GE 16, 17, 18 CLICKS, POPS, WATER SOUNDS, CRACKS and CHIRPS, Normal operating sounds, Before you call for service…, HUMMM, Do you hear what I hear? These sounds are normal

Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Safety Instructions

Normal operating sounds.

Newer refrigerators sound different from older refrigerators. Modern refrigerators have more features and use newer technology.

Do you hear what I hear? These sounds are normal.

■ The new high efficiency	HUMMM...	■ You may hear the fans spinning at
compressor may run		high speeds.
	WHOOSH...
faster and longer than		This happens when the refrigerator
your old refrigerator		is first plugged in, when the doors
and you may hear a high-pitched hum or pulsating		are opened frequently or when
sound while it is operating.		a large amount of food is added to the refrigerator or
■ You may hear a whooshing sound when the doors close.		freezer compartments. The fans are helping to
This is due to pressure equalizing within the refrigerator.		maintain the correct temperatures.
CLICKS, POPS,		WATER SOUNDS
CRACKS and CHIRPS

■ The flow of refrigerant through the freezer cooling coils

■ You may hear cracking or popping sounds when themay make a gurgling noise like boiling water.

refrigerator is first plugged in. This happens as the

■ Water dropping on the defrost heater can cause a sizzling,

refrigerator cools to the correct temperature.

popping or buzzing sound during the defrost cycle.

■ The compressor may cause a clicking or chirping sound		■	A water dripping noise may occur during the defrost cycle as
	when attempting to restart (this could take
			ice melts from the evaporator and flows into the drain pan.
	up to 5 minutes).
		■	Closing the door may cause a gurgling sound due to
■	Expansion and contraction of cooling coils during and
			pressure equalization.
	after defrost can cause a cracking or popping sound.
■	On models with an icemaker, after an icemaking cycle, you
				For additional information on normal
	may hear the ice cubes dropping into the ice bucket.			icemaker operating sounds, see the
				About the automatic icemaker section.

Before you call for service…

Troubleshooting Tips

Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service.

Problem	Possible Causes	What To Do
Refrigerator does not	Refrigerator in defrost cycle.	• Wait about 30 minutes for defrost cycle to end.
operate
	Temperature control dial	• Move the temperature control dial to a temperature
	in 0 position.	setting.
	Refrigerator is unplugged.	• Push the plug completely into the outlet.
	The fuse is blown/circuit	• Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
	breaker is tripped.
Vibration or rattling (slight	Roller screws or leveling legs	• See Rollers and Leveling Legs.
vibration is normal)	need adjusting.
Fresh food or freezer	Temperature control dial	• See About the temperature control dial.
compartment too warm	not set cold enough.
	Warm weather or frequent	• Set the temperature control dial one step colder.
	door openings.	See About the temperature control dial.
	Door left open.	• Check to see if package is holding door open.
	Package blocking air duct in	• Check to see if package is blocking air duct in freezer
22	freezer compartment.	compartment.