Is your Frigidaire refrigerator making noise? There are easy ways to troubleshoot the origin and fix the issue, as we have laid out in this article.
Table of Contents
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making a Knocking Noise – Quick Fix
If you find that a Frigidaire refrigerator makes a knocking noise, the cause may be attributed to a few things.
The refrigerator may be cycling off and on, just as the fan spins and comes to a stop. And as it does this, you hear a knocking noise. But this is normal as long as the noise is not excessively loud.
However, if the noise starts getting loud, the fan may have a damaged part. It is important to check it and fix it. Replace any damaged part.
If the refrigerator has been relatively quiet but recently started making the knocking noise when cycling off or on, one or more components may be loose. Contact a service agent to check the unit, find the cause of the noise, and fix it.
Other possible causes of a Frigidaire refrigerator making a knocking noise are:
1. Poor Leveling
The refrigerator may not be level enough. So as it starts and stops during normal operation, the unit rocks from side to side or from back to front.
To determine this, stand by the refrigerator, hold it firmly on both sides, and try to shake it without trying to lift or move it. If there is any movement like a sway from side to side or from back to front, the feet need leveling.
Using a pair of pliers, turn the feet down or up, depending on the need. Do this until the refrigerator sits on all its feet firmly.
2. Poor Spacing
If the refrigerator is too close to the surface or wall behind and beside it, it may be hitting it as it cycles off and on. Check the spacing around it and move it a little away to create more space.
Marks on the surface or the wall are tell-tale signs that this may be the case. But if the noise stops after you move the refrigerator, you know that is the origin.
If nothing else works to fix this noise, contact Frigidaire or hire a qualified service technician to find and fix the problem.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making a Buzzing Noise – Quick Fix
As the ice maker in your refrigerator fills with water, you hear a buzzing noise. This is completely normal. However, if you hear the buzzing noise often, maybe every 10 to 15 minutes, the ice maker is having a hard time filling with water.
Check the water supply valve under the sink. This lets water out from the housing supply to the inlet valve. Make sure the supply valve is open. If it is, turn it on fully and check the water inlet valve.
Make sure the inlet valve is open and not leaking. And ensure it is not clogged with dirt. If there is clogging, you may have to replace it as cleaning it does not fix the problem.
But if it is not clogged, check the line that feeds the ice maker with water. It may be creased or kinked, impeding the flow of water. Loosen and straighten it. Otherwise, check for leaks and replace the line if there are any.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making a Clicking Noise – Solved
You may hear a clicking noise as the defrost timer in the refrigerator switches off and on. The timer takes the unit in and out of the defrost cycle.
1. Overload
But the defrost timer is not the primary reason for the noise. When the compressor draws too much power, it tends to overheat due to the power overload. Therefore, it turns off automatically. As it turns off, you hear the clicking noise.
When the excess heat colls, the compressor turns on again to resume normal operations. You may hear the clicking noise again as it turns on.
An overload device protects the compressor from burning out from an overload of power or even heat. Because of this, you won’t hear the noise and the compressor keeps running smoothly.
However, if the device is faulty, the compressor makes the noise and may eventually burn out if the trend continues.
Therefore, check the overload device for continuity using a multimeter. If you find no continuity, replace it.
2. Start Relay
Additionally, check the start relay. You will find that the compressor has a hard time starting and running if the relay is bad. The clicking noise may come from the compressor trying to run and failing. This is especially true if the clicking noise comes every 5 to 10 seconds.
Pull it out of its socket by the side of the compressor. Test it for infinite resistance between the 2 terminals using a multimeter. If the device doesn’t show any resistance, replace it.
Some refrigerators have both the relay and the overload in one assembly. So if yours has it this way, you can test both devices at the same time.
3. Condenser Coils
Another possible cause of the noise is dirty coils. The condenser coils are involved in the refrigeration process. If they are noticeably dirty, they cause an overload of heat on the compressor and it clicks as it shuts down.
Therefore, clean the coils. Start by unplugging the refrigerator from electric power so you don’t hurt yourself.
Next, take a cleaning tool to the coils and remove every trace of dirt, lint, dust, and every other debris. Repeat this process every year, at least. You will cleaning tools for this task at any plumbing store.
Plug the refrigerator into electric power again and wait for the noise. If it doesn’t come again, you know the dirty coils were causing it. But if it does, try other possible causes.
4. Condenser Fan
A failed condenser fan cannot cool the condenser coils and compressor during the refrigeration or compression process. As a result, the compressor will have an overload of heat and shut down, making a clicking noise as it does.
Turn the blades of the fan. If they show any sign of stiffness, the bearings of the motor may be worn. But before you conclude, take a multimeter and test the motor for any sign of continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the motor or the entire fan assembly.
Check out these other articles…
Frigidaire Refrigerator Keeps Running [How to Fix]
Frigidaire Fridge Keeps Turning Off [Quick Fix]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Has Low Water Pressure [How to Fix]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Door [Issues & Solutions]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Is Not Working [How To Fix It]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making a Loud Noise – Solutions
Do the following if your Frigidaire refrigerator is making a loud noise:
1. Check the Evaporator Fan Motor
Listen to the freezer section to see if the noise is coming from there. It may sound like a bird chirping or a loud squeal. If you suspect this, open the door of the freezer. The noise getting louder tells you that the fan motor is faulty.
Empty the freezer, unmount the back panel, and check the fan. If the blades are stiff or the wires appear damaged, you may have to replace the fan. The fan cannot be replaced.
2. Check the Water Inlet Valve
You may hear a loud clicking or buzzing noise that is not coming from the compressor or ice maker. If this happens, check the inlet valve.
You can test it with a multimeter to see whether or not it is still functional. If it is not working, replace it. Even if it still has some resistance but is making that noise, replace it.
With continuous use, the inlet valve gathers sediments and deposits from the water it supplies to the ice maker and water dispenser. The sediments and deposits clog and choke it, causing the valve’s efficiency to reduce and make a loud noise.
3. Check the Condenser Fan Motor
Go to the back of the refrigerator and locate the fan beside the compressor. Disconnect the unit from power and clean the fan thoroughly. Check for any debris that may be obstructing the blades as you do so.
Next, oil the shaft where the blades stand and tighten screws that may be loose. Then, turn the blades to check how well they turn. If they are stiff, the motor may need replacing.
Test the continuity of the motor with a multimeter. If you don’t find continuity in the motor, replace it.
A defective condenser fan motor tends to make a noise. And if the blades are broken or are restricted by debris due to the fan’s location, it makes a loud noise during operation.
4. Check the Drain Pan
If the refrigerator is making a loud rattling noise, the drain pan may be the cause. Take a look at the user manual of the refrigerator to find the location of the pan on your refrigerator model.
When you do, unplug the refrigerator from power and go to that location. Find the screws that hold the pan’s bracket and tighten them with a screwdriver. Then, rock the plate to be sure it is tightly fixed.
The constant vibration and movement of the refrigerator during normal operation can loosen the screws of the pan over time. Fortunately, the fix is not difficult.
5. Check the Compressor
A loud noise from the compressor may mean that it is either loose or failing. Check the compressor springs for looseness. Tighten or replace them, whichever applies.
The compressor thumps or vibrates on its plate whenever the refrigerator cycles off or on if the springs are loose or broken.
However, if the springs are tight and do not need replacing, the compressor may need to be replaced.
If you are not sure how to test the compressor to determine whether or not it is failing, hire a certified and licensed technician for the job.
Nevertheless, here is a video showing how to accurately test a refrigerator compressor…
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Beeping Noise – What to Do
A beeping noise from your Frigidaire refrigerator is an alarm to alert you to temperature issues. It could also mean that the ice maker is not functioning as it should.
Check the door of the refrigerator to be sure it is closed fully and tightly. A partially open door triggers the door alarm. The door alarm may be the beeping noise you hear.
So, check the contents of the refrigerator and rearrange them if an item is keeping the door open. Be sure not to overstuff the unit so that there will be proper air circulation and the door can close fully.
Temperature Alarm
When you close the door, the beeping should stop automatically. However, if it continues, it may be because the temperature inside the refrigerator has risen.
Check the temperature that represents high temperature on the control panel. If it is blinking, you know the problem. Keeping the door shut for an hour or two should help the temperature drop to a food-safe level. But press the button to reset the alarm on the panel.
If your unit does not have a control panel, disconnect the unit from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Doing this resets the alarm and the unit.
However, if it does not work, contact Frigidaire or GE Appliances and report the issue, requesting service as you do so.
Frigidaire Freezer Makes Noise When Closed – Quick Fix
Check the motor of the evaporator fan. You will find the fan behind the interior rear panel of the freezer section. Some call it the evaporator fan cover.
If the noise stops when you open the door of the freezer and starts again if you activate the door switch, consider replacing the fan. The motor is running loud, causing the noise. That means it is defective.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Compressor Making Noise – Quick Fix
The type of noise the compressor is making determines the origin of the problem. If it is making a clicking noise, the start relay is bad and should be replaced. The overload device may also be damaged, needing a replacement.
You can also check the condenser coils for dirt and dust. And check the motor of the condenser fan for faults. These cause an overload on the compressor. And when it is overloaded, it tends to make a noise.
If all the above are in order, then check the compressor plate. The springs holding the compressor may be weak or just loose.
If they are weak, the compressor will shake and vibrate whenever the refrigerator goes off and on during normal operation. Replace them.
But if they are just loose, tightening them solves the problem. If you are not sure how to do this job, get a service agent to do it.
Finally, the compressor itself may be failing. If you are not a trained and licensed technician, you may not be able to determine this for sure. Therefore, hire a qualified technician to determine whether or not the compressor is failing and how to fix it.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser Making Noise – Solved
There are few possible causes of a noisy water dispenser in a Frigidaire refrigerator. They are a dirty or damaged water filter, a faulty water inlet valve, or the water filter housing.
Troubleshooting Steps…
Begin with the water filter. Remove it from its housing and check its section for damage or dirt. If there is dirt, clean it and put the filter back into its housing. But if it is damaged, replace it.
If the noise continues, remove the filter again and put a filter bypass plug in its place. Now, listen for the noise. If it doesn’t return, you know the filter is bad. Buy a new one and replace it. But if the noise continues, the filter is not the problem.
Go to the bottom back of the refrigerator and inspect the water inlet valve. Get a helper to press the dispenser’s lever while you listen to the valve. If you hear the noise, replace the valve because it is malfunctioning.
However, if the noise continues but is not coming from the valve, check the water filter housing. Open the door of the unit and press the lever of the dispenser. While doing so, listen to the housing. If the noise comes from there, replace the housing.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Gurgling Noise – Quick Fix
If your refrigerator model has an ice maker, make sure the water supply valve is open fully. The gurgling noise is usually a normal part of a refrigerator’s operation. But if the water flow is constricted, fix it.
Next, check the water supply line. If it is leaking, air may get into it just as the unit is getting fresh water from it. The mixture of the air and water creates the gurgling noise you hear.
A pool of water on the floor tells you the line is leaking. And the best fix for this problem is to replace the water line.
If the gurgling sound comes when you shut the refrigerator door, this is a normal noise. The water is equalizing with the refrigerator and air is forced out of the unit through its drain tube. The noise should stop after a few seconds.
High humidity also causes an increase in gurgling noise. This is because ice melts faster and is drained through the tube. The draining process creates noise.
Water from the defrost cycle makes gurgling noises when it is draining. If the noise comes after every defrost cycle, it is nothing to worry about.
During the process of compressing the refrigerant, you may hear a gurgling noise. While this is normal, you can reduce the frequency of its occurrence.
Do this by not opening the refrigerator door often. If you do, warm air compromises the cold air and causes the compressor to work extra hard. As a result, it compresses more refrigerant, creating gurgling noise in the process.
Note: The circulation of the refrigerant or freon makes this noise. So if your Frigidaire freezer makes gurgling noise, it is just the freon circulating.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Grinding Noise – Quick Fix
Check the evaporator fan or what many call the freezer fan. You will find it behind the rear panel inside the freezer section. If there is a coating of ice around the panel, no matter how little, it is an indication of ice buildup around the fan and coils.
Remove the panel. You will be able to tell whether or not the fan is frozen. If it is, thaw it by defrosting the freezer manually.
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and empty the freezer. Leave the door open and allow all the ice to melt. This should take care of the ice on and around the evaporator fan.
When ice builds up around the fan, the blades hit it when they spin. The grinding noise is the contact of the blades with the ice.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Groaning Noise – Solved
When the ice maker in the refrigerator is pushing ice out, you may hear a noise like groaning. The ejector blades in the ice maker break the ice and lift it out of the ice mold. This is after the heating coil has warmed the mold to loosen the ice.
However, if the heating coil stops working, it would be a lot of work for the blades to break the ice and lift it out. So, the blades strain to push the ice out, creating a groaning noise.
You may have to replace the ice maker if you want to stop the noise. The heating coil under it cannot be fixed or replaced. But if you can live with it, the ice maker may still serve you before it completely fails.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Humming Noise – Quick Fix
A refrigerator compressor makes a humming noise when it is operating normally. But the noise is low and quiet, not disrupting thought or conversation. It is an indication that the refrigerator is working well and the compressor is in good working condition.
If the noise begins to get louder, however, it is an indication that the compressor has a problem. Hire a qualified technician to troubleshoot it and fix the problem.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Ice Maker Making Noise – Solved
If the ice maker in your Frigidaire refrigerator is making noise, it may be because it is filling with water. This noise is normal. You may also hear a noise when the ice maker is dumping ice into the ice bucket.
However, if the noise increases all of a sudden and is consistent, something is wrong with the ice maker. It may be unable to fill with water or cannot dump the ice it has made.
Make sure the ice maker is on and the water supply valve is open. Inspect the water line to be sure there are no kinks constricting water flow.
You may have to get a qualified service agent to check the ice maker and refrigerator if the noise persists and everything seems to work well.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Popping Noise – Solutions
The damper assembly has a door that opens and closes to allow cool airflow into the refrigerator from the freezer. When the door opens and closes, it makes a popping noise. But it is normal.
When the evaporator coils behind the back panel of the freezer begin to cool after a defrost cycle, they make a popping noise. Again, this is normal.
Sometimes, the popping noise comes from water from melting ice dripping on the heater during a defrost cycle. While some hear a sizzling noise, others hear a popping noise.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Rattling Noise – Quick Fix
Check the drain pan at the bottom of the refrigerator. Consult the user manual of the unit to know the exact location of the pan in your model.
If the drain pan is loose, it tends to rattle whenever the refrigerator cycles off and on. Tighten the bracket that holds the drain pan in place using a screwdriver. Then, shake the pan a little to see if it moves at all. This will tell you whether or not the problem is fixed.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Squeaking Noise – Quick Fix
Check the motor of the evaporator fan. It is probably defective, creating the noise. You can confirm this if the noise comes from inside the refrigerator.
After pressing the door switch to activate it, listen for the noise. The motor should kick into action so if it does and the noise continues, replace the fan motor.
This video shows you how to replace the motor easily…
The door of the refrigerator may also be creating a squeaking noise. This is especially true if the unit is new. The noise comes from the door seal brushing against the frame and happens when the seal is still tight.
The noise will ease up with time and use, as the gasket will loosen a bit and become pliable.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Sizzling Noise – Quick Fix
During the defrost cycle, the defrost heater turns on and warms the evaporator coils. It melts any frost on them, turning the frost into water.
When the water begins to drip, some of it drops on the red-hot defrost heater, making the sizzling noise. The noise is nothing to worry about; it is normal and will stop once the cycle ends.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Ticking Noise – Quick Fix
The noise is usually from the defrost timer turning on to advance the refrigerator into the defrost cycle. The timer also makes the noise as it turns off to advance the unit out of the cycle.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Vibrating Noise – Quick Fix
A refrigerator usually vibrates a little whenever it cycles on and off during normal operation. This is normal as all refrigerators are wont to move.
But if the vibration is from a specific area, you may want to inspect the compressor. If the holding springs are loose, the compressor vibrates with every movement of the refrigerator. Some people may hear the noise as a thump.
Disconnect the refrigerator from power and check the compressor. If it sways even a little, tighten or replace the springs, whichever applies. Doing this should eliminate the vibrating noise.
In some cases, the noise comes from the refrigerator hitting the surrounding walls or surfaces. If the unit is too close to them, it may hit them when it moves. Marks on the walls will tell you whether or not this is the case.
To fix this, move the refrigerator some inches away from the surfaces. Create two inches of space by the sides, one inch at the back, and one inch at the top. However, this is subject to the recommendation of the manufacturer. Consult the user manual for instructions.
Frigidaire Freezer Makes Whistling Noise – Quick Fix
The whistling noise from the freezer may be from the compressor working to cool the freezer. This noise is normal because the freezer is heavy-duty so needs a lot of effort to keep it cool.
When you turn on the freezer and it starts working, it tends to operate at higher pressures than normal at that point. The compressor may make this noise to keep up with the pressures.
However, the noise stops or becomes very low as the freezer continues to run. The pressures reduce so the compressor does not have to exert a lot of effort.
Recap
A Frigidaire refrigerator making noise is normal. But if the noise is very loud or strange, something may be wrong and need immediate attention.
Most of the noises are easy to fix as long as you can find the origin. Follow the troubleshooting steps in this article if you are going to do the repairs yourself.
However, if you are not sure about fixing it yourself, contact Frigidaire to report the issue and request service on your refrigerator, especially if you have an active warranty.
Otherwise, use the chatbox to your right to chat with our appliance technicians; no appointment or waiting is needed.
Remember to always unplug the refrigerator if you want to troubleshoot, repair, or fix any part of it. Doing this protects you from accidental electrocution.
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