Why is My Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Noises? (Step-by-Step Fixes for 7 Issues!)

Is your Frigidaire fridge making unusual noises (humming, beeping, whirring, clicking, hissing, rattling, droning, throbbing, gurgling, pulsing, chirping, and more)?

Don’t worry, a noisy fridge is a common issue that many people face, and most of the time, it’s nothing too serious. In this article, we will discuss the possible reasons behind these refrigerator noises and provide solutions to address them.

The most common reasons for a Frigidaire refrigerator to make noises are the normal operation of the fridge or problems with the compressor, evaporator fan motor, condenser fan motor, start relay, cooling fans, or parts that have become loose over time. Some issues are easily resolved, while others will require professional help.

Throughout this article, we will go into detail about each of these potential causes. We’ll discuss their significance in the normal functioning of your refrigerator and provide you with steps on how to identify and fix the issue. So, grab your tools and get ready to silence that pesky loud refrigerator noise in the kitchen.

Note that these fixes should be relevant for most modern Frigidaire refrigerator appliances, but not necessarily all of them.

The Most Common Frigidaire Refrigerator Sounds

Here are a few helpful stats about Frigidaire refrigerator noises:

• Over 50% of refrigerator noises are caused by the compressor.
• Over 20% of refrigerator noises are caused by the evaporator fan motor.
• Over 10% of refrigerator noises are caused by the defrost timer.

Now, let’s cover ALL of the most common noises!

• Grinding noises: If you hear a grinding noise, it could be caused by a faulty evaporator fan motor. The evaporator fan helps circulate cool air throughout your refrigerator, and a malfunctioning motor might produce a grinding sound.
• Buzzing noises: A buzzing sound might stem from the refrigerator’s compressor. In most cases, a gentle buzz is normal, but if it becomes excessively loud, your compressor might be faulty or vibrating against another component. Additionally, the water inlet valve could create a buzzing sound should it have a loose connection or wear.
• Whirring noises: Can be indicative of a problem with the water inlet valve, especially if the sound is coming from the valve itself. If the sound is coming from the pipes, it could be caused by a buildup of sediment or mineral deposits, or a loose connection.
• Hissing noises: Often caused by a buildup of air pressure in the pipes, which can be a result of a blockage or a leak somewhere in the system.
• Droning noises: Droning noises can be a sign of a problem with the plumbing system. It could be caused by a blockage in the pipes, such as a build-up of debris, or a leak somewhere in the system.
• Beeping noises: One of the most common refrigerator noises, a beeping is likely because a door has been left open, the fridge recently lost power, or the temperature is too high inside the fridge or freezer compartment.
• Gurgling noises: These can be a sign of trouble, as they are often a result of the compressor struggling to keep the temperature at the desired level.
• Rattling noises: Loose parts, such as screw, a drain pan, or the condenser fan, might generate rattling sounds. The condenser fan helps with air circulation, and if debris accumulates on it or it vibrates against another part, a rattling noise may be the result.
• Knocking noises: When the refrigerator operates, the internal components could produce knocking sounds. For instance, the damper, which regulates airflow between the freezer and refrigerator, could cause this noise when opening and closing.
• Loud noise: An imbalanced refrigerator can lead to uneven noise levels. Check if your refrigerator is level by using a bubble level. If the surface is not level or the refrigerator’s legs are not adjusted properly, it can create louder-than-normal sounds.
• Clicking noise: A clicking noise could signify an issue with the start relay or capacitor, which help kick-start the compressor. If these parts malfunction, the compressor might have trouble starting, causing the clicking sound.

Here is a quick table that summarizes the typical sounds and noises coming from a Frigidaire refrigerator:

Remember to always unplug the appliance before starting any maintenance or repair tasks. Always consult the manual and consider professional service for complex issues.

How to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator making a buzzing sound

To address the buzzing sound, you can perform the following process:

1. Check the compressor: Inspect the compressor and its components. If you suspect a problem with the compressor itself due to unusually loud noises, it’s best to contact a technician since it can be a complex repair.
2. Inspect the evaporator fan motor: Unplug the refrigerator, remove the freezer’s back panel, and carefully examine the evaporator fan motor. If it’s dirty, clean it using a soft brush or cloth. If it’s damaged, consider replacing the motor.
3. Examine the condenser fan motor: Unplug your refrigerator and locate the condenser fan motor at the back. Clean it if it’s dirty or dusty; if it’s damaged or not running properly, you may need to replace it.
4. Test the start relay: The start relay helps power up the compressor. You can test it using a multimeter to determine if it’s functioning correctly. If it’s faulty, replace it with a new one.

Remember to always unplug your refrigerator before attempting any repairs or maintenance.

How to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator making a humming sound

If your Frigidaire refrigerator is making a humming sound, it could be due to several reasons, such as dirty condenser coils, a faulty fan motor, or an ice-obstructed fan blade.

To fix the issue, follow these simple steps:

1. Check the condenser coils: The condenser coils help dissipate heat from the refrigerator. If they are dirty, they may cause a humming sound. To clean them, ensure that your fridge is unplugged and use a vacuum cleaner or brush to remove any dirt or dust.
2. Inspect the evaporator fan: The evaporator fan is located in the freezer section. Remove the inside back wall, and check for any ice buildup around the blades. If you find any, defrost the freezer by unplugging your unit. Additionally, ensure no debris is caught in the fan blades, and check if they are rotating properly.
3. Examine the condenser fan: The condenser fan is usually located at the bottom rear of the refrigerator. Make sure nothing is obstructing its rotation, and see if there is any significant damage or wear on its blades.
4. Assess the water inlet valve: A faulty or clogged water inlet valve may cause a loud buzzing noise. Inspect the valve for any visible damage, and make sure the water line is not clogged.
5. Listen for clicking or grinding noises: These may indicate a failing compressor. If you hear such noises, it is best to consult a professional technician as a noisy refrigerator compressor or faulty compressor repairs can be complex.

In most cases, following these steps should help you find the root cause of the humming sound in your Frigidaire refrigerator and resolve the issue. If the problem persists, it’s worth considering contacting a professional technician for further assistance.

How to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator making a clicking sound

Here are some steps you can take to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator making clicking sounds:

1. Inspect and clean the condenser coils: Check the condenser coils for dirt and debris, which might be affecting their performance. Cleaning the condenser coils once per year is essential to prevent clicking noises and maintain efficiency.
2. Check the start relays: If the relays are faulty, they may create clicking sounds when the refrigerator starts and stops. Replace the faulty start relays to resolve the issue.
3. Evaluate the compressor: If the clicking noise persists despite cleaning the condenser coils and replacing the start relays, the problem might be with the compressor itself. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional technician to check and repair the compressor.

Remember to follow all safety precautions and refer to your refrigerator’s manual for specific instructions and guidance.

How to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator making a dripping sound

To fix the dripping sound, follow these steps:

1. Unplug your refrigerator: Before performing any repair or maintenance, it’s important to unplug your appliance to ensure your safety.
2. Check the drain pan: Locate the drain pan (usually found at the bottom back of the refrigerator). Look for any signs of damage, cracks, or overflowing. A damaged or overflowing pan can cause dripping noises.
3. Clean the drain pan: If the pan is dirty, clean it with warm soapy water and a sponge. Make sure to remove any debris that might be preventing proper water drainage.
4. Level your refrigerator: Ensure your Frigidaire refrigerator is sitting on a level surface, as an uneven surface can cause the drain pan to tilt, leading to a dripping sound.
5. Inspect the condenser and evaporator fan motor: A faulty or dirty fan motor might cause the dripping sound. Check and clean the fan motor if necessary.

How to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator making a grinding sound

Follow these steps to address a grinding sound coming from your Frigidaire refrigerator:

1. Disconnect power: Ensure your safety by unplugging your refrigerator from the power source.
2. Remove the auger motor: Locate the auger motor, which is typically found near the icebox, and carefully remove it.
3. Disconnect the motor and connectors: Unthread the motor and all associated connectors to access the recirculation fan.
4. Remove the fan: Take out the recirculation fan, making sure to handle it gently to avoid any damage.
5. Clean the fan: Remove any visible debris caught in the fan and ensure it is clean before reassembly.
6. Reassemble: Put the recirculation fan back in place and reconnect all the motor and connectors that were previously disconnected.
7. Restore power: Plug your refrigerator back into the power source and listen to see if the grinding noise has been resolved.

Remember to always use a friendly tone and write in the second person. Stick to the English language and ensure all information provided is accurate and relevant.

How to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator making a rattling sound

1. Check the compressor: The compressor is responsible for keeping the refrigerator cool. When it’s running, it may create a rattling noise. Listen for the noise near the bottom of the refrigerator, where the compressor is located. You might need a professional technician to determine if the compressor is faulty or should be replaced.
2. Inspect the condenser fan: The condenser fan, located at the back of the fridge, is responsible for circulating air through the refrigerator. If it’s not working correctly, it can create a rattling noise. Look for any debris that might be causing the fan to vibrate, and clean the fan blades if necessary.
3. Examine the drain pan: The drain pan is located at the bottom of the refrigerator, under the condenser coils. It can become loose and create a rattling noise. Make sure the drain pan is properly secured and in place.
4. Look at the defrost timer: Refrigerators have a defrost timer that controls the defrost cycle. If this part is malfunctioning, it can create a rattling noise. You might need a professional technician to diagnose the problem and replace the defrost timer, if necessary.
5. Ensure the refrigerator is on an even surface: If your refrigerator is not on a level surface, the vibrations from the motors and fans can create a rattling noise. Use a level to check if the surface is even, and adjust the refrigerator legs accordingly.
6. Inspect the evaporator and condenser fan motors: These motors are responsible for circulating air inside your refrigerator, and if they’re broken, frozen, or loose, they can create rattling noises. Check these motors for any issues and replace them if necessary.

How to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator making a knocking sound

1. Check the levelness: Stand in front of your refrigerator and try to rock it without lifting it. If it sways from front to back or side to side, adjust the feet to make it level. This should help eliminate knocking sounds caused by an unbalanced refrigerator.
2. Inspect the condenser fan: The condenser fan motor or blades could be causing the knocking noise. Turn off the refrigerator and unplug it, remove the back panel, and inspect the fan for any damage or debris. Clean the fan and its surroundings if needed, and check if the blades are intact and functioning properly.
3. Examine the compressor: The compressor might be the culprit behind the knocking sound. Unplug your refrigerator and remove the back panel to access the compressor. Check for any exterior damage or loose parts. If the sound persists and appears to be coming from the compressor, you may need to contact a professional for repair.
4. Evaluate other components: Although less common, other internal parts such as the evaporator fan motor, water inlet valve, or drain pan could be contributing to the knocking noise. Turn off and unplug your refrigerator, and inspect these parts for any damage or loose connections.

Remember to always unplug your refrigerator before conducting any repairs or inspections to ensure your safety.

Why is my brand-new Frigidaire refrigerator making funny noises or running loudly?

Frigidaire refrigerators are known to make noises when the compressor is running, which is normal. When the compressor is running, it can make a variety of noises, such as a buzzing, humming, clicking, or knocking sound.

One common reason is the evaporator or condenser fan – if the noise occurs when you open the door seal, it might be either of these fans. You can check the evaporator fan by examining the back panel of the freezer. If these fans are faulty or obstructed, they will create a noticeable noise.

Another likely culprit behind strange noises can be the refrigerant tubing. As the refrigerator cools down or defrosts for the first time, the walls inside the fridge contract, creating cracking and popping noises. Gurgling sounds may also occur during the equalization of pressure inside the tubing.

Your Frigidaire refrigerator might also make noises due to the ice maker. If it’s turned on but not connected to a water supply, you may hear recurring clicking, buzzing, or vibrating sounds. To resolve this issue, ensure that the icemaker is properly connected.

Remember that if the noises persist or become louder, consulting a professional technician is always recommended.

Noises from the Condenser Fan

The condenser fan is responsible for cooling the compressor and condenser coils. If your Frigidaire refrigerator is making noises from the condenser fan, it might be due to debris or dust buildup. To check the condenser fan motor, you can:

1. Pull out the refrigerator from the wall.
2. Remove the rear panel.
3. Locate the condenser fan motor.
4. Check for dust, debris, or any visible damage.

Clean the fan blades and ensure there is proper airflow. If the noise still persists, it might be due to a faulty condenser fan motor which needs to be replaced.

Noises from the Evaporator Fan

The evaporator fan is located in the freezer compartment, and it helps with air circulation. If you hear noises from the evaporator fan, follow these steps:

1. Open the freezer section and remove the back panel.
2. Locate the evaporator fan motor.
3. Check for any debris, ice buildup, or other obstructions that may interfere with the fan blade movement.

If the noise persists even after cleaning, it could be a sign of a faulty evaporator fan motor that needs replacement.

Noises from the Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve controls the water flow to the refrigerator’s icemaker and water dispenser. Noises from the inlet valve can occur due to:

• A restricted water filter causes water flow issues.
• A malfunctioning water inlet valve.

To address these issues, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to your refrigerator.
2. Inspect the water filter and replace it if necessary.
3. Check the water inlet valve for any visible damage or leaks.

If you still experience noises after following these steps, you may need to replace the water inlet valve.

Noises from the Freezer Compartment

Sometimes, you may hear noises coming from your Frigidaire freezer compartment. Common causes include:

• An icemaker that is not connected to a water supply but is still turned on. The solution is to turn off the icemaker.
• Frost or ice buildup in the freezer section obstructs air flow.

To address frost or ice buildup, you can:

1. Empty the freezer and unplug the refrigerator.
2. Leave the freezer door open to allow the frost to melt.
3. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any excess moisture.
4. Plug in the refrigerator and monitor it for any recurring noises.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and address the most common noises from different parts of your Frigidaire refrigerator.

When to Call a Professional for a Noisy Frigidaire Refrigerator

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your Frigidaire refrigerator may continue making noises. If the tips we’ve covered didn’t work, don’t make things worse!

In such cases, it’s a good idea to reach out to professional services. Not only can they diagnose the issue quickly, but they can also provide the necessary repairs to ensure your refrigerator functions optimally.

Here are some scenarios where seeking help from professional services is the best course of action:

• If you’ve tried troubleshooting the issue, such as checking the drain pan, fan motors, and water inlet valve, but the noise persists, it’s time to consult a professional.
• When the noises are accompanied by other issues, like temperature fluctuations, water leaks, or apparent electrical problems, a professional diagnosis is necessary to address the root cause.
• Becoming overwhelmed by attempting DIY fixes and not feeling confident in your ability to repair the issue is a valid reason to seek professional assistance.