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.

 

 

 

HUMMM...

 

 

 

 

 

WHOOSH...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new high efficiency compressor may run faster and

 

longer than your old refrigerator and you may hear a

You may hear the fans spinning at high speeds.

high-pitched hum or pulsating sound while

This happens when the refrigerator is first plugged in,

it is operating.

when the doors are opened frequently or when

Sometimes the refrigerator runs for an extended period,

a large amount of food is added to the refrigerator or

especially when the doors are opened frequently. This means

freezer compartments. The fans are helping to maintain

that the Frost Guard™ feature is working to prevent freezer

the correct temperatures.

burn and improve food preservation.

If either door is open for over 3 minutes, you may hear the

You may hear a whooshing sound when the doors close. This

fans come on in order to cool the light bulbs.

is due to pressure equalizing within the refrigerator.

The fans change speeds in order to provide optimal

 

 

 

 

 

cooling and energy savings.

 

 

CLICKS, POPS,

WATER SOUNDS

 

CRACKS and CHIRPS

 

You may hear cracking or popping sounds when the

 

refrigerator is first plugged in. This happens as the

The flow of refrigerant through the freezer cooling coils

refrigerator cools to the correct temperature.

Electronic dampers click open and closed to provide

may make a gurgling noise like boiling water.

optimal cooling and energy savings.

Water dropping on the defrost heater can cause a sizzling,

The compressor may cause a clicking or chirping sound

popping or buzzing sound during the defrost cycle.

when attempting to restart (this could take

A water dripping noise may occur during the defrost cycle

up to 5 minutes).

as ice melts from the evaporator and flows into the drain

The electronic control board may cause a clicking sound

pan.

when relays activate to control refrigerator components.

 

Expansion and contraction of cooling coils during and

Closing the door may cause a gurgling sound due to

after defrost can cause a cracking or popping sound.

pressure equalization.

On models with an icemaker, after an icemaking cycle,

 

you may hear the ice cubes dropping into

 

the ice bucket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 operate

Refrigerator in defrost cycle.

Wait about 30 minutes for defrost cycle to end.

 

 

 

 

Freezer control

Move the freezer control to a lower temperature setting.

 

in 0 (off) position.

 

 

Refrigerator is unplugged.

Push the plug completely into the outlet.

 

 

 

The fuse is blown/circuit

Replace fuse or reset the breaker.

 

breaker is tripped.

 

 

Energy Smart™ feature is

Wait about 2 hours for normal operation to continue.

altering refrigerator performance

 

Refrigerator or freezer

Temperature control not set

See About the controls.

 

compartment too warm

cold enough.

 

 

 

Warm weather or frequent

Set the temperature control one step colder.

 

 

door openings.

See About the controls.

 

 

Door left open.

Check to see if package is holding door open.

14

 

Energy Smart™ feature is

See About Energy Smart™ Models.

 

altering refrigerator performance