Is your refrigerator making strange or loud noises? It is often a sign that something inside is not working properly. Before you start troubleshooting, make the area safe. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall or switch off the circuit breaker. Also, if your fridge is connected to a water supply, turn off the water controls under the sink. Once everything is safely powered down, you are ready to follow this simple guide to find out what is wrong.
What Does a Bad Refrigerator Compressor Sound Like?
Even when operating normally, your fridge’s compressor makes a soft humming or buzzing sound that is usually hard to notice. However, if the buzzing becomes loud enough to hear from another room, or if it seems to run almost constantly, there could be a problem with the compressor.
Another clear sign of compressor trouble is a knocking sound when it starts up or shuts down.
Here is how you can inspect the compressor:
- Locate it behind the lower access panel on the back of the fridge.
- Check if the condenser fan motor is running. It helps cool the condenser coils and the compressor.
- Look at the compressor coils for any dirt or dust buildup. If they are dirty, clean them with a cloth or brush. Overheating caused by dirty coils can make the compressor louder.
- Inspect the grommets (rubber mounts that support the compressor). If any grommets are damaged, replace them, as broken grommets can cause knocking noises when the compressor starts or stops.
If the fan motor, coils, and grommets are in good shape but the compressor is still noisy, it might have internal damage. In that case, the compressor is likely failing and will need to be replaced by a professional technician.
How to Troubleshoot a Noisy Refrigerator
Follow these steps to find and fix the source of noise in your refrigerator.
1. Evaporator Fan Motor
- Locate the evaporator fan motor in the freezer or fresh food section.
- Listen near the fan area for unusual noises.
- Remove any necessary panels to access the motor.
- Spin the motor shaft manually.
- If the shaft does not spin freely, replace the evaporator fan motor.
- If the shaft spins freely, unplug the motor harness or disconnect the terminal wires.
- Test the motor for continuity using a multimeter.
- If there is no continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor.
2. Condenser Fan Motor
- Locate the condenser fan motor behind the rear access panel.
- Inspect the fan and motor for dust and debris buildup.
- Clean the fan and the surrounding area with a cloth or cleaning tool.
- Listen for noise improvement after cleaning.
- If noise persists, replace the condenser fan motor.
3. Evaporator Motor Fan Blade
- Locate the evaporator motor fan blade attached to the evaporator motor shaft.
- Inspect the blade for obstructions like ice, insulation, or food wrappers.
- Check for cracks, breaks, or signs of damage.
- Reposition the blade if it has slipped down the shaft.
- Replace the fan blade if it is damaged.
4. Condenser Motor Fan Blade
- Locate the condenser motor fan blade near the condenser motor.
- Inspect for any debris or objects blocking the blade.
- Check the blade for cracks, damage, or a worn-out mounting hole.
- Remove any obstruction from the blade.
- Reposition or replace the blade if necessary.
5. Door Closure Cams
- Locate the door closure cams, with the lower cam on the bottom hinge and the upper cam on the door.
- Inspect the cams for cracks, wear, or damage.
- If either cam is damaged, replace both the upper and lower cams together.
6. Water Inlet Valve
- Locate the water inlet valve behind the rear access panel or inside the refrigerator.
- Check your home’s water pressure and verify it meets the refrigerator’s requirements.
- Find the solenoid associated with the water dispenser.
- Disconnect the wiring harness from the valve.
- Test the solenoid for continuity with a multimeter.
- If there is no continuity, replace the water inlet valve.
7. Compressor
- Locate the compressor at the back of the refrigerator where the copper tubing connects.
- Listen for abnormal sounds like knocking, rattling, or loud buzzing.
- Inspect the rubber grommets beneath the compressor for wear or damage.
- If the compressor is malfunctioning internally, contact a professional for repair or replacement.
How to Prevent Refrigerator Noise
While some wear and tear is natural over time, regular maintenance can help reduce the chances of annoying noises. Consider these easy habits:
- Vacuum the condenser coils every six months to prevent dust buildup.
- Wipe down the door seals often so they stay flexible and tight.
- Check the leveling of your fridge. Uneven footing can cause vibration and noise. Adjust the legs if needed.
- Clean out the freezer regularly to prevent frost buildup that can stress the fan motor.
- Listen for early signs of noise changes so you can catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.
When to Call a Professional
Not every refrigerator noise means you have to call in a technician, but there are times when professional help is the smartest move. You should reach out if:
- The compressor is hot to the touch or making loud knocking sounds.
- The refrigerator is not cooling properly despite cleaning and basic checks.
- Electrical smells or burning odors are coming from the appliance.
- You hear persistent grinding or screeching that does not stop after a cleaning.
- Parts inside the fridge are visibly broken, cracked, or hanging loose.
A trained professional can diagnose hidden issues, handle refrigerant safely, and replace complex parts like compressors and sealed system components.
What to Remember
Strange noises from your fridge are not something to ignore. With a few basic steps, you can often find and fix the cause before it leads to bigger trouble. Keeping up with simple maintenance like cleaning coils and checking fans can also make your fridge last longer. If the problem seems bigger than a quick fix, it is better to call a professional before things get worse.