LG Refrigerator Making a Noise [Solutions]

Refrigerators make different types of noise, some normal while others are signs of a fault. So an LG refrigerator making a noise is not entirely a problem if you know what to look for.

LG Refrigerator Making a Noise
Photo Credit: Walmart.com

LG Refrigerator Making a Beeping Noise – How to Fix

When you hear a beeping noise from your LG refrigerator, it is usually an alarm. Typically, a door alarm makes this noise to alert you that the door has been open for too long.

Therefore, check the door to see if it is shut fully. Once you shut it fully, the beeping noise should stop.

How to Stop Your LG Refrigerator from Beeping

But if the door is fully shut yet there is a beeping noise, then check the door gasket for weakness. It may not be sealing properly, thereby making the refrigerator think the door is open. Replace the gasket if it is weak.

Also, a dirty door gasket signals an open door to the refrigerator. Clean the gasket with mild soap and warm water. If there are stubborn stains, place the cleaning cloth over it for a few minutes to loosen it. Use an old toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach places.

Additionally, check the arrangement of the refrigerator contents. One or more of the items may be keeping the door from closing, even though it appears shut. Don’t overstuff the refrigerator; doing this also helps with proper cooling.

High Temperature…

Another cause of a beeping refrigerator is a high internal temperature. While a door that has been open for too long can cause the temperature to rise, other factors can also contribute to this.

Check the evaporator coils and fan. If there is a buildup of frost on the coils or the fan motor is no longer working, defrost the refrigerator manually and replace the fan motor.

Check the condenser coils and the fan for functionality. Clean the coils if they are noticeably dirty and replace the fan if it is no longer working.

LG Refrigerator Making a Humming Noise – Quick Fix

A humming noise from your LG refrigerator is a normal sound from the compressor. The compressor makes a low comfortable hum as it operates smoothly. So, if this is the noise you hear, it is normal and there is nothing that can be done about it.

However, if the humming noise is loud, there is a problem with the compressor. A failing or damaged compressor makes a humming noise that can be heard from a distance. And this noise usually lasts for longer than one hour.

A professional appliance technician should check the compressor to determine the fault and recommend the best solution. Otherwise, the compressor may stop running, and the refrigerator will stop working eventually.

LG Refrigerator Making Noise and Not Cooling – Solved

To solve the problem of an LG refrigerator making noise and not cooling, check the following:

1. Condenser Fan

Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and go to the bottom rear. Remove the cover to access the condenser fan close to the compressor.

Inspect the fan to see if it is visibly worn or damaged. Look at the blades for obstructions or debris. Clean them just to be sure and spin the blades to make sure they spin well.

If the blades don’t spin well, it may be a sign that the bearings of the motor are worn. In this case, replace the motor. But if the blades spin well, take a multimeter and test the motor to check for continuity. If you find no continuity, replace the motor.

Noise and no cooling from the refrigerator are likely to be caused by the condenser fan. If the motor is faulty, it won’t be able to cool the condenser coils, compressor, and evaporate defrost water from the drain pan.

The worn bearings create noise while the hot coils build heat, causing the refrigerator to stop cooling.

2. Evaporator Fan

If the noise you hear is coming from the freezer section of the refrigerator, disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and remove the cover of the evaporator fan. You will find this inside the freezer compartment.

Next, take a look at the fan to determine whether or not there is damage. If it is readily visible, turn the blades with your hand to check the functionality.

If they don’t spin freely, it may be a sign that the motor of the fan is faulty. But to be sure, check the motor for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor of the fan.

Another component that creates noise and reduces cooling in a refrigerator is the evaporator fan. The fan spreads cold air in the unit after passing it over the cooling coils. If the motor is faulty, you may hear a loud noise coming from the freezer compartment.

Typically, the noise would stop once you open the door of the freezer because the fan stops running when the door is open unless you activate the door switch.

See also  Refrigerator Not Making Ice [Problems Solved]

3. Motor Grommet

Check the grommet of the evaporator fan motor. It is the small plastic piece that separates the bracket that mounts the fan from the motor of the fan.

Its job is to reduce vibration so if it is worn, you may hear a loud noise as the motor and the bracket rub against each other. This can also affect how well the refrigerator cools as the motor of the fan may no longer work optimally. Replace the grommet if it is damaged or worn.

4. Compressor

If you are sure the condenser fan motor is not generating the noise yet the noise is from the fan area, check the compressor. An overload of heat from the condenser coils can cause too much stress and noise.

Also, one or more internal components of the compressor may wear out or get damaged. If this happens, the compressor tends to make noise and stop functioning well, leading to reduced cooling in the refrigerator.

Let a licensed appliance technician check the compressor if it is too loud because it is failing. If there is a need for a replacement, the technician is in the best place to do the job.

LG Refrigerator Is Making a Clicking Noise – How to Fix

To fix the problem of an LG refrigerator making a clicking noise, check the following components:

1. Compressor

Check the compressor. Sometimes, a clicking noise from the compressor is normal. When the start relay turns on communication between the compressor’s internal components and the main control board, the compressor makes this noise.

However, if the clicking from the compressor becomes too frequent, every 5 to 10 seconds, something is wrong with the relay. Test it to check for continuity between the two terminals. If there is no continuity, replace the relay.

2. Dispenser

If you hear a clicking noise from the dispenser when you activate it, there is no cause for alarm. The noise stems from the switches of the relay turning on communication between internal components and the compressor.

3. Doors

A clicking or creaking noise from the doors of the refrigerator is usually normal. The expansion of the plastic parts of the doors during changes in temperatures causes this noise. It should not be a regular noise and may stop eventually.

But if the noise becomes increasingly regular and louder, the closing cam of the doors may be broken. You may want to check the cam, which is a plastic part, to see if you need to replace it.

If you are going to replace the door closing cam, here is a video to guide you…

You may also hear a clicking noise from the refrigerator when the automatic defrost function kicks into action and when it stops. That is if the unit has an automatic defrost system.

Additionally, the thermostat or refrigerator control makes a clicking noise when it cycles on and off.

Note: Many LG refrigerator noises, like other refrigerators, are quite normal. You cannot hear them during the day because they are masked by other noise. But at night, you tend to hear them better because it is quieter around the house.

Check out these other articles…

LG Refrigerator Not Working [How to Fix]

LG Refrigerator Smells Like…[Solved]

How to Make Ice in an LG Refrigerator [Quick Guide]

How to Change C to F on an LG Refrigerator [Quick Guide]

LG Refrigerator Shelf [Issues & Solutions]

LG Refrigerator Water Tastes…[Problems & Solutions]

LG Refrigerator Does Not Turn On [How to Fix]

LG Refrigerator Making a Buzzing Noise – What to Do

Check the compressor to see if it is functioning normally. The compressor usually makes a buzzing or humming noise when it is operating normally. So this is normal unless the noise is loud enough to be heard from a distance.

It is important to note here that LG refrigerators use two types of compressors. The standard compressor makes a low hum or buzz while operating. It does not change speed so the noise is steady.

However, a linear compressor operates according to the refrigerator’s needs. Its speed changes to accommodate the temperature needs of the refrigerator and freezer sections. The speed of the compressor changes as its activity increase. So you may hear increased noise from it during this time.

If the noise is too loud and continues longer than one hour, the refrigerator needs to be serviced. Contact LG Support to report the issue and request service.

Note: A linear compressor LG refrigerator may make noise that sounds like banging when the compressor’s speed increases more than normal. So you may hear a buzz, hum, banging, or knocking.

LG Refrigerator Making a Banging Noise – Solved

Check the space around the refrigerator to be sure it is not too close to surrounding furniture or walls.

By design, a refrigerator vibrates during normal operation. So if there is any surface too close to it, it may hit it occasionally and make a banging or knocking noise.

Therefore, to avoid this, move the refrigerator to create some space between it and the surrounding surfaces. Not only are you eliminating the noise by doing this but you are also preserving the refrigerator.

While this is the likeliest cause of the banging noise, it may help to also check the compressor and condenser fan. The compressor in an older refrigerator may make this noise if there is a problem.

And a condenser fan choked with a lot of dirt may become noisy as it works hard to operate with all the dirt.

LG Refrigerator Noise Stops When Door Opens – Quick Fix

Check the evaporator fan behind the back wall inside the freezer section. An ice buildup around the blades can cause noise. And a faulty motor creates noise, too. The noise would resume if you close the door of the refrigerator.

To determine whether or not the fan is the cause of the noise, open the door of the freezer and listen for the noise. If it stops, consider replacing the fan. The motor stops running when the door opens but kicks back into action when the door switch activates.

See also  KitchenAid Refrigerator Not Cooling [How to Fix]

Once you can see the fan, you will know whether or not you need to defrost the unit. Otherwise, replace the fan of the motor if there is no ice buildup around the fan.

LG Refrigerator Making a Chirping Noise – Solved

If you hear a chirping noise from an LG refrigerator, it is a sign that one or both fan motors are failing. More likely than not, the noise is from the evaporator fan so begin with it.

Go to the freezer section and listen to the noise. If it is coming from there, open the door and remove the inside back panel. Next, disconnect the wire harness that holds the fan to the panel to separate them.

Test the motor for continuity using a multimeter. It has likely failed but the test is to be sure. Replace the motor if you read no continuity.

But if the fan is fine and the noise is not coming from there, then check the damper control. It should be just at top of the fresh food section. Failed or broken dampers don’t usually make a chirping noise but it may help to see if it is still working.

LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Making Clicking Noise – Quick Fix

If the ice maker in an LG refrigerator is making a clicking noise, it may be because the water valve is frozen. As a result, water can’t get into the ice mold and the effort to work creates noise from the valve.

Fix this quickly by defrosting the water valve. A manual defrost works so disconnect the refrigerator from electric power, remove food items, and store them in another refrigerator.

Then, leave the doors of the refrigerator open for a few hours for the defrost process. Once this is done, the valve should begin working again and the noise should stop.

However, it is important to find out why the water valve froze in the first place. If this is not possible, contact LG Support or hire an appliance technician for assistance.

The clicking noise may also come from the ice maker’s ejector blades. They are supposed to turn the ice out of the mold and push them out. If they are having a hard time turning, they may be partially stuck and the problem usually stems from the bearings or gears.

Oiling the gears with WD40 or any light gear-type oil reduces the friction. But this requires some technical skills. If you are not handy with such fixes, get a qualified service agent to do the job.

LG Refrigerator Making a Noise – How to Fix

Check the following if your LG refrigerator is making noise:

1. Fan Blades

Check the blades of the two fans. Start with the evaporator fan in the freezer compartment. Turn the blades with your hand to see if they turn well. While doing this, check for any obstruction or debris.

If the blades don’t turn well, the shaft may need oiling or the motor of the fan may need changing. Additionally, if the blades appear bent, replace them. Don’t try to straighten them; they may break or not work anymore.

Next, go to the bottom back of the refrigerator and check the condenser fan. Make sure nothing is keeping the blades from turning and they are clean.

Damaged or obstructed fan blades create a lot of noise. They should be the first thing to check if your LG refrigerator becomes noisy.

2. Fan Motors

If the blades of the fans are working well, then check the motors. Their bearings might be worn out and as they fail, they create the noise.

Therefore, if you notice the motors of the fan are making a lot of noise, replace them.

3. Water Inlet Valve

If there is a lot of noise when water is filling the ice maker, the inlet valve may be faulty. And this may be due to an accumulation of mineral deposits and other sediments.

Go to the bottom back of the refrigerator and remove the panel that covers the valve. As the valve runs, wait for the noise. If it becomes louder, replace the valve. You cannot repair the component.

4. Compressor

A compressor in good working condition makes a low hum or buzz, depending on who is listening. But it becomes a problem when the noise is loud. If you are sure the condenser fan is not making the noise, check the compressor.

Contact a licensed technician to test the compressor and replace it if that is the best solution. If you own an older LG refrigerator model, replacing the entire refrigerator may be more cost-effective.

LG Refrigerator Making Noise When Dispensing Water – Solved

A bad water filter, a damaged water filter housing, or a defective water inlet valve can cause noise when you are dispensing water.

How to Troubleshoot

Remove the water filter from the water filter housing and put a bypass plug in its place. Try dispensing water while you wait for the noise.

If you hear the noise, check the head of the filter for gunk. Clean it and try the filter again. If the noise continues, replace the filter. Clean the housing to remove any deposits before installing the filter.

However, if the noise remains, the filter is not the origin of the noise. Therefore, check the water filter housing.

Go to the front of the dispenser and press the lever as if to dispense water. If you hear the noise coming from the area of the housing, you need to replace the filter housing. But if the noise does not come from there, check the water inlet valve.

Find someone to press the lever of the dispenser as you listen to the inlet valve at the bottom back of the refrigerator. If the noise gets louder from the valve’s location, replace the valve.

This video shows how to replace the water inlet valve in an LG refrigerator…

LG Refrigerator Door Making Noise – Quick Fix

The door closing cam or bearing is broken or the ridges are worn if you hear noise from an LG refrigerator door. And the only fix for the noise is to replace the cam.

See also  How to Add Freon to Your Refrigerator Compressor [Detailed Guide]

Sometimes, the noise from the door is normal. When the plastic parts in the door expand and contract as the temperature in the refrigerator changes, you hear a noise.

LG Refrigerator Making Gurgling Noise – What to Do

Gurgling noise from an LG refrigerator is from the flow of refrigerant flowing through the cooling system. This noise is normal and does not occur regularly so you cannot eliminate it totally. But there is a way to muffle the noise.

To do this, reduce the number of times you open the door of the refrigerator. Opening it too often reduces the cold air in the refrigerator and this causes the compressor to put in extra effort to cool the unit.

However, that also means that it has to compress more refrigerant, thereby increasing the noise.

Other sources of the gurgling noise are the water valve, water supply line, drain line, and high humidity.

Open the valve fully to increase the flow of water. Constriction of the flow of water from the valve to the ice maker creates a gurgling noise.

A leak from the water supply line lets air into it and when it mixes with the water, there is a gurgling noise. Replace the line if it is leaking.

During the defrost cycle, ice melts and the water drains through the defrost drain. The draining makes a gurgling noise but this is normal.

And when there is high humidity, ice melts faster inside the refrigerator and while it is draining, you hear this noise. Again, you cannot change the process.

LG Refrigerator Making a Grinding Noise – Quick Fix

Ice buildup around the evaporator fan in the freezer creates the grinding noise. To verify this, listen to the freezer section. If the noise seems to be coming from there, open the door. If the noise increases before stopping, the blades of the fan are rubbing roughly against something.

Unmount the inside rear wall of the freezer section and inspect the fan. If there is ice around it, defrost it with a dryer or manually defrost the unit. Manual defrost is the safer option.

Remove the items in the refrigerator, unplug the unit from the power outlet, and open the doors. Lay towels on the floor around it and allow it to defrost for some hours. The defrost should take care of the ice.

But if the refrigerator has an automatic defrost system, troubleshoot the defrost components since there should be no ice behind the freezer panel. Replace any defective one.

LG Refrigerator Making a Hissing Noise – Quick Fix

Ice or frost melting during the defrost cycle and water dripping on the defrost heater creates a hissing noise.

This noise is normal and it does not last long, only during the defrost cycle. But if it prolongs, there might be a problem.

LG Refrigerator Making a Popping Noise – Quick Fix

The popping noise you hear from your LG refrigerator is from the expansion and contraction of the walls inside the unit. As long as the internal temperatures change, the popping noise will come. It cannot be fixed; it is a normal part of the operations of a refrigerator.

Another source of the popping noise is the door of the refrigerator. If the door cam is broken, it makes a loud popping noise as you open and close the door. And parts of the door also experience the expansion and contraction process, creating noise.

Additionally, the cooling of the evaporator coils after getting defrosted tends to create a popping noise. This is a normal process and will stop after some time.

LG Refrigerator Making a Rattling Noise – Quick Fix

Check the water line going into the back of the refrigerator. Make sure it is tightly fixed. If it is, then the noise is normal.

Next, check any item on top or around the refrigerator. When the unit vibrates during normal operations, the items may shake and make noise. Consider relocating the items if the noise is a disturbance.

Other considerations are an uneven floor, drain pan, and the compressor if your refrigerator has a linear compressor.

Leveling the legs of the refrigerator may help with the floor. Otherwise, relocate the unit to a room with a more even floor. For the linear compressor, it is normal and nothing can be done as the noise does not last long.

As for the drain pan, the bracket that holds it in place may be loose, causing the pan to rattle anytime the refrigerator cycles on and off. Therefore, tighten the holding bracket with a screwdriver and ensure the pan is secure.

Finally, the refrigerant flow may create a popping noise. As this is part of the normal operations of the refrigerator, it cannot be changed.

LG Refrigerator Making a Squeaking Noise – Quick Fix

The most probable cause of a squeaking noise is a bad evaporator fan. If the noise is loudest from inside the freezer, check the fan.

Press and activate the door switch of the freezer. If you hear the noise as the motor starts running again, the problem might be the motor. Consider replacing it. But first, take a look at the fan.

Debris stuck on the blades or shaft may cause them to squeak as they try to move. Alternatively, the motor may be faulty, generating noise.

LG Refrigerator Making a Ticking Noise – Quick Fix

A ticking noise from an LG refrigerator is likely from the defrost timer. When it turns on and advances the refrigerator into a cycle, it tends to tick. You will also hear the noise as the timer advances the refrigerator out of the cycle. This is normal.

LG Refrigerator Making a Vibrating Noise – Quick Fix

A vibrating noise from an LG refrigerator is not entirely abnormal. The refrigerator tends to vibrate a little when operating. But if it is too close to surrounding surfaces or objects, you may hear a vibrating noise as it hits them.

Simply move any moveable item a little away from the unit. And if it is too close to walls, create some space.

If doing these does not eliminate the noise, then try aligning the doors and leveling the refrigerator properly. The refrigerator tends to vibrate loudly if the floor is uneven or if the doors are not properly aligned.

LG Refrigerator Making a Whistling Noise – Quick Fix

You may hear the compressor making a high-pitched whistle as it runs. This is normal and cannot be changed. Also, the movement of air from one compartment to another may create noise. This is not a regular occurrence but when it does happen, it is normal.

When you should worry is when the noise is constant and too loud. An improperly balanced blade of either the evaporator fan or condenser fan can generate this noise. And a failing motor could make a whistling noise, too.

Check the fans and tighten the blades if they are loose and imbalanced. Otherwise, replace the fans or just the motors.

Recap

An LG refrigerator making a noise is not an unusual occurrence. As long as you can recognize normal refrigerator noises, you will be able to tell when noise is abnormal.

Contact LG Support for assistance or service if the noise continues after troubleshooting and fixing necessary parts. You also have the option of using any of the appliance technicians here. Simply use the chatbox to your right to chat with them; no need to book an appointment.

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.