If you are looking for how to solve the problem of a Kenmore refrigerator making noise, look no further than this article.
Table of Contents
Kenmore Refrigerator Making a Humming Noise – Solved
If you hear a humming noise from your Kenmore refrigerator, open the door of the freezer and see if the noise stops. If it does, then the evaporator fan motor may be faulty and in need of a replacement.
But if the fan is in good working condition, then check the condenser fan. Clean its blades and make sure nothing is obstructing them. Next, see if the motor is running if the blades are free. The motor may be generating the noise.
Take a look at the compressor and vacuum it to remove dust if the condenser fan works well. Typically, the compressor makes a low humming noise, and that means it is running smoothly. But if the noise is loud and continues for over an hour, the compressor may be failing. Hire a licensed technician to verify this and replace the compressor.
You can also check the ice maker and damper control in the fresh food compartment. If either or both fails, it could generate the humming noise. Consider replacing the faulty one.
Kenmore Refrigerator Making Clicking Noise and Not Cooling – What to Do
Do the following if your Kenmore refrigerator is making a clicking noise and is not cooling:
1. Check the Condenser Coils
Pull the refrigerator away from the surrounding walls and unplug it from the wall outlet. Next, remove the cover at the bottom back. You will see the compressor and the coils beside it. Inspect the coils, and if there is a significant amount of dirt on them, it will explain the clicking noise.
Take a vacuum cleaner and blow the dust away from the coils. Keep doing it until all the dust is gone. If there is any leftover, wipe it with a rag. Then, do the same for the compressor and condenser fan.
The noise you hear is the compressor getting overloaded due to the dirty coils. It tries to start and run and fails each time but reboots and tries again. Because of this, the refrigerator cannot cool as the compressor cannot run smoothly.
2. Check the Start Relay
If the coils are clean yet the clicking and no cooling remain, then check the start relay. It is a tiny device mounted on the side of the compressor. Pull it out and shake it gently. If it makes a rattling sound, it is likely defective, and you should replace it.
But if there is no rattle, take a multimeter and run a continuity test on the relay between the start and run terminals. If the relay registers no continuity, replace it.
The relay makes power available for the compressor to run. If it becomes defective, the compressor won’t run, and the relay will produce the clicking noise you hear. Replacing it fixes the problem.
Kenmore Refrigerator Noise – Buzzing
Different components create a buzzing noise when there is a fault. When there is ice around the blades, or the motor fails, the evaporator fan makes this noise. And when the ice maker has a hard time filling with water, you hear a loud buzz.
Therefore, check the ice maker to be sure it is filling with water. If it is not, inspect the water inlet valve and the water supply valve. Make sure they are fully open, and nothing is obstructing them.
Check the evaporator fan behind the freezer back wall. Ensure there is no ice around the blades, and the motor is running smoothly. Otherwise, replace the fan. Also, check the condenser fan because if something sticks in the blades, it will make noise. Clean the blades and check the motor bearings. If they are worn, replace the motor.
Finally, check the compressor. Dirty coils or a faulty condenser fan causes it to work too much and begin to make a loud noise. If the compressor is generating noise, clean the coils, and replace the fan. Additionally, clean the compressor.
Check out these other articles…
Kenmore Refrigerator Door [Problems & Solutions]
How to Remove a Kenmore Refrigerator…[Detailed Guide]
Kenmore Refrigerator Keeps Making Ice [How to Fix]
Kenmore Refrigerator Inlet Valve [Issues & Solutions]
Kenmore Refrigerator Water Line [Problems & Solutions]
How to Set Up a Kenmore Refrigerator [Quick Guide]
Kenmore Refrigerator Is Not Cold Enough [Solutions]
Kenmore Refrigerator Beeping Noise – Quick Fix
Check the door of the refrigerator to determine whether or not it is fully closed. A partially open door causes the door alarm to beep. Even if you close it, make sure no item is sticking and holding it slightly open.
Sometimes, overstuffing the refrigerator causes items to spill out and the shelves to move. These can keep the door from closing fully. If necessary, reduce the contents of the refrigerator and arrange the shelves properly.
If overstuffing does not apply, then check the gasket. A weak door gasket has the same effect on the refrigerator as a door that is open for too long. As the temperature rises, the unit reads the door as open and begins to alert you to the open door and increasing temperature.
Check the gasket by closing the door on a dollar bill. Pull the bill to see whether or not you can pull it out without opening the door. If the dollar bill comes out of the door, the gasket needs a replacement.
Excess ice buildup can also trigger the alarm to alert you to a problem. If your Kenmore refrigerator has an automatic defrost system, it means something has failed in the system, leading to the ice buildup.
Defrost the refrigerator manually by unplugging it, leaving the doors open for some hours, and allowing the ice to melt. Afterward, clean up and restore power to the unit. Then, troubleshoot the defrost system, and replace any faulty component – defrost timer, defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and defrost control board.
Other Factors to Check
Make sure the refrigerator is level. Proper leveling helps with the door sealing and eliminates other issues. Place a leveling gauge on top of the unit and turn the adjustment screws on the legs until the bauble in the gauge rests in the middle. That way, the doors can close well when you open them at an angle.
The control board may be malfunctioning and triggering the door alarm. Alternatively, the door alarm may be faulty. Contact Kenmore to request service or check the board and alarm yourself if you have the technical know-how.
Finally, the refrigerator may be leaking freon, and the loss reduces its cooling capacity and triggers the alarm due to the rising temperature. Usually, you will be able to tell there is a leak from a faint chemical smell.
But if there is no smell, the freezer may have only one shelf cooling, or the evaporator coils may have only one section frosting up. Report the issue to Kenmore for further assistance.
Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Compressor Noise – Quick Fix
Noise from the compressor does not always mean something is wrong. A low and quiet hum from the compressor is normal. But a loud hum or buzz from the component means it probably has internal damage.
Since replacing a compressor is usually not the first step, you may want to test it first. Hire a professional to check the compressor and determine what is wrong before recommending a fix.
Kenmore Refrigerator Makes Noise When Door Is Closed – Solved
The motor of the evaporator fan is faulty, or there is ice around the fan. Open the door of the freezer, and if the noise stops, the fan is the culprit.
Remove the inside rear panel of the freezer and inspect the fan. The ice around the fan is an indication of warm air entering the compartment. The ice may destroy the blades, so it is necessary to melt the ice immediately. To do this, manually defrost the unit.
But if there is no ice, check the motor. Turn the blades with your hand to see how well they turn. If they appear stiff, make sure the shaft is working before checking the motor. Then, take a multimeter and test the windings of the motor to check continuity. If it shows no continuity, replace the motor.
Why Is My Kenmore Refrigerator Making Noise?
The following are possible reasons why your Kenmore refrigerator is making noise:
1. Obstructed Fan Blades
Take a look at the evaporator fan blades and the condenser fan blades. Check to see if there is anything caught in the blades and if there is, remove the object and clean the blades. Next, try to turn them with your hand. If they don’t spin freely, the shaft may be bad, or the motor may be faulty.
2. Faulty Fan Motors
Faulty fan motors can also create noise. If the motor of the evaporator fan is the culprit, you will know by opening the door of the freezer. If the noise stops, the fan motor is faulty. Replace it.
But if the noise is coming from the compressor area and the compressor is working fine, check the condenser fan’s motor. Replace the motor if the noise is coming from there.
3. Defective Water Inlet Valve
If the noise is loud when water is filling the ice maker, it may be coming from the inlet valve. Deposits that accumulate over time make it difficult for the valve to open and fill the ice maker. The effort it exerts creates the noise and wears it out. Simply replace the valve if it is making noise.
4. Bad Compressor
When the compressor starts wearing or gets damaged, it tends to generate noise. If you are sure the compressor is making the noise, it is crucial to contact a service technician to test it and determine whether or not you need a new compressor.
If the noise continues after you have checked the components above and certified them well, contact Kenmore or hire an appliance technician to assist you.
Kenmore Refrigerator Making Gurgling Noise – Solved
Gurgling noise from a Kenmore refrigerator is not something to worry about. The noise is part of the daily operations of the refrigerator as long as it has a defrost drain. During the defrost cycle, the defrost heater turns on and melts accumulated frost on the evaporator coils.
The water runs through the drain hole into the tube and down to the drain pan. This process creates the gurgling you hear. It happens a few times a day, whenever there is a defrost cycle. When you should worry is if the noise is consistent. It means the defrost cycle is running more than necessary and will stop the refrigerator from cooling.
The noise could also come from the refrigerant as its pressure settles inside the tubing. This process is normal and nothing to worry about.
Kenmore Refrigerator Making Grinding Noise – Solved
A grinding noise from a Kenmore refrigerator is from the evaporator fan. There is a buildup of ice on the fan, and when the blades hit it, you hear the grinding noise. The only fix to the problem is unplugging the refrigerator, storing food items in another refrigerator, and leaving the doors open for a few hours.
Kenmore Refrigerator Making Hissing Noise – Solved
The hissing noise from a Kenmore refrigerator comes from one or more of the following:
1. Defrost Cycle
During the cycle, the defrost heater melts frost from the cooling coils. As water forms, some of it drops on the heater, which is red-hot. The contact creates a hissing noise, but this is completely normal unless it happens too often.
2. Ice Maker Needing Water
When the ice maker is empty and needs water to begin another icemaking cycle, it tends to make a hissing noise. The same applies to the water dispenser. Again, this process is normal.
3. Freon Leak
You may hear a hissing noise as the gas leaks from the refrigerator. One tell-tale sign is that both compartments of the unit will become warm in a few hours. If this happens, hire a licensed technician to repair the leak.
Kenmore Refrigerator Making Knocking Noise – Quick Fix
When you hear a knocking noise from your refrigerator, check to see if there is enough space between the cabinet and the surrounding surfaces. The refrigerator vibrates during regular operation, but if it is too close to the walls, it will bounce on them.
Moving the refrigerator about 3 inches away from the walls can eliminate the noise. Also, ensure the top of the unit is not hitting any object.
1. Water Lines and Ice Maker
High pressure may create knocking noises in the water lines as they fill the unit with water. Reducing the water pressure may eliminate the noise. You may also check the ice maker; if there is no water in it, it generates noise as it tries to function. Turn it off if you are not using it. In addition, ice cubes make a loud banging or knocking noise as they fall into the ice bucket.
2. Condenser Fan and Coils
Dirt on the coils can reduce the airflow to the condenser. As a result, you will hear a knocking noise. Clean the coils and repeat the cleaning process every 6 to 12 months.
The condenser fan also needs cleaning and maintenance. So, while cleaning the coils, clean the fan blades and motor. However, unplug the refrigerator before cleaning any component.
3. Compressor
The last part to check is the compressor. While it hardly fails and generates some noise during operation, a loud knocking, buzzing, humming, or even vibration could come from it.
As much as you keep the coils clean, keep the compressor clean, too. Dust can cause an overload and wear the compressor out. Over time, you will begin to hear loud noises.
Kenmore Refrigerator Popping Noise – Quick Fix
If a Kenmore refrigerator makes a popping noise, it may be that the unit is in defrost mode. The droplets of water that land on the red-hot heater may generate a popping or hissing noise.
But if this is not the case, then the noise may come from the refrigerator’s door. The door cam at the bottom hinge may have a loose notch or may be broken. Replacing the door cam eliminates the noise.
Here is how to replace the door cam in a Kenmore refrigerator…
A change in the internal temperature of the refrigerator causes the parts to expand and contract, generating noise in the process. This is not unusual, but it can be startling.
The water valve tends to make a popping noise as it supplies water to the ice maker. The noise is not constant, so if it becomes regular, the valve may no longer provide water. Consider turning it off.
Finally, the evaporator coil could be creating a popping noise. As it warms and cools, it makes noise. While this is normal, it should not be regular. So, if you hear popping from the coil regularly, it means the defrost system is not working, and the coil is getting too cold.
Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Making Rattling Noise – Quick Fix
Check the water filter. If it is not an exact fit for the unit, it may rattle as the refrigerator runs. Remove it and install the correct type of filter.
Next, check the drain pan. It tends to rattle as the refrigerator runs, but this is normal and not regular. However, if the rattling from the pan continues and is loud, it may be loose or not seated in its position.
In addition, check the compressor. If the springs that hold it in place are loose, the compressor will rattle or vibrate as the refrigerator runs. Fortunately, there is a fix; tighten the springs or replace them if they are worn.
Finally, check the blades of the condenser fan. They may be loose or could be hitting a foreign object. Inspect the area and remove any obstruction. If the blades are dirty, clean them thoroughly.
Kenmore Refrigerator Making a Squealing Noise – Quick Fix
Check the condenser fan and the evaporator fan. Squealing may be coming from the motors of the fans. If you notice that the noise is from either motor, replace it.
Recap
Kenmore refrigerator making noise is not always an indication of a fault. Sometimes, it is the noise from a smooth-running refrigerator, as pointed out in this article. But if the noise is unusually loud and continuous, or is from a significant component, report the issue to Kenmore and request service.
You also have the option of using our technicians. Use the chatbox to your right to reach us, and we will connect you to one of them; no appointment or in-house call is needed.
Get Instant Help — Ask An Experienced Verified Appliance Technician
Need expert help? Click here to use the chat box on this page to speak with a verified appliance technician right away. No need for expensive in-home service calls. No appointments. No waiting.