All refrigerators make some level of noise, which is an essential part of a fully functioning refrigerator. You may hear a buzzing, buzzing, dripping, clicking, or even hissing sound at different times of the day or night. All of this is normal and perfectly acceptable when it comes to a working refrigerator.
If any of these noises become louder than usual or seem excessive to you, it could indicate a change in the normal functioning of your Kenmore refrigerator. In this article we have listed all the possible noises that are commonly associated with Kenmore fridges and advise you on how to react to these noises.
Index
Disclaimer
Before attempting any of the investigative procedures mentioned in this article, make sure that the device is still under warranty. If this is the case, tampering with electrical components may void the warranty. Also, for your own safety, never attempt electrical investigations unless you are fully qualified and competent.
Kenmore fridge is buzzing
If you hear a humming noise coming from your Kenmore fridge that stops when you open the freezer door, it could be caused by a faulty evaporator fan motor. It could also be caused by the condenser fan motor or even a faulty compressor. In this case, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer if the device is still under warranty, or an electrical engineer if the warranty has expired.
Another reason your Kenmore fridge may be making a loud humming noise is if the ice maker or fresh food compartment damper control has failed. Any of these could be responsible for a loud hum and should be investigated further. If it's one of those, it needs to be replaced, which will get rid of the hum.
If you need to reset your Kenmore fridge, follow this link to read our articlehow to reset a kenmore fridge
Fridge does not cool accompanied by a clicking sound
Any time a refrigerator stops cooling, you should assume it's a mechanical issue. There is probably a fault somewhere in the cooling system. These include the compressor, condenser and evaporator.
accumulation of dirt
It's likely that the clicking is being caused by a buildup of dust and dirt on one of these components. If the condenser coils are covered with a thick layer of dirt, get a vacuum with a brush attachment and remove as much dirt and dust as possible. Repeat with the evaporator fans and compressor. This should stop the clicking and allow the fridge to cool down again.
If this solved the noise problem, it was probably caused by dirt and dust overloading the compressor. The compressor would try to initialize but fail and then try again and fail which would explain the clicking noise. This error would result in the refrigerator not working properly and thus not cooling.
Start relay
The starter relay provides power to the compressor and is a very small component that is mounted on the side of the compressor. Remove the starter relay and shake it gently; If it rattles, it's probably defective and should be replaced. If it makes no noise, check the start and run terminals with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, the starter relay is defective and must be replaced.
Kenmore refrigerator makes a beeping noise
If your Kenmore fridge is beeping, there could be a number of issues, mostly related to the fridge door. If the refrigerator door is left open, the door open alarm will sound. This alarm emits an audible signal and can be triggered even if the refrigerator door is only slightly open.
It is possible to shift a content of the refrigerator just enough that the door cannot be completely closed. Over time, warm air entering the refrigerator through the partially open door will set off the open door alarm.
door seal
When the door is fully closed, check the door seal or gasket for dirt buildup or damage. A small gap in the door seal has the same effect as a partially opened door.
Uneven refrigerator
If the refrigerator is not on a flat surface, the door can be easily opened by gravity. To correct this, place a spirit level on top of the refrigerator and adjust the height of the refrigerator using the adjustable screws on the unit's feet.
ice build-up
Another reason for a Kenmore refrigerator to sound an alarm is ice build-up, which can be caused by any of the following faulty items:
- Abtauthermostat
- Abtautimer
- defrost heater
- defrost control board
Your first action should be to defrost the refrigerator to remove excess ice, and then check all of the above for defects.
gas leak
Gas (Freon) used in refrigerators can exit the pressurized system through the smallest of holes. If the gas level within the system drops, the refrigerator cannot cool as quickly as usual and the alarm will sound. Freon does have a distinct odor, however, so it would be easy to spot if it did.
Failure of the freezer
It is possible for the freezer to develop an error if only one of its cooling shelves is working; That would be a task for an expert to solve yourself.
defective control panel
If there are no problems with any of the points already mentioned, it could be that the control panel has developed an error. What causes the door open alarm? Alternatively, the door alarm could also be defective.
This video shows 7 common reasons refrigerators make noise.
Kenmore fridge is buzzing
There are some components that can produce a humming noise when developing a fault. Some of the most common are:
ice machine
If the ice maker is having trouble filling with water, it will hum. If this is the problem, you need to check the water supply valve and the water inlet valve. Make sure both are free and fully open.
evaporator fan
Sometimes ice can form around the fan blades, or sometimes the fan just isn't working properly. If you can't see any visible clogs, you probably need to replace the evaporator fan if that's where the hum is coming from.
condensatorlufter
If something is caught in the condenser fan blades, you will hear a humming noise. It could also be that the capacitor motor bearings are whirring, if so then a new motor is needed.
Compressor
The compressor can hum when overloaded, which is likely if the condenser or evaporator fan is having trouble. The problem: If the compressor is under high pressure for a long time, malfunctions can also occur. This can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with the compressor sound.
Compressors make quite a bit of noise during normal operation, which can be described as hum or hum. So it doesn't necessarily have to be a defect if it makes noises. However, if that noise is too loud, or at least louder than usual, then it has probably developed a bug.
Before replacing the compressor, it is advisable to consult a professional.
Noise when closing the refrigerator door
If there is a sound when you close the refrigerator door that stops when you open the door, it is probably a faulty evaporator fan. To check this you need to remove the inside back panel of the freezer and check for ice build up around the fan. If so, it must be removed as soon as possible as it can damage the blades.
You must manually defrost the unit immediately, but if there is no ice, you must check the motor. Physically rotate the evaporator fan blades by hand. If they are stiff and difficult to turn, the evaporator motor probably needs to be replaced. Check the motor for continuity with a multimeter and replace the motor if it shows none.
crunch
If your Kenmore refrigerator is making a grinding noise, it's probably coming from the evaporator fan. It is caused by a build-up of ice on the evaporator fan, which creates a crunching sound when the blades hit. You must defrost the device as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.
windowing noise
If you hear a noise from your Kenmore fridge, relax, it's perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. It is caused by the defrost cycle where the heater melts ice from the evaporator coils. Subsequent water drains into a pipe and eventually flows into the drain pan.
This happens several times a day to prevent ice formation and is therefore harmless. That is, unless the gurgle is continuous, as that would indicate the defrost cycle has been running too long, which would prevent the fridge from cooling down.
It can also be caused by pressurized refrigerant gas (Freon). As it adjusts to the pressure in the refrigerator's piping, which is a normal part of the refrigerator's operating process.
What causes a knocking noise in a Kenmore refrigerator?
Knocking can be caused by a number of factors, but the most commonly reported are:
water pressure too high
High water pressure can cause the water lines inside the ice machine and the hoses leading to it to make a popping noise. The only remedy is often a slight reduction in water pressure. The ice cubes themselves can also make noise as they fall into the bucket.
refrigerator location
Your fridge may be too close to the adjacent wall. Since the refrigerator naturally vibrates, it hits the wall and makes the noise.
condenser or compressor
Too much dirt on the condenser coils and fan can cause a knocking noise. Keep the condenser free of dirt and dust to avoid this noise. Also, while the compressor is unavoidable, if it's getting louder or knocking, it probably needs cleaning or could be a sign of imminent compressor failure.
What Causes a Knocking Sound When the Refrigerator Turns Off?
If the knocking noise occurs just before the fridge compressor shuts off, the compressor is likely the culprit and needs to be replaced or at least checked by a qualified technician.
squeaky noise
If your Kenmore refrigerator is making a high-pitched noise, it's probably coming from either the evaporator fan or the condenser fan. This is usually a sign that the engine of one of the two components is about to fail. Check and replace if necessary.
Banging noise
The most common cause of a popping noise coming from a Kenmore refrigerator is in defrost mode. Drops of water falling on the defrost heater may cause a hissing or popping noise. If the cracking only occurs when opening the refrigerator door, it is most likely caused by the lower door hinge.
More specifically the door cam which could be loose or broken. To fix this problem, tighten the cam or replace it entirely.
Other causes of popping noise are temperature changes in the refrigerator, the ice machine water valve and also the continuous heating and cooling process of the evaporator coil which can cause a popping noise.
What Causes a Kenmore Refrigerator to Rattle?
Sometimes it can be the simplest thing that creates a rattle. If the fridge vibrates it can cause the drain pan to rattle, but this is rare and therefore not too much of a problem. The water filter might be slightly off, not enough to cause a malfunction but enough to make a noise.
The springs that hold the compressor in place can also make noise. This usually happens as the spring wears out due to relative age. Replacing the springs usually fixes this problem. Sometimes the sound made when condenser fan blades hit an obstacle is called a rattle. Make sure to keep the fan clean to avoid this noise.
frequently asked questions
Why has my freezer started making noise?
Some noise from a freezer is normal, but if that noise differs from normal, it is usually a sign that your freezer has developed a problem. If left untreated, it can become serious. We recommend contacting a qualified electrical technician to inspect your freezer and determine what (if anything) is wrong with it.
How do you know if your refrigerator compressor is defective?
If the compressor stops working and you can't hear a hum for a long time, your compressor is probably defective. If you hear a rattle, that could also be a sign of a bad compressor.