Why does the refrigerator crack and click, what part could have failed?
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.
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. |
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.
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. |
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.