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why does my mini fridge keep clicking

by Dr. Terence Barrows Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

4 Common Causes for a Refrigerator Clicking

  1. Dirty Condenser Coils. Your refrigerator’s compressor has a simple job: Compress the gas that cools your refrigerator. ...
  2. Failed Compressor. As we mentioned, the refrigerator’s compressor compresses the coolant gas that keeps your refrigerator cold.
  3. Faulty Start Relay. ...
  4. Broken Condenser Fan. ...

This is because the cooling cycle turns itself on and off at intervals. The cooling cycle turns itself on and off when the environment of the mini-fridge changes. It also turns itself on and off according to the state of the evaporator coils.

Full Answer

Why does my Refrigerator keep clicking on and off?

My Fridge Is Clicking and Not Cooling

  • Dirty Condenser. One reason your refrigerator would click would be a compressor overload caused by a dirty condenser coil.
  • Condenser Solution. Because it is located in a rarely cleaned area on the outside of the refrigerator, it accumulates considerable dust and other substances, such as kitchen grease.
  • Bad Start Relay. ...
  • Relay Solution. ...

Why is my refrigerator making a clicking noise?

  • Unplug your refrigerator from the power supply.
  • Move the fridge away from the wall so you can access the rear panel.
  • Locate the compressor; the start relay will be mounted to the side.
  • You should be able to remove the start relay by hand.
  • Shake the relay gently; if it rattles, it is almost certainly faulty.

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator clicking?

  • Locate the Condenser coils – On most refrigerators, they’re behind the rear access panel, at the bottom of the refrigerator door. ...
  • Unplug the Whirlpool Refrigerator.
  • Carefully remove the fridge panel or grille to access the coils.
  • Clean the coils and the area around them gently, using a vacuum hose attachment.

More items...

Why is my refrigerator compressor clicking?

Why is my refrigerator making a clicking noise?

  • Grab a flathead screwdriver, pull your fridge away from the wall, and unplug it.
  • Find the panel on the side of the compressor; it's held by one or two screws.
  • You'll see a device called a starter relay switch, which you should unplug from the compressor.

Why does my mini fridge keep making a clicking noise?

Clicking sounds coming from your fridge could be caused by a variety of different reasons. The most common of these have to do with your condenser. In most cases, your condenser is just dirty and needs to be cleaned. However, you might need to replace some of the condenser components or the condenser fan.

How do I stop my fridge from clicking?

Refrigerator clicking? Three quick fixes to tryIf you hear your refrigerator clicking, it's a sign that it's not cooling properly. ... Behind your refrigerator is the compressor whose job is to compress the refrigerant gas and begin the cooling cycle. ... Clean your condenser coils. ... Check your start relay.More items...•

Why does my fridge click when I open the door?

If the door begins to make a popping noise when you open and close it, chances are the plastic ring, also known as a bearing or closing cam, has a damaged notch or has cracked, says Appliance Parts Pros. Replacing the damaged cam will fix the Frigidaire refrigerator door and stop the popping noise.

Why does fridge make popping noise?

Popping noises coming from your fridge can be perfectly normal. These can be caused by thermal expansion, refrigerant circulation, or different components turning on and off. However, popping noises can also be a sign of a broken water valve, a fridge that isn't' level, or other fixable problems.

5 Reasons Why Fridge Making Clicking Noise - Let's Fix It

Is your Fridge Making Clicking Noise?Chances are it’s not time to call the repairmen yet. There are some things you can try before dialing the phone. Keep reading for more information.

SOLVED: What causes clicking noise? - Refrigerator - iFixit

My daewoo American fridge freezer has stopped cooling &freezing,on Friday it started clicking every 2mins or so...I didn't think anything of it til I went in the freezer for something &everything was soggy,the clicking noise is at the bottom right hand corner on the fridge side,there's like a grille panel there at the bottom,what could it be&is it fixable,thanks

Why does my refrigerator hear soft clicks?

This is due to the compressor attempting to turn on, failing, and trying again in a set interval.

Why does my refrigerator make a clicking sound?

Refrigerator clicking is caused by one of a few reasons. The clicking sound may come from your fridge’s condenser coils, the compressor, start relay, or the condenser fan. One of the first troubleshooting methods you should use is determining whether or not the refrigerator is cooling properly. If the clicking sound is accompanied by normal ...

Why is my condenser fan not turning?

If the condenser fan isn’t turning, the clicking sound is likely due to the compressor overheating. In this case, you will need a new condenser fan. You can call a professional to ensure you get the correct part properly installed or order the part yourself and install it in place of the old fan.

How to stop refrigerator from clicking?

If you were able to stop the refrigerator clicking sound by cleaning the condenser coils, replacing the start relay, or reshaping the condenser fan, keep the solution that worked in mind. If you ever hear your refrigerator begin making a clicking sound, you’ll know what to check first.

What is the job of a refrigerator compressor?

Dirty Condenser Coils. Your refrigerator’s compressor has a simple job: Compress the gas that cools your refrigerator. After it is compressed, the coolant gas moves through condenser coils to help the heat dissipate from the gas so it can be compressed again.

What to do if your condenser coil is dirty?

If your condenser coil is dirty, the quick fix is cleaning it off. You may want to stop by a store that sells plumbing items and pick up a special condenser brush designed to effectively clean condenser coils.

Why do refrigerators have fans?

Certain types of refrigerators use condenser fans to force air through the condenser coils and create that all-important cooling effect. If that fan malfunctions, it's more than likely that the compressor will eventually overheat. That's when you'll hear it clicking off and clicking on again.

How to fix a fridge that rattles?

Unplug your refrigerator from the power supply. Move the fridge away from the wall so you can access the rear panel. Locate the compressor; the start relay will be mounted to the side. You should be able to remove the start relay by hand. Shake the relay gently; if it rattles, it is almost certainly faulty.

Can you see refrigerant being circulated?

So, whatever else you can see and hear, there's simply no refrigerant being cooled and circulated. Depending on your appliance’s make and model, you may be able to remedy this issue yourself by installing a replacement part: Unplug your refrigerator from the power supply.

Why does my mini fridge make a popping noise?

A mini-fridge can make popping sounds due to thermal expansion or if the water valve is damaged. Inspect your water valve and replace it if it is damaged to stop the popping sound. Make sure that you use the correct outlet or extension cord so that you don’t overload the compressor which can create popping noises.

Why does my refrigerator make a popping sound?

Although unlikely in a mini-refrigerator, your compressor motor can sometimes cause enough vibrations to cause objects inside to hit each other. This will appear like a continuous popping sound when heard outside of the appliance.

What happens if the back of a fridge overheats?

If the back side of your fridge overheats, the fridge compressor can explode. The gas will come through the compressor, that’s overheating, and get trapped. Then, the trapped gas that’s stuck in the compressor will leave to a silent build up of pressure that eventually will explode.

Why does my evaporator make a noise?

Also, the evaporator can cause a pulsing noise if it’s on its way out since it absorbs heat from the interior of the appliance. Additionally, the rotating fans of the evaporator can cause noises and other issues if they’re covered in dirt or damaged. Check that your evaporator coils are free of dust and dirt.

Why does my compressor make a clicking sound?

However, if the internal temperature is becoming warmer, then this might mean that your compressor is overheating , and the clicking sound is the compressor turning off . This problem could be due to your condenser coils.

What is the sound of a refrigerator?

Pulsating Sounds. Another common noise that can come from your refrigerator is a pulsating sound. Thankfully, this is typically a very simple issue. You likely have a small screw that has broken loose from one of the mechanisms and is stuck in one of the many nooks and crannies of the unit.

Why is my ice maker not flowing?

A bad water valve could either mean that you have a valve that is stuck closed, or it may be stuck open, and the water flow is constant. In either case, you’ll want to install a replacement water valve.

Why does my refrigerator keep clicking?

If you hear your refrigerator clicking, it’s a sign that it’s not cooling properly. Unplug your refrigerator to quickly diagnose and fix your refrigerator . [Image credit: iStock.com/gruizza] Behind your refrigerator is the compressor whose job is to compress the refrigerant gas and begin the cooling cycle. When the compressor pulls too much power, ...

How to tell if refrigerator compressor is not working?

2. Check your start relay. If you hear a little click at intervals of five minutes or less, this could indicate that your compressor’s start relay is not working.

What happens if the condenser fan doesn't turn on?

However, if the fan doesn’t turn on when the compressor is running, the compressor will overheat and you will hear the compressor clicking off and clicking on again . ...

How to check if refrigerator starts relay?

To check your start relay, unplug the refrigerator. Find the start relay on the compressor and remove it from its socket. Give it a gentle shake. A rattling sound indicates that your start relay needs to be replaced. Your local appliance store or hardware store can provide you with the proper replacement.

Why does my compressor overheat?

When the compressor pulls too much power, the overload causes the compressor to overheat and you’ll hear a click as the compressor turns off to protect itself. Once the compressor cools down, you’ll hear another click as the compressor turns on again. If the compressor itself is broken, you’ll need a professional to assess whether to repair ...

What is the condenser in a refrigerator?

The condenser is the tubing in which the refrigerant flows to dissipate heat. If these coils are covered in dust, grease, lint, pet hair or other debris, they can’t dissipate heat as efficiently and that causes the machinery to work harder to cool the refrigerator.

Why does my refrigerator make a clicking noise?

Most likely, the clicking noises are caused by a dirty condenser, meaning your fridge’s cooling system needs to be cleaned. To clean, shut off the power, and clean the condenser with a soft brush.

How to fix a refrigerator that keeps clicking?

First, clean out the condenser coils. Next, check the start relay before then looking at the condenser fan. If you do all of that and you still hear a constant clicking, call a professional. They will be able to help repair the refrigerator if it isn’t dying.

What does chirping sound like on a refrigerator?

Chirping – sounds should only be heard when the damper door is opening or closing. Fan Speed – fan speeds change when the door is opened or closed. They also go on when you change or adjust the internal temperature of the fridge. Clicking – a clicking noise can be heard when the defrost timer turns on or off.

What does clicking sound like on a defrost timer?

Clicking – a click ing noise can be heard when the defrost timer turns on or off. Click – one audible click can be heard when the temperature unit switches on or off. On rare occasions, you’ll be able to listen to a few clicks when the unit is regulating temperature or defrosting.

How long does it take for a water dispenser to stop buzzing?

It will also be audible when water is being filled back into the ice dispenser. The noise should then stop after a minimum of 7 seconds. Popping – a popping will be heard when the defrost is turned on and is heating the evaporator coils.

What does clicking noise mean?

Depending on the sound of the click, you can narrow down what is wrong with the device. Although, in some cases clicking noises are a sign of a dying refrigerator.

How to tell if a condenser is dirty?

There are a few telling signs of a dirty condenser. First, your food will not be adequately cooled. If you notice food going bad quickly or that the temperature almost seems closer to room temp, we suggest checking the condenser . Secondly, a dirty condenser coil will make a sound every three to five minutes.

Why does my refrigerator make a clicking noise?

One reason your refrigerator would click would be a compressor overload caused by a dirty condenser coil. The clicking sound is the compressor shutting itself down on the overload. The condenser coil is located near the compressor, either on the rear or bottom of the refrigerator. This is the tubing through which the refrigerant flows after compression to dissipate the heat and prepare for expansion and cooling. If the refrigerator is cooling poorly but still seems to retain some cold air, then this is likely the problem.

What to do if your relay rattles?

Give it a shake. If it rattles, the start relay is faulty and needs to be replaced. Some types of relays may need to be tested with a multi-meter to determine whether they have continuity. If the start relay is found to be bad, replacing it with a new one is simple.

Can you repair a refrigerator without calling?

There are a limited number of things that would cause both clicking and a stoppage or decrease in cooling. You may be able to repair it without calling a professional and spending unnecessary money.

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