Your GE refrigerator could start making a noise that was not there before now. If this is the case, it could mean a failing component. This article details how to fix the problem.
Table of Contents
GE Refrigerator Compressor Noise – Quick Fix
If you find that the compressor of your GE refrigerator is making a noise, it means the component is likely failing.
Move the refrigerator away from the wall behind it and take the bottom panel at the back out. Doing this gives you access to the compressor. Without turning the unit off or unplugging it, listen to the compressor to be sure the noise is coming from it.
When you are sure, the next thing to do is to find a licensed or certified refrigerator technician to come out and look at it. The technician will be able to determine why the compressor is noisy and if it can be fixed. Otherwise, a replacement of the part will be in order.
GE Refrigerator Condenser Fan Noise – Quick Fix
Much like checking the compressor, move the unit away from the wall at its back. Remove the bottom back panel of the unit to expose the condenser fan. It is usually found close to the compressor and condenser coils.
Now, check to see if there is any object or debris caught in the blades of the fan. Clean the blades thoroughly, removing dust, dirt and anything else caught in them. This is especially true if you have hairy pets.
Next, turn the blades to ensure they are moving freely. Friction could cause them to make a noise while attempting to turn or spin. If they are stiff, put some drops of oil around their base and allow it to seep in until the friction stops.
But if the blades have nothing caught in them and are not stiff, then check the motor of the fan. It could be that the bearings are worn out and the motor needs to be replaced. This will explain the noise coming from the fan.
In this case, you will have to remove the blades to gain access to the motor. Check the bearings and if they are worn, it is time to get a new motor.
However, if you are not sure about how to check the bearings properly, have a repair agent check the motor for you and determine if it needs a replacement.
GE Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Noise – Quick Fix
To determine if the evaporator fan is truly noisy, listen closely to the freezer section of the unit. The fan is usually found behind the inside rear panel of the section.
If the noise is loud when you listen close to the freezer, then open the door. Usually, the motor of the fan stops when you open the door. But if you activate the door switch, it will start running again. So, activate the switch to get the motor running again. If the fan is noisy, the noise will be louder now that the door of the freezer is open.
If this is the case, then empty the freezer and remove the rear wall. Removing it gives you access to the evaporator fan and coils. Check to see if there is anything stuck in the blades or if there is ice around the fan.
If there is any object stuck in the blades, remove it and clean them. But if it is ice, you will have to thaw it. A quick method most consumers use is the hair dryer method. However, this is not exactly safe. Manually defrosting the freezer may take a much longer time but it is safe.
When you defrost the freezer, it takes care of the ice around the fan and stops the noise. But this also means you need to find out why the ice is there in the first place. Doing this stops ice from building around the fan again so there is no noise.
The most probable cause is a failed defrost system. Others are a poorly-sealing door or too much heat around the refrigerator.
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GE Refrigerator Making a Humming Noise – Quick Fix
There are a number of reasons why a GE refrigerator makes a humming noise and most are normal. They are:
1. Fans Whirring
When the evaporator fan pulls air over the cooling coils, it makes a whirring noise that sounds somewhat like humming. But this is completely normal for the operation of the fan.
When you should worry is when the fan consistently slows down and picks up speed, making loud humming noises. It means something is not right with it. If you can, inspect the fan yourself but if not, have a repair agent look at it and fix the problem.
2. Ice Maker Filling
If there is an automatic ice maker in the freezer of the refrigerator, the humming noise could be water coming through the water supply line and filling the ice maker. You will know for certain this is the case if the humming noise comes at timed intervals or happens only occasionally.
However, if the humming becomes too loud that it interrupts conversations or you can hear it from anywhere around the house, it means there is a problem.
Check to see if the line is connected at all and that the water source is on. If you are not going to use the ice maker for a certain period, turn it off, as well as the water supply to it.
3. Compressor Running
When a compressor is operating normally, it makes a low and consistent humming sound. But if the humming increases and is accompanied by rattling or vibrating, check the compressor. It is likely to be failing and needs to be serviced or replaced.
Also, if the compressor is dirty, it could cause a loud and uncomfortable humming noise. To fix this is simple. Open the grille or panel at the bottom back of the refrigerator. Using a clean soft brush or cloth, clean the compressor and condenser coils thoroughly.
Replace the grille or panel and allow the compressor to run again. Listen for the noise. If the loud humming does not return, you know you have fixed it.
Here is a video explaining how to fix this problem…
GE Refrigerator Making a Jackhammer Noise – Quick Fix
If you hear a noise like a jackhammer coming from your GE refrigerator, the first thing to do is to turn the ice maker off. Allow some time, maybe 1 hour, to pass and wait to see if the noise comes again.
If you don’t hear the noise during this time, it means the water inlet valve has developed an internal mechanical fault.
Since it cannot be fixed or repaired, it means you need to replace it. Be sure to buy a new one using the model number of your refrigerator or the parts number of the old valve.
GE Refrigerator Making a Knocking Noise – Quick Fix
When the refrigerant is circulating in the refrigerator, it could make a knocking sound. It could also make a gurgling or boiling sound. But this is normal.
When you should worry is if the noise is loud and happens at timed intervals or happens a specific number of times.
Check the water inlet valve that supplies water to the dispenser and that which supplies water to the ice maker, if they are separate.
You can also check the evaporator fan. There may ice around it and when the blades try to spin, they hit the ice, making a loud noise. There is also a chance the condenser fan is the problem. The blades could be hitting an external object stuck close to it.
Clicking Noise from GE Refrigerator – Quick Fix
If your GE refrigerator is making a clicking noise and it is coming from the back of the unit, it is likely to be the main control board. It is either completely damaged or malfunctioning; either way, you need to replace it.
But before replacing the main control board, there are a few easier fixes you can try. That is if the refrigerator is clicking.
1. Clean the Coils
The condenser coils are right beside the compressor at the bottom back of the refrigerator. If they are dirty, the compressor will overload and try very hard to run.
The compressor frequently shutting down itself due to the overload will cause the clicking noise. Therefore, clean the condenser coils so the compressor does not get overloaded.
2. Check the Condenser Fan
A faulty condenser fan motor may make a clicking noise if it is having a har time running. So check the bearings of the motor to see if they are worn. And if they are, replace the motor of the fan.
3. Inspect the Start Relay
Detach the start relay from the side of the compressor and shake it. If it rattles, it is bad and should be replaced. And if it has a burnt smell, replace it.
But if none of the above applies, test it to check for continuity by placing a multimeter between the two terminals. If there is no sign of continuity, replace the start relay.
Because the relay helps the compressor to start and run, you will hear the clicking sound coming from the compressor if the relay is defective. It means the compressor is finding it difficult to run.
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GE Refrigerator Is Making a Buzzing Noise – Quick Fix
If there is a buzzing or rattling noise coming from your GE refrigerator, then it is possible that water is trying to fill the ice maker. Check the interval between each noise. It should be about 1 hour or 1 ½ hour.
But this is not normal. When the water fills the ice maker, it should not make a buzzing sound. So if it is trying to fill the machine, it means either there is no connection to the water line or the water supply is off.
Now if there is no connection to the water line, turn the ice maker off or connect the water line. But if there is a connection to the water line, check to see if the supply from the house is on, too. Turn it on if it is not.
If your refrigerator uses the XWF water filter, the noise could come from the isolation valve in it. The valve keeps the filter from leaking water.
Check out these other articles…
GE Refrigerator Control Panel Not Working [How to Fix]
GE Refrigerator Autofill Overfilling [How to Fix]
GE Refrigerator Making Noise [How to Fix]
How to Replace Auger in GE Ice Maker [Quick Guide]
How To Remove Doors From a GE Fridge [Quick Guide]
GE Refrigerator Beeping [How to Fix]
GE Ice Maker Freezing Up [How to Fix]
GE Refrigerator Makes a Noise When Dispensing Water – Quick Fix
Check the water filter installed in the refrigerator. It could be damaged at the head, faulty or just not the right type for the GE refrigerator model you own.
There is also a chance that there is damage to the housing for the water filter or the water inlet valve has a fault. Additionally, the water line could have air in it.
So if you dispense water from a GE refrigerator and it makes a noise, check one or all these components.
For the water filter, try another filter and see if the noise continues. This will tell you if the filter is the problem. If the noise does not continue, then leave the new filter as it is.
But if the noise continues, check the housing for the filter. The seal in it could be damaged, causing noise when dispensing water. If this is the case, have a repair technician replace the seal or ring.
Consult the user manual of your refrigerator to determine how to dismantle the housing and assemble it again.
However, if the housing is intact, then replace the water inlet valve. The noise is an indication that the valve is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
And in the absence of a malfunctioning valve, remove air from the water line. To do this, dispense some gallons of water, even with the noise. You will know when to stop when there is no longer any noise from the dispenser. Flushing the system may take up to 2 minutes.
Recap
There are a few refrigerator components to check if your GE refrigerator is making a noise. However, if you find that all the components you check are in good working condition yet the noise continues, contact the GE Service center to report the issue and request service.
Otherwise, chat with any of our qualified refrigerator repair agents here. They are available to assist you with the refrigerator problem.
Always unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet before starting any repair work. If you cannot reach the outlet, shut down the circuity breaker.
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