jammed node occurs if you unplug the device for less than a minute. For this reason, we categorically do not recommend doing this.
You need to check the nodes and look for the causes sequentially. If the motor runs without turning off, the diagnostic area narrows, but this does not mean that the fault is necessarily in this unit. But, even if the reason is, for example, control sensors or relays, or a refrigerant leak, the situation cannot be ignored. In any case, working for wear, this unit will sooner or later overheat and fail.
Refilling the refrigerator with freon
You can talk about a breakdown of the compressor itself if the following symptoms appear:
- The engine hums and tries to start, but it doesn't.
- An oily puddle appeared on the floor under the device.
- The engine gets very hot, knocks, vibrates, makes noise at start and during operation.
Since the unit consists of two devices: the engine and the compressor, it is necessary to distinguish between their breakdowns. In general, motor-compressor malfunctions can be associated with:
- interturn and short circuit of the stator windings (applies to the motor);
- short circuit of the windings to the housing (also applies to the motor);
- loss of productivity;
- depressurization.
It is possible to determine what exactly happened by indirect signs. If the device operates without shutdowns, and the temperature in the chambers is high, it may be a refrigerant leak. Sometimes diagnostics show that compression has disappeared. This indicates the development of the device. It is better to replace it with a new unit.
If the compressor hums when turned on and does not start, and there are no short circuits in the windings, it is most likely jammed.
