Is your refrigerator making a horrible knocking noise? Don’t worry, it’s an easy fix! A knocking noise can be caused by a lot of different things, but luckily for you, it’s almost always something you can fix yourself. So, here’s how to do just that.
The most common cause of a knocking noise coming from a refrigerator is something being stuck in the fan or condenser coils. These coils help to keep the refrigerant cool, so if something is stuck in them, it can cause the fan to be blocked, resulting in the knocking noise.
The best way to check for anything stuck in the coils is to turn off the power to the refrigerator, and then remove the back panel. Then, you should be able to clearly see the fan and coils. If you notice anything stuck in there, such as plastic bags or even small items, simply remove them and the noise should stop.
On the other hand, if there’s nothing visibly stuck in the coils, then the source of the knocking sound is likely an automatic defrost timer. This timer is used to defrost the fridge automatically and it makes a knocking noise when it’s trying to turn on or off. If this is the case, then the solution is to replace the timer with a new one.
If it’s neither of these issues causing the noise, then the next most likely culprit is the compressor or evaporator fan motor. If either of these parts are going bad, they can create a knocking sound. Unfortunately, these parts need to be replaced, so a repairman might be necessary. But, if you feel confident enough to replace them yourself, you can try looking up a tutorial online.
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No matter the cause of the knocking noise, with a little bit of investigation and patience, you should be able to determine what needs to be done. So don’t waste any more time – fix that refrigerator now!
Causes of Refrigerator Knocking Noise
The source of the knocking noise coming from your refrigerator can be determined by turning off the power and looking into the back panel. Here you can look for blockages like plastic bags, small items or defective system parts like the automatic defrost timer, compressor or evaporator fan motor. Problems with these latter parts require replacement and might need a repairman.
The most common cause is something stuck in the fan or condenser coils, blocking the fan and resulting in the knocking noise.
Many times the noise is caused by the automatic defrost timer, meaning it needs to be replaced.
The last most likely source is a failing compressor or evaporator fan motor, which requires replacement.
No matter the cause, the knocking noise is easily solved with a bit of investigation and patience.
Solution To Refrigerator Knocking Noise
The most easy and obvious solution is to turn off the power to the refrigerator and look into the back panel. Once there, if you find anything that’s blocking or stuck in the fan, just remove it to stop the noise.
If there’s nothing stuck in the fan, then the automatic defrost timer needs to be replaced.
In case of the compressor or evaporator fan motors being the source of the noise, they will need to be replaced as well. If you feel comfortable enough to do it yourself, you can look up a tutorial online.
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Replacing the system parts requires additional tools and attention, so for most people it’s best to call a repairman in these cases.
The replacement parts themselves are affordable and the repair itself should be short. So whether you can do it yourself or need to call a technician, the solution is very accessible.
Tips to Fix It Quickly
Always make sure you unplug the refrigerator before opening up the back panel or undertaking any repairs. This is not only a safety measure, but it’s also very important in case of electrical shocks.
Take your time to go through the repair, as it might involve a bit of patience and problem-solving.
Look up instructions or tutorials online if you feel comfortable enough to do some of the repair yourself.
Avoid using sequencers in sentences and transitional phrases when possible.
Plan out a timeframe and make sure you get the right parts for the correct model of refrigerator.
Tools and Materials
If you need to do the repair yourself, you’ll need several tools, depending on what needs to be replaced.
These include screwdrivers of various sizes, wiring work, soldering iron and a few more tools depending on the situation. You can look up which tools you need for your specific task.
In addition to tools, you’ll need to get the replacement parts you need for the repair. Make sure you get the right parts for the correct model of refrigerator.
In most cases, these parts are affordable and many come with an instruction manual, which can prove to be very helpful.
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You can purchase these parts online or in-store, and they should solve the knocking noise quickly.
Prevention
Preventing the knocks is always better than having to fix them. To keep your refrigerator at peak performance, make sure to do regular maintenance.
This includes cleaning the back panel and fan, checking the automatic defrost timer and coils for something stuck, as well as dusting any parts that need it.
If you have small children at home, then be extra careful when it comes to small items getting lodged in the fan or coils.
In addition, make sure to keep the refrigerator at an optimal temperature for maximum efficiency.
Finally, don’t forget to keep an eye out for worn wires, faulty system parts and anything that might need replacement.
Jake Newman is Appliance Mastery's expert on refrigeration and cooling systems. With over a decade of experience in the appliance repair industry and certification from NASTeC, Jake is a trusted source of knowledge for homeowners who want to troubleshoot and repair their fridges, freezers, and air conditioning units.