Top 7 Causes of a Crackling Noise in a Refrigerator Motor

Housewives often worry when they hear a clicking sound in the refrigerator motor, because the problem is often related to the motor itself, and it is necessary to quickly maintain or replace the motor. The refrigerator motor is the most important part, in addition to being one of the parts of the refrigerator that lasts for long periods of time, which may reach several years, but it may be exposed to damage resulting from frequent use. Housewives know that there is damage to the motor in the event that they hear noises similar to clicking, or in the event that the refrigerator is repeatedly closed or its temperature rises. In this case, it is necessary to check the refrigerator and determine the fault.

Is a clicking sound in the refrigerator motor normal or is it dangerous?

In fact, when the refrigerator continues to run for a long time, some sounds occur that cause noise and loud crackling sounds. What happens to the refrigerator can be identified through the following points:

• All refrigerators, regardless of type, contain components and parts that contract and expand depending on changes in temperature.
• Before the refrigeration circuit is formed, the refrigerator components are located in a hot environment. When the refrigeration system is activated, cold air is produced, which causes changes in the climatic conditions in which the refrigerator is located.
• The refrigerator makes noises when the defrost heater is off, and the noises come from the refrigerator or freezer.

However, all of these sounds are normal and should not be feared unless the sound is constant and changes suddenly.

 Factors responsible for refrigerator motor failure

There are a number of different factors that can cause crackling and malfunctions. These factors must be identified to maintain the motor and avoid factors that may lead to damage or poor cooling in the refrigerator. These factors include the following:

1. High electricity consumption

If the motor is exposed to high electricity consumption, this is:

• A sign that the motor is beginning to consume high amounts of electricity, resulting in significantly higher electricity bills.
• This is caused by a malfunction in the compressor, which takes some time to return to operation and maintain the refrigerator's cooling temperature, which increases the energy consumption.

2. crackling sound

The refrigerator motor often makes a low humming noise when the refrigerator is first started. The humming and clicking noises stop when the refrigerator reaches the desired temperature.

However, if this sound becomes loud and reaches a clicking or groaning sound, this indicates a fault with the motor. The clicking sound appears when the motor stops working completely or is damaged.

3. high engine temperature

The normal temperature of a refrigerator motor is usually between 45 and 60 degrees Celsius, but if the temperature rises above this level, it indicates a fault with the motor.

4. Disable the motor fan

The fan is an essential part of the motor, and is there to maintain it and provide the necessary cooling for the refrigerator. The motor fan is found in many electrical appliances.

This is to protect it from damage and reduce overheating. If the fan stops working or a loud clicking sound is heard, you must seek the help of a specialist to repair the fault.

5. frost accumulation

If you notice frost buildup in the freezer and on top of the motor, this is a sign that the motor is not working properly with the coolant.

6. Continuous motor start and stop

The motor shuts down and restarts itself if it overheats. If you notice the motor shutting down and restarting more than once, this is an indication of a fault with the motor.

7. Motor relay fault

If the motor malfunctions, it may cause the motor to make loud noises or rattle when shaken.

This indicates a fault or malfunction in the motor, resulting in poor electrical transmission to the motor.

8. No cooling  

If you notice that the refrigerator is not cooling well or not cooling properly, this is a factor in the motor failure.

Causes of clicking sounds in the refrigerator motor

There are many reasons for identifying the causes of these sounds, and working to avoid them and maintain the motor or when there is a need to replace the motor. Among these reasons are the following:

1. Pollution and dirt in the refrigerator

Dirt and debris can stick to the refrigerator if there is an oil leak or if the oil pump fails to transfer oil to the motor, leading to motor contamination. Dirt and contaminant buildup from welding, dust, and other debris can also negatively impact the motor.

2. Height the heat

The refrigerator motor is one of the parts designed to withstand high temperatures, but only to a certain degree. When the temperature exceeds this level, the high temperature results in increased clicking sounds, which indicates a motor malfunction.

3. Not keeping lubricated

The motor must be lubricated regularly to prevent overheating or wear on the motor's sides.

4. Gas engine fault

When the amount of refrigerant is insufficient, the motor will be subjected to stress and excessive pressure, which can cause the motor to malfunction.

5. dirt freezes

There are more than one set of coils that help transfer heat through the air conditioning system, and if one or both of them fail to perform their duties, it may result in the refrigerant air flowing backwards to the motor.

6. oil contamination

Oil leaks into the engine cause the oil pump to fail to transfer oil to the engine, which leads to engine contamination.

7. Engine contamination with food residues

The compressor is not supposed to compress anything other than the refrigerant in its gaseous state, and trying to compress anything else could break the compressor.

How to replace a refrigerator motor

If housewives want to replace the refrigerator motor with another one when the previous motor is damaged, they must follow several correct and important steps. These steps are as follows:

1. The refrigerator must be emptied, all contents removed, and placed in frozen plastic bags. The refrigerator must also be thoroughly cleaned of any food residue stuck to it.
2. Pull the refrigerator out of its place a few steps to reach the back of the refrigerator, where the motor is located. You must leave some space behind the refrigerator for proper operation.
3. Pull the outside away, which is a plate to protect the parts, but you must wait for 20 minutes, to let the motor cool down.
4. Open the cover plate with a wrench, immediately after removing the compressor, but a wrench is required to remove the plate.
5. Photograph the motor as it is, including photographing all wires and connections immediately after removing them and disconnecting them one by one.
6. Install the new motor and connect the wires, then return them to their original location, using the pictures of the previous motor.
7. Add refrigerant to the refrigerator according to the instructions on the refrigerator from the manufacturer.
8. Place the protection plate on the back of the refrigerator and reconnect it.
9. Check that the motor is in good condition and working properly.

Wait about 30 minutes to an hour to ensure the new motor is working properly before turning the refrigerator back on and placing it behind the wall.

These were the most important data related to the topic. A clicking noise in the refrigerator motorThis is one of the most common problems faced by housewives. It is important to understand the causes of these noises. To learn more about our topic, you can follow it via the link below.