That repetitive click… click… click… sound from your kitchen is alarming. When your refrigerator is making a clicking noise, it’s almost always a sign that a part is trying to turn on but can’t—or that something is dangerously overheating.
You’re right to be concerned, especially if you notice your refrigerator is clicking noise and not cooling. A warm fridge or an ice maker not making ice are both clear signs of a problem that needs immediate attention.
This guide will help you quickly diagnose the 5 most common causes for the clicking. We’ll cover everything from a simple DIY fix to a problem that requires a professional, and even help you understand normal refrigerator clicking sounds so you can tell the difference.
The 5 Most Common Causes for a Refrigerator Clicking Noise
Let’s start with the most likely culprits. That clicking sound is usually your compressor (the engine of your fridge) or its related parts.
1. A Faulty Refrigerator Starter Relay (The #1 Culprit)
This is the most common reason for your problem. The refrigerator starter relay is a small, inexpensive part attached to the side of your compressor. Its only job is to give the compressor a “jolt” to get it started.
The Sound: You’ll hear a loud “click” as the relay tries to start the compressor. When it fails, the compressor doesn’t run. A few minutes later, the overload protector will “click” again as it resets. This is why your fridge keeps clicking on and off every few minutes.
The Fix: This is a very common and cheap part to replace. You can often buy a new relay for your specific model (like for a Samsung refrigerator clicking noise or Whirlpool refrigerator clicking noise) and replace it yourself in under 15 minutes.
2. A Dirty or Blocked Condenser Fan
Your refrigerator has a condenser fan (usually at the back or underneath) to cool the hot condenser coils and the compressor.
The Sound: If this fan is blocked by dust, pet hair, or debris, or if the motor has failed, your compressor will overheat. When it overheats, the overload protector will “click” and shut the compressor off to prevent damage.
The Fix: This is an easy DIY check. Unplug your fridge and pull it out. Visually inspect the fan. If it’s just dirty, clean it thoroughly with a vacuum and brush. If the fan blades are broken or won’t spin, you may need a condenser fan replacement.
3. Refrigerator Clicking Noise After a Power Outage
This is a very specific but common search. If your refrigerator clicking noise after a power outage just started, the problem is almost certainly electrical.
The Cause: A sudden power surge or interruption can easily fry the delicate electronics in the starter relay or the fridge’s main control board.
The Fix: First, try unplugging your refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This can reset the electronics. If the clicking continues when you plug it back in, the power surge likely damaged the refrigerator starter relay, which will need to be replaced.
4. A Failing Compressor (The “Expensive” Problem)
This is the worst-case scenario. The compressor is the sealed “engine” of your fridge. If the compressor itself has seized or is electrically shorted, the starter relay will try to start it, fail, and “click.”
The Sound: This will sound identical to a bad starter relay—a “click” every few minutes.
The Fix: This is not a DIY job. A refrigerator compressor repair cost can be very high ($500+). If your fridge is older, the cost of this repair is often more than half the price of a new appliance. You will need to call an appliance repair technician to get a definite diagnosis and a quote.
5. Normal Refrigerator Clicking Sounds (Don’t Panic Yet!)
Before you order parts, make sure you aren’t just hearing normal refrigerator clicking sounds. A healthy fridge does make noise.
Normal Clicks: A single, quiet “click” is often just the thermostat… An ice maker will also click and whir as it cycles. (Of course, if your ice maker isn’t making any noise or any ice, you have a different problem. See our guide on why your ice maker is not making ice.
The Difference: Normal sounds are usually single, quiet clicks. The “panic” sound is a loud click, followed by silence (when the compressor should be humming), and then another click a few minutes later.
How to Fix the Clicking: DIY vs. Calling a Pro
So, your fridge is clicking and not cooling. Here’s your action plan.
DIY Fix: Check the Relay and Condenser Fan
Warning: Always unplug your refrigerator from the wall before performing any inspection or repair.
Pull the Fridge Out: Carefully pull your refrigerator away from the wall.
Inspect the Condenser Fan: Look at the bottom back of the fridge. Is the fan caked in dust? Is something blocking it? Clean it thoroughly.
Locate the Compressor: Find the large, black, tank-like component. Attached to its side, you will find a small plastic box. This houses the refrigerator starter relay.
The “Rattle” Test: Carefully remove the relay (it may be held by a clip). If you shake it and hear a “rattle,” it’s almost certainly broken and needs to be replaced. This is a common issue on many models, from GE to Samsung.
Order the Part: Order the Part: You can find replacement parts online. The most common part you’ll need is a new refrigerator starter relay. You can also find other common GE refrigerator parts if needed.
When to Call an Appliance Repair Technician
You should call a professional if:
You’ve cleaned the fan and replaced the starter relay, but the clicking continues.
You are not comfortable working with electrical components.
You suspect the problem is the compressor itself.
An appliance repair technician has the diagnostic tools to test the compressor and control board safely. While it may cost a service fee, it will prevent you from guessing, buying the wrong parts, or paying for an expensive refrigerator compressor repair cost that isn’t necessary.
Don’t Ignore the Click!
A refrigerator making a clicking noise is not a problem that will fix itself. It’s a cry for help.
In summary, the repetitive click is almost always caused by:
A bad refrigerator starter relay (Most likely, cheap fix).
A dirty or broken condenser fan (Easy to check and clean).
A failed compressor (Least likely, expensive fix).
By taking 20 minutes to unplug the fridge, check the fan, and inspect the relay, you can diagnose the problem 90% of the time and potentially save yourself hundreds of dollars and a fridge full of spoiled food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why does my fridge keep clicking on and off every few minutes?
This is the most common symptom of a bad refrigerator starter relay or an overheating compressor. The “click” you hear is the relay attempting to start the compressor. When it fails, the overload protector “clicks” to shut it down to prevent damage. A few minutes later, it cools down and tries again, leading to that constant click… wait… click… cycle.
2. My refrigerator is clicking and not cooling. What’s the very first thing to check?
If your refrigerator is clicking noise and not cooling, the first and easiest thing to check is the condenser fan and coils (usually at the back or bottom). Unplug the fridge, pull it out, and check for massive dust/pet hair buildup. A clogged condenser system will cause the compressor to overheat and “click” off, and it’s a simple, free fix.
3. Are all refrigerator clicking sounds bad?
No. It’s important to know the difference between normal refrigerator clicking sounds and problem sounds.
Normal Clicks: A single, quiet “click” is usually the thermostat turning the compressor on or off. You’ll also hear clicks and whirs from the ice maker.
Bad Clicks: The problem sound is a loud click, followed by silence (when the compressor should be humming), which then repeats every 3-5 minutes.
4. Is a Samsung or Whirlpool refrigerator clicking noise a special problem?
No, the cause is almost always the same. Whether you have a Samsung refrigerator clicking noise, a Whirlpool refrigerator clicking noise, or a GE, the core components are similar. This issue is extremely common across all major brands, and the #1 culprit is typically the inexpensive starter relay.
