You're in the kitchen when you hear it—click... click... click. Your refrigerator is making a repetitive clicking sound that wasn't there before. Should you be concerned? The answer depends on what's causing the noise and whether your refrigerator is still cooling properly.

A clicking refrigerator can indicate anything from a minor issue you can fix yourself to a serious problem requiring professional repair. In this comprehensive guide, we'll help you identify the source of the clicking, understand what it means, and determine the best course of action to protect both your appliance and your food.

Understanding Normal Refrigerator Sounds vs. Problem Clicking

Before we dive into troubleshooting, it's important to understand that refrigerators naturally make various sounds during normal operation. Modern refrigerators are remarkably quiet compared to older models, but they're not silent. Knowing the difference between normal operational sounds and problematic clicking can save you unnecessary worry—or help you catch a real problem early.

Normal Refrigerator Sounds

Your refrigerator makes several sounds during regular operation:

  • Gentle humming: The compressor running normally creates a low, consistent hum
  • Occasional clicking: The thermostat cycling the compressor on and off causes brief clicks
  • Gurgling or bubbling: Refrigerant flowing through the system
  • Whooshing: Air circulating through the evaporator fan
  • Cracking or popping: Ice forming in the freezer or plastic expanding and contracting
  • Water dripping: During defrost cycles on frost-free models

When Clicking Becomes a Problem

Clicking becomes concerning when it exhibits these characteristics:

Warning Signs of Problem Clicking

  • Clicking occurs every few seconds or minutes continuously
  • The clicking is accompanied by the refrigerator not cooling
  • You hear a click followed by silence (no humming)
  • The clicking is louder than normal operational sounds
  • Clicking is accompanied by buzzing or humming that stops abruptly
  • The pattern has recently changed from your refrigerator's normal operation

The 5 Most Common Causes of Refrigerator Clicking

When your refrigerator develops a clicking problem, the cause typically originates from one of five key components. Understanding each can help you diagnose the issue more accurately.

1. Faulty Start Relay

The start relay is the most common cause of repetitive clicking in refrigerators. This small device is attached to the compressor and provides the initial electrical boost needed to start the compressor motor. When the start relay fails, you'll hear a characteristic pattern: click (compressor tries to start), buzz (compressor struggles), click (relay disconnects due to overload), and then silence before the cycle repeats.

The start relay contains electrical contacts that can wear out over time, and older models have a small capacitor that can fail. When this happens, the compressor attempts to start, fails, and the overload protector (a safety device) cuts the power. After a few seconds or minutes, the cycle repeats.

Symptoms of a bad start relay:

  • Clicking every 2-5 minutes
  • Refrigerator not cooling or barely cooling
  • Rattling sound when you shake the removed relay
  • Burnt smell from the relay
  • Visible burn marks or melting on the relay

2. Compressor Problems

The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator's cooling system. When it's failing, you may hear clicking as it repeatedly attempts to start but cannot. Unlike a bad start relay (which is a relatively inexpensive fix), a failing compressor is a serious and costly problem.

Compressors can fail for several reasons:

  • Worn internal components: Valves, pistons, and bearings wear over time
  • Electrical winding failure: The motor windings can short or open
  • Locked rotor: Internal mechanical seizure prevents motor rotation
  • Refrigerant issues: Loss of refrigerant or contamination

Pro Tip: Testing Compressor vs. Relay

If you're handy with electrical work, you can test whether the issue is the relay or compressor by using a "hard start kit" or having a technician perform a compressor amp draw test. A healthy compressor typically draws 3-5 amps during normal running, with a brief spike during startup.

3. Condenser Fan Motor Issues

The condenser fan sits near the compressor at the bottom rear of your refrigerator. Its job is to cool the compressor and condenser coils. When this fan has problems, it can create clicking sounds from several sources.

Common condenser fan clicking causes:

  • Debris striking the blade: Dust, wire ties, or foreign objects hitting the spinning fan
  • Worn bearings: Creating clicking or grinding as the motor struggles
  • Blade striking the housing: If the motor mount is loose or damaged
  • Intermittent motor failure: Clicking as the motor tries to start but can't

Condenser fan problems often accompany overheating issues. If your refrigerator is clicking and the compressor area feels very hot, the condenser fan may not be running properly.

4. Evaporator Fan Problems

The evaporator fan is located inside the freezer compartment and circulates cold air throughout the refrigerator. While less common than condenser fan issues, evaporator fan problems can also cause clicking noises.

Clicking from the evaporator fan area usually indicates:

  • Ice buildup around the fan blades (often due to a defrost problem)
  • Fan blade hitting frost or ice accumulation
  • Worn fan motor bearings
  • Loose fan mounting

If the clicking seems to come from inside the freezer and gets louder when you open the door (evaporator fans often speed up when the door opens), this fan is likely the culprit.

5. Control Board or Electronic Issues

Modern refrigerators rely on electronic control boards to manage all functions. These boards can develop issues that cause clicking sounds—either from failing relays on the board itself or from erratic signals sent to other components.

Signs of control board problems include:

  • Multiple components behaving erratically
  • Display issues or error codes
  • Inconsistent clicking patterns
  • Other electrical anomalies (lights flickering, inconsistent ice maker operation)

How to Diagnose Your Refrigerator's Clicking Noise

Before calling for service, you can gather valuable diagnostic information that will help identify the problem—and potentially fix it yourself if it's a simple issue.

Step 1: Locate the Sound Source

Determining where the clicking originates is the first step in diagnosis. Your refrigerator has components in several areas:

Location Components Access Method
Bottom rear (outside) Compressor, start relay, condenser fan, condenser coils Remove lower rear access panel
Inside freezer (back wall) Evaporator fan, evaporator coils, defrost components Remove freezer back panel (usually screwed in)
Top rear or behind controls Control board, temperature sensors Varies by model—consult manual
Bottom front (grille area) Drain pan, sometimes condenser coils Remove front grille panel

Pull the refrigerator away from the wall (carefully, ensuring you don't strain water or electrical lines) and listen from the back to better isolate the sound.

Step 2: Observe the Pattern

The clicking pattern provides crucial diagnostic information:

  • Click every 2-5 minutes, refrigerator not cooling: Likely start relay or compressor
  • Rapid clicking while compressor runs: Often condenser fan or debris
  • Clicking from freezer, worse when door opens: Evaporator fan issue
  • Click followed by sustained humming then click off: Compressor overheating and thermal protector activating
  • Random clicking with other symptoms: Possible control board issue

Step 3: Check for Simple Problems First

Before assuming the worst, check these common simple causes:

Dirty condenser coils: When condenser coils are clogged with dust and debris, the compressor can overheat and cycle off on the thermal protector. This creates a clicking pattern similar to a bad relay. Cleaning the coils (we have a detailed guide on how to clean refrigerator condenser coils) may solve the problem.

Poor ventilation: Refrigerators need adequate space around them for heat dissipation. If your refrigerator is too tightly enclosed, it may overheat and click off repeatedly.

Unstable refrigerator: An unlevel refrigerator can cause vibrations that create clicking sounds as components or panels vibrate against each other.

Debris in fan: Check both the condenser fan (rear bottom) and evaporator fan (freezer) for obstructions like wire ties, packaging materials, or ice buildup.

Step 4: The Start Relay Test

If you've isolated the clicking to the compressor area and the refrigerator isn't cooling, the start relay is a prime suspect. Here's how to test it:

Safety First

Always unplug your refrigerator before accessing electrical components. Wait at least 5 minutes after unplugging before touching any electrical parts, as capacitors can hold a charge.

  1. Unplug the refrigerator and locate the compressor (large black dome-shaped component at the bottom rear)
  2. Find the start relay—it's a small box-shaped component plugged into the side of the compressor
  3. Carefully pull the relay off the compressor terminals (it may require some wiggling)
  4. Shake the relay gently—if you hear rattling inside, the relay is bad
  5. Look for burn marks, melting, or a burnt smell
  6. If you have a multimeter, test for continuity between the relay terminals

A failed start relay is good news—it's one of the most affordable refrigerator repairs, typically costing $50-$150 for the part and labor.

Fixing Common Clicking Problems

Some clicking issues can be resolved without professional help. Here's what you can tackle yourself versus what requires a technician.

DIY Fixes

Cleaning condenser coils:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator
  2. Remove the rear access panel or front grille (location varies by model)
  3. Use a coil brush or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust
  4. Be gentle—condenser coils are fragile
  5. Clean the surrounding area of debris
  6. Replace the panel and plug back in

Removing fan obstructions:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator
  2. Access the condenser fan (rear bottom) or evaporator fan (inside freezer)
  3. Remove any visible debris, wire ties, or foreign objects
  4. Spin the fan blade by hand—it should move freely
  5. For evaporator fans with ice buildup, defrost the freezer completely

Replacing the start relay:

  1. Order the correct replacement relay for your model (find your model number on the inside wall or door jamb)
  2. Unplug the refrigerator
  3. Remove the old relay by pulling it off the compressor terminals
  4. Note the wire positions if your model has separate wires
  5. Push the new relay onto the compressor terminals in the same orientation
  6. Plug in the refrigerator and listen for normal operation

Finding the Right Parts

Your refrigerator's model number is essential for ordering correct replacement parts. Look for a tag or sticker inside the refrigerator compartment, on the door jamb, or on the back of the unit. The model number typically starts with letters followed by numbers.

When to Call a Professional

Some clicking problems require professional diagnosis and repair:

  • Compressor failure: Replacing a compressor requires specialized tools, refrigerant handling certification, and expertise
  • Sealed system problems: Any issue involving refrigerant requires licensed technicians
  • Control board replacement: Proper diagnosis prevents replacing expensive boards unnecessarily
  • Uncertain diagnosis: If you can't identify the source, a technician can save time and prevent wrong repairs
  • Under warranty: DIY repairs can void manufacturer warranties

Repair Costs for Clicking Refrigerators

Understanding typical repair costs helps you make informed decisions about whether to repair or replace your refrigerator.

Repair Type Parts Cost Labor Cost Total Estimate
Start relay replacement $20-$50 $80-$150 $100-$200
Condenser fan motor $50-$100 $100-$200 $150-$300
Evaporator fan motor $40-$80 $100-$200 $140-$280
Control board $150-$400 $100-$200 $250-$600
Compressor replacement $200-$500 $200-$400 $400-$900

As a general rule, if repair costs exceed 50% of the refrigerator's value and the unit is over 10 years old, replacement may be more economical.

Preventing Future Clicking Problems

Regular maintenance can prevent many clicking issues before they start:

  • Clean condenser coils twice yearly: This is the single most important maintenance task for any refrigerator
  • Ensure proper ventilation: Maintain at least 1 inch of space on each side and 2 inches at the back
  • Keep the refrigerator level: Use a level and adjust the front feet as needed
  • Don't overload: Overfilling restricts airflow and makes the compressor work harder
  • Check door seals: Damaged seals make the compressor run longer and work harder
  • Listen for changes: Catch new sounds early before they become serious problems

Brand-Specific Clicking Issues

Certain refrigerator brands have known clicking-related issues:

Samsung Refrigerators

Samsung refrigerators, particularly French door models, are known for ice maker-related clicking. The ice maker can click when it's struggling to harvest ice or when the ice maker is frozen. Samsung has issued service bulletins for defrost-related clicking in some models.

LG Refrigerators

LG linear compressors have a distinctive sound profile. Some clicking during normal operation is typical for these units. However, a repetitive clicking pattern combined with cooling problems may indicate compressor failure—an issue LG has extended warranties on for certain models.

Whirlpool and Maytag

These brands commonly experience start relay failures, especially in units 5-10 years old. The good news is replacement relays are affordable and widely available.

GE and Frigidaire

Older GE and Frigidaire models with condenser fans mounted horizontally are prone to fan motor bearing failures, which can cause clicking and grinding sounds before complete failure.

What to Do When Your Refrigerator Is Clicking and Not Cooling

If your refrigerator is actively clicking and not cooling, you need to act quickly to protect your food:

  1. Check your freezer temperature: If the freezer is cold but the refrigerator isn't, you may have an evaporator fan or airflow problem rather than a compressor issue
  2. Minimize door opening: Keep doors closed to retain cold as long as possible
  3. Move perishables: Transfer items to a cooler with ice or a neighbor's refrigerator
  4. Listen carefully: Note the clicking pattern to describe to a technician
  5. Check for simple issues: Clean coils and check for fan obstructions
  6. Call for service: If the clicking persists and there's no cooling, professional diagnosis is needed

Refrigerator Clicking and Not Cooling?

Don't let food spoilage add to your problems. Our technicians can diagnose and repair clicking refrigerators quickly, often with same-day service.

Call (647) 697-9930

Available 7 days a week in the Greater Toronto Area

Frequently Asked Questions

When a refrigerator clicks but doesn't start, the most common cause is a faulty start relay or overload protector. The clicking sound is the compressor attempting to start but failing. Other causes include a failing compressor, voltage issues, or a bad capacitor. If the clicking continues without the compressor running, professional diagnosis is recommended.

A clicking refrigerator is generally not immediately dangerous, but it indicates a problem that should be addressed. The main concern is that if the compressor isn't running, your food will spoil. Repeated compressor start attempts can also damage the compressor motor over time. Address clicking noises promptly to avoid costly repairs or food loss.

Repair costs vary depending on the cause. A start relay replacement typically costs $100-$200 including labor. Condenser fan motor replacement runs $150-$300. Compressor replacement is more expensive at $400-$900 or more. Sometimes the issue is as simple as cleaning condenser coils or adjusting the refrigerator level, which can be done for free.

A bad compressor may make several distinct sounds: clicking every few seconds (attempting to start but failing), loud buzzing or humming, knocking or clunking sounds, or unusual vibrations. If you hear the compressor click on and off repeatedly without running normally, or if it makes grinding or rattling sounds, the compressor may be failing.

Some clicking issues can be DIY fixes, such as cleaning dirty condenser coils, leveling the refrigerator, or replacing a simple start relay (with proper safety precautions). However, diagnosing the exact cause requires some technical knowledge. If the compressor itself is failing, or if you're unsure about electrical components, it's safer to call a professional appliance repair technician.