Every refrigerator makes some noise during regular operation. But it becomes a problem when the noise is loud or comes from odd parts. This article discusses solutions to a Whirlpool refrigerator noise.
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Table of Contents
Whirlpool Refrigerator Makes Noise When Opening Door
If the refrigerator makes an odd sound when opening the door, check to ensure no item is sticking out. The door may be hitting the item and generating noise. Rearrange the contents of the refrigerator, especially if there are too many of them. Also, check the bins, shelves, and racks to ensure none is sticking out.
Another possibility is that the freezer drawer is noisy. If you have a bottom-freezer model, opening and closing the door creates a sound, but it is normal. Additionally, the door may be improperly installed, especially if the refrigerator is a new installation. Follow the guide in the user manual and fix the door hinge or check out this article on how to install a Whirlpool refrigerator door for proper installation.
Finally, the noise may stem from the door cam. The door cam is a small plastic attachment at the bottom of the door, where it meets the hinge pin. If the door cam breaks or cracks, you will hear a loud noise when opening or closing the door. The only solution is to replace the door cam if it is broken since it cannot be repaired. Use this guide as a manual to replace the door cam.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Noise Stops When Door Is Open – Quick Fix
The most probable cause of noise stopping when the door of your Whirlpool refrigerator is open is a faulty evaporator fan. Typically, the fan stops once you open the freezer door, but activating the door switch should get it up and running again. Therefore, press the switch to activate it and wait for the fan to resume running. If it does and you hear the noise, inspect it.
Remove every item in the freezer and store them somewhere safe. Next, unmount the screws holding the back panel inside the freezer to reveal the fan. Ice may be built around it, and it makes a sound when the blade hits the ice. Use a hairdryer to thaw the ice around the fan if applicable.
But if there is no ice, inspect the blade. It may be bent or broken, making noise when it is turning. Do not try to straighten the blade; replacing it is the best step because it may function poorly even if you straighten it. However, if the blade is in good working condition and there is no obstruction, try turning it by hand.
The blade should easily spin, so the fan motor is likely faulty if it is stiff. The bearings may be worn, or the windings are failing. Get a multimeter and check the motor’s continuity. Replace the fan motor if there is no continuity.
Note: The evaporator fan is likely the problem if a Whirlpool refrigerator noise comes from the freezer.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Compressor Noise
A refrigerator makes noise during regular operation. The noise you typically hear comes from the compressor; it is usually a quiet hum or buzz, depending on who is listening. The refrigerator runs on and off at intervals; the compressor and fans turn off at specific times so the defrost cycle can run. Therefore, it is normal to hear some sounds from the compressor.
However, if the noise from the compressor becomes too loud and never turns off, it may be because the compressor is faulty. But before deciding that, check to see if the compressor is overheating. Do not directly touch it; the air from the area may be hot enough to show the heat level. Also, the condenser coils may be significantly dirty, or the condenser fan is no longer working. These can contribute to the compressor overheating and possibly generating noise.
In such a case, clean the condenser coils with a vacuum cleaner or replace the fan if it is defective. You may also need a technician to check the compressor to determine whether or not it is failing or what else could be causing the noise.
Check out these other articles…
How to Level a Whirlpool Refrigerator [Detailed Guide]
How to Clean a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[Detailed Guide]
How to Adjust a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[In-depth Guide]
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[Detailed Guide]
How to Remove a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[In-depth Guide]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Making a Noise – How to Fix
Several types of noise can come from your Whirlpool refrigerator. Knowing the usual noises and abnormal ones will help you find quick solutions.
1. Vibrating Noise
When your refrigerator begins to vibrate, it may not be properly leveled. An unbalanced refrigerator tends to wobble and may shake the items inside it. It may also hit the walls or surfaces around, making noise. Therefore, remove the grille at the bottom front of the unit and locate the leveling screws. Adjust the screws to balance the refrigerator on all sides and from front to back as required.
Another possible cause is that the compressor is not stable. Typically, some screws hold the compressor to the plate on the bottom of the refrigerator. If the screws loosen, the compressor wobbles and vibrates during regular operation. You can check the compressor yourself, but it is best to contact the Whirlpool Service Center or employ the services of a professional technician to test the compressor.
2. Hissing or Sizzling Noise
Several things can cause the refrigerator to make a hissing noise. When the refrigerant flows through the cooling system during regular operation, it makes this noise. There is nothing to worry about because this is normal.
Also, when the defrost heater is working, water may drip from the evaporator coils onto the red-ht heater. The contact generates the hissing noise, and this is also normal. However, if this sound comes from odd parts of the unit, such as the cooling pipes or compressor area, it is crucial to turn off the refrigerator and get professional help.
3. Buzzing Noise
A buzzing noise from a Whirlpool refrigerator occurs when the compressor and fan adjust to make cooling better. After a short while, the noise disappears. Some people interpret the normal humming noise from the compressor to be buzzing, which is also normal as long as it is low and quiet.
If the buzzing noise becomes excessive and regular, it may be because the compressor or fan motors are defective. Check the evaporator fan inside the freezer section and the condenser fan at the bottom back of the unit. Hire a technician to check the unit, determine the cause of the loud buzzing noise, and fix it permanently.
4. Humming Noise
Sometimes, your refrigerator makes a humming, whirring, or pulsating noise. As mentioned before, the compressor can hum in a low and quiet way, which is a regular operation. Also, the ice maker can make a humming or pulsating noise when it is trying to make ice without water, but the water inlet valve is functioning.
If the noise comes from the compressor is loud, sounding like loud buzzing or humming, the compressor is malfunctioning and needs immediate attention. And if the humming or pulsating noise comes from the ice maker, check to see if the water line is disconnected or the fill tube is blocked. If you disconnected the ice maker from the water supply, turn the machine off to stop the noise.
5. Dripping or Gurgling Noise
You may hear gurgling noise from your Whirlpool refrigerator when the refrigerant runs through the cooling lines. Also, the refrigerator may drip or gurgle during the defrost cycle when ice melts and water runs freely out of the refrigerator and into the drain. These are normal noises from any refrigerator.
However, if the gurgling is constant, even when the refrigerator should not be defrosting, the defrost timer may be defective. You may also check other components of the defrost system, such as the heater and thermostat. If the system malfunctions, the defrost cycle will run all the time, and the refrigerator will not cool.
6. Compressor Noise
As mentioned before, the compressor in a refrigerator turns on and off at certain times of the day. The defrost system turns on to keep the evaporator coils from freezing. The system turns the cooling system off to work as the defrost and cooling system cannot concurrently run.
However, the compressor may run longer in newer Whirlpool refrigerators than in older models. The compressors have a higher level of efficiency, which means they operate for a more extended period. It means these compressors run longer to consume only the energy required to run, unlike the older models that run for short periods while consuming high amounts of energy. That also means you will hear the compressor noise for longer, but know that it is normal.
Another possible reason the compressor may run for a longer time, causing you to hear the noise longer than usual, is if you just loaded the refrigerator with room-temperature foods. If the room is hot, the refrigerator’s compressor will run longer to maintain the cool temperature inside the unit. The same applies if the refrigerator door is frequently opened or is left ajar.
You can try fixing the issue by reducing the frequency at which you open the refrigerator door. Reduce the amount of warm food in the unit and keep the room as cool as possible to help the refrigerator function better.
7. Popping Noise
Expect popping noise from inside the freezer or refrigerator compartments. When the temperature in the unit changes, the plastic parts contract and pop as they do. And when warm air enters the refrigerator, the temperature rises, and the plastic parts expand, creating noise. It also happens when the unit defrosts or is cooling for the first time.
But the noise can also stem from the door if the door cam is damaged; the only difference is that the noise comes from the door when you open and close it. In such a case, replace the door cam to stop the noise because it is not a regular sound.
8. Crackling or Creaking
A crackling sound from your refrigerator may come from the ice maker as it ejects ice into the ice bucket. The same applies if the noise sounds like creaking. It is normal to hear it if you have an ice maker in the unit. You may also interpret the cracking sound as popping when the internal plastic pasts of the unit expand during temperature changes.
9. Rattling Noise
A loose drain pan is the most probable cause of rattling from your Whirlpool refrigerator. The drain pan is under the refrigerator and fits in a corner so that it makes no noise. But if it suddenly begins to rattle, it may be that the pan is loose. This is especially true if you recently removed and replaced the pan. Pull the pan out, fix it back, and tighten the screws to secure the pan. It should stop the rattling sound.
Check the top of the refrigerator. If you have items sitting there, they may rattle when the unit cycles on and off. In other words, the drain pan may not be the cause of the rattling sound from the unit. You may have to relocate the items to another area of the house if the sound is inconvenient.
10. Chattering Noise
If you hear chattering from your refrigerator, especially when dispensing water, the water line may have kinks. This is a common problem, primarily in places where the line is too long and is not properly wrapped. Consequently, the refrigerator or other objects may sit on the water line, or it may become entangled on its own. Check behind the refrigerator and straighten the line if kinked. Loop and tape it to the back of the refrigerator to take it out of the way.
11. Groaning or Grinding Noise
The refrigerator door may be rubbing against an item inside the refrigerator or another obstacle. Also, the noise may stem from ice hitting the ice bucket as the ice maker dumps it. Thoroughly check the shelves and racks with items on them to ensure none is sticking out. If the noise does not come from the door, it may be from the ice maker and it is normal.
12. Knocking Noise
The compressor or condenser fan may be significantly clogged with dirt if you hear a knocking noise from a Whirlpool refrigerator. The best solution is to clean the condenser coils because they attract the most dirt and when they are clogged, there is no efficient heat transfer from the refrigerator. Take the opportunity to clean the compressor and condenser fan but ensure you disconnect the refrigerator from electric power before cleaning these parts.
Other possible causes of knocking sounds from the refrigerator are water hammers and refrigerant circulation. A water hammer occurs when you suddenly shut off the supply valve or the water in the pipes is suddenly forced to change direction or stop. It should not be a regular occurrence so let a plumber check the water supply if the noise becomes regular.
Excessive knocking noise stemming from refrigerant circulation needs attention. During the normal circulation of refrigerant in the cooling lines, you may hear a sound, which is normal. But if the sound becomes too loud, get professional help to determine the cause, especially if there is a drop in the unit’s cooling capacity. Otherwise, leave the refrigerator as it is if the noise is not excessive and there is no drop in the cooling capacity.
13. Clicking Noise
Clicking noise from a Whirlpool refrigerator may come from the start relay if it fails. The relay provides a power boost for the compressor to start and run. Without it, the compressor usually has a hard time running. The clicking sound you hear comes from the compressor trying and failing to run. Test the relay with a multimeter and if there is no continuity, it is time to replace it.
Why Is My Whirlpool Refrigerator Making a Noise?
Some refrigerator noises are standard, while others are not. As explained, there is nothing to worry about if the compressor runs low and quiet or the ice maker ejects ice with loud noises. When you should worry is when the noises become loud or constant. The following are the most likely reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator makes loud noises:
1. Malfunctioning Compressor
A refrigerator compressor can last more than 10 years, but it eventually wears out. Some other factors, such as dirt or overheating, can cause the compressor to wear out before its time. And when a compressor is wearing out or malfunctioning, it makes noise.
A noisy compressor may last for years, especially if the compressor is relatively new. So, you can use it if you do not mind the noise. However, consider replacing it if the noise is excessive or the refrigerator’s cooling capacity drops. The same applies if the compressor has faulty internal components or damaged connections.
2. Defective Evaporator Fan Motor
Noise from within the freezer section is likely because of a defective evaporator fan motor. This is especially true if the noise stops when you open the freezer door. The noise may also stem from ice or debris forming on and around the fan blade.
Therefore, open the freezer’s interior rear panel and check the fan. If ice has formed around it, melt it using a hairdryer, which is the quickest method. Another option is to turn off the unit and leave the freezer door open until the ice melts. Clean the blade to remove moisture and debris so it can function better. Then, troubleshoot the defrost system to determine why ice formed in the evaporator compartment.
However, the fan motor may be defective if there is no ice. Try turning the blade, and if it is stiff, the bearings may be worn. If that is the case, replace the motor because the bearings are not repairable. If the bearings are intact, but the motor is noisy, test it for continuity. If you find no continuity, replace the motor.
3. Faulty Condenser Fan
The fan’s motor tends to become noisy if it is failing. But before checking the motor, inspect the blade and area around it to see if they are dirty. Check the condenser coils while doing that. Dirty coils affect the fan and cause the refrigerator to make loud noises due to reduced efficiency. Dirt also affects the compressor, which may lead to loud sounds.
Clean the fan and coils, ensuring the blade sits securely and tightly on the motor shaft. Loose blades also generate noise, so it is crucial to check other parts before checking the motor. If every other part is in good working condition yet, noise comes from the fan, the motor may be failing and needs a replacement.
4. Loose Drain Pan
Screws typically secure the drain pan to the bottom of the refrigerator on some models. Other models may have the pan sitting loosely but securely. The pan should not rattle, but if you do not position it as it should be, it tends to rattle when the refrigerator cycles on and off. The solution is simple; secure the pan under the refrigerator.
5. Bad Water Inlet Valve
Monitor the icemaking cycle; if the refrigerator becomes too loud when the ice maker fills with water, the inlet valve may be defective. The water inlet valve has the job of supplying water to the ice maker and dispenser. It opens and supplies water to the ice mold for about seven seconds before closing, regulating the amount of water that goes into the ice maker. Typically, it quietly operates, so if it suddenly becomes noisy, you may have to replace the valve.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Making a Beeping Noise – Fixed
Several issues can cause a Whirlpool refrigerator to make beeping noises. If there was a power outage, the refrigerator will beep to alert you of the outage. This is especially true if the refrigerator temperature rises.
Touching any button on the control panel usually turns off the Power Outage icon; it confirms you know there is an outage. If the temperature is already high, the beeping may continue until it drops again.
Poor refrigerator leveling also causes issues with the refrigerator. If the refrigerator is not properly leveled, the door may not close, leading to a rise in internal temperatures. Follow the guide in the user manual to fix the leveling issues. Also, ensure the floor under the unit is flat and even; otherwise, the refrigerator will have the same issues, and leveling it will not help. So, you may have to use shims to balance it.
Additionally, leaving the door open triggers the beeping noise. It may be accidental or the door seal may be worn. An item inside the refrigerator may also be sticking out, causing the door to remain slightly ajar.
Close the door and check the alarm. If it continues, check the door seal and rearrange the shelves and items inside the unit. You can temporarily turn off the beeping sound by touching any button on the control panel.
However, it will return after some time, which may be because of high internal temperatures. The beeping usually stops when the temperature drops. The internal lights may also remain on after closing the door, which reduces the unit’s cooling capacity. In such a case, replace the door switch.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Making Noise and Not Cooling – Solved
If you find your Whirlpool refrigerator making noise and not cooling, check the evaporator fan, condenser fan, start relay, condenser coils, and compressor. The defrost timer may also be faulty, which causes a ticking sound, or the refrigerator is not correctly leveled.
The evaporator fan controls the airflow from the evaporator coils into the freezer. It also helps to keep the refrigerator from warming up, especially in units with a single cooling system. But if it becomes faulty, the refrigerator and freezer will stop cooling. The same applies if there is ice around the fan blade. Therefore, inspect the fan and test the motor; melt any ice around the blade, and replace the motor if it is faulty.
Next, check the condenser fan. It tends to be noisy if the blade is off the motor shaft or the motor is defective. Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and move the unit. Remove the bottom back access panel to reach the fan. Ensure the blade sits on the shaft and the fan is secure in the unit. If the blade is bent, straighten or replace it. But if the motor is noisy, it means it is failing and needs a replacement.
Check the start relay. It is a small device by the side of the compressor, providing the necessary power to start and run the compressor. It causes the compressor to make a clicking noise as it tries to start without success. Remove the relay and shake it; if it rattles, it means the device is bad and needs a replacement. Otherwise, run a continuity test on the relay using a multimeter. Replace the relay if there is no continuity.
Furthermore, check the compressor. We have explained how to troubleshoot a noisy compressor. So, refer to the section on Whirlpool refrigerator compressor noise and follow the instructions to fix the compressor. If you are unsure, contact Whirlpool to report the issue and request service. A noisy compressor can be a result of overheating or an internal fault, and these issues can stop the compressor from running. And if the compressor does not work, the refrigerator cannot cool.
If the condenser coils are dirty, they overload the compressor with heat and cause a clicking noise. Inspect the coils and clean them following this guide if dirty. Also, clean the area around the coils, including the condenser fan and compressor. Remove dirt around the area as much as possible and test the compressor for noise and functionality.
Locate the defrost timer and check to see if it is working. Its location depends on the refrigerator model, but it is usually at the back of the refrigerator. Use your user manual to find and test it. If the timer is ticking like a clock, it may be defective. Replace the timer to stop the noise and get the defrost system working again. Otherwise, the refrigerator remains in the defrost mode and cannot cool.
In addition, check to see how the refrigerator is leveled. An improperly leveled refrigerator can shake and vibrate, causing the noise. The doors cannot fully seal, causing leakage of cold air and making it difficult to maintain a cool internal temperature. Use a level to check the balance on all sides and back, and adjust the leveling legs if necessary.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Making a Chirping Noise – Quick Fix
Check the evaporator fan inside the freezer if you hear a chirping noise from a Whirlpool refrigerator. The fan blade may be hitting something in the fan compartment or the motor is faulty. The same is true if the blade is damaged. Remove the fan and test the motor with a multimeter; if you find no continuity, replace it. And if the blade is damaged, replace it.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Has a Loud Water Dispenser – Fixed
Remove the water filter from the refrigerator and put a bypass plug in its place. Try dispensing water and see if the noise continues. If the noise stops, the water filter may have a dirty head; clean the filter head if dirty and put it back into the refrigerator. But if the noise continues, use another water filter.
However, if the noise continues even with a new water filter, check the filter housing. Keep the door of the refrigerator open and press the dispenser lever. Listen for any noise from the filter housing; the same applies if the filter housing is in the base grille. Replace the housing if the noise comes from there.
Another possibility is a faulty water inlet valve. So, if the filter housing is not generating noise, check the inlet valve. It is usually at the bottom back of the unit, so you will need someone to listen to the valve or press the dispenser lever. While pressing it, the valve should not make any noise, but if you hear noise coming from it, replace the inlet valve.
Whirlpool Refrigerator with Noisy Ice Maker – What to Do
If the ice maker in your Whirlpool refrigerator is noisy, it may be normal. Typically, the ice maker makes noise when dumping ice into the ice bucket or ejecting the ice from the ice mold. It is especially loud if the ice bucket has no ice in it as the new ice hits the bottom.
Other regular noises are splashing as water fills the ice mold or runs from the evaporator plate into the water pan. The ice maker may also be running a rinse cycle, which is an automatic process, before beginning an icemaking cycle. An overflow from the water tank is also normal as it helps to remove minerals sieved from the water. But it is only minimal. However, if these noises become too loud while the ice maker runs, there is a need to service the refrigerator and ice maker.
When you hear a high-pitched noise from the ice maker, it may be that the water pressure is too high. The water pressure should be at a maximum of 50 psi and a minimum of 30 psi; if it goes higher or lower, the water supply will become interrupted. The loud noise comes from water pressure higher than 60 psi, so hire a plumber to check the water and fix possible issues.
In addition, check the water inlet valve. It opens for about seven seconds to fill the ice mold in the ice maker and closes again. That way, it controls the flow of water to the ice maker. But if there is a loud noise when the machine is filling with water, listen to the inlet valve and replace it if the noise comes from there.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Makes Noise After Replacing the Water Filter – Solved
After replacing the water filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator, flush the system. There may be an air pocket in the water lines and it may cause water to drip from the dispenser or lead to noise. So, press the dispenser lever to run water from the refrigerator. If there is no dispenser, use the water line to dispense water. Run the water out for about three minutes to clear the air.
If that is the source of the noise, remove the filter and check the head for the dirt. The dirt may be blocking the connection point and the strain to bypass it generates noise. Clean the filter head and put it back in place. Also, the filter seal, where the filter meets the refrigerator, must be intact.
Rearrange the filter seal to align it with the connection point. If the water filter is a different type from what you used to use or the recommended one, it may be the cause of the noise. Use the correct type of filter and ensure it is not damaged or dirty.
However, if the water filter is not the problem, check the water line and water inlet valve. It may be a normal noise, especially as water hammers through the line from to time. Give it some time to see if the noise stops. If the water line remains noisy, hire a plumber to check it out and fix possible issues. And if the water inlet valve is the source of the noise, it is time to purchase a replacement inlet valve.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Makes No Noise – Solution
The circuit breaker may be tripped, the power cord may be unplugged, the wall outlet may be faulty, or the compressor may be damaged if a Whirlpool refrigerator makes no noise. Typically, the regular noise from a refrigerator is from the compressor. So, if the unit is quiet, there may be no power to the compressor.
First, check the breaker that controls the refrigerator. It may be off, especially if there was a recent power outage. Reset the breaker and check the unit; if there is a damaged fuse, replace it. You may need an electrician to help in the event of a damaged fuse.
If the refrigerator issue is not from the breaker, it is crucial to ensure the power cord is fully plugged into the wall outlet. Remove it and reconnect it, this time, making sure it fits securely. The wall outlet may also be malfunctioning, so use a multitester to check its power output. Low voltage can keep the refrigerator from working, causing it to be silent. If the power cord is damaged, replace it. And if the outlet is not providing enough voltage, use another outlet or replace the current one.
Finally, check the compressor. A failing compressor has a hard time starting, even if the relay and capacitor are in a good working condition. But to be sure, replace the overload protector or relay device; if the compressor still does not start, you may have to replace the compressor. Hire an appliance technician to test the compressor and recommend a fix.
Recap
This article explains a Whirlpool refrigerator noise. Some noises are normal and you do not have to do anything about it. However, others indicate a fault with the refrigerator and need immediate attention. If the ice maker is noisy, it may be normal because when it dumps ice into the ice bucket or takes in water, you will hear a noise. But when the noise increases, it is time to service the ice maker.
Likewise, the refrigerator may have a noisy evaporator or condenser fan, compressor, water inlet valve, water filter housing, or water filter. Learn how to troubleshoot each noise from your Whirlpool refrigerator and fix it. Contact the Whirlpool Service Center to report the issue and request service. if the noise persists and other faults develop. Alternatively, employ the services of a qualified appliance technician for further assistance.
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