Kenmore Refrigerator: unusual noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore refrigerator making unusual noises like humming, buzzing, clicking, or grinding? These sounds may indicate issues with the evaporator or condenser fan, ice maker, or loose components. Addressing these concerns promptly can prevent further damage and ensure your appliance runs smoothly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore support identifies evaporator and condenser fan blades, ice maker assembly, compressor and water inlet valve as distinct noise sources

Possible Causes

Evaporator fan blade obstruction or failure

How to Identify: Noise louder when freezer door opens, humming/grinding from freezer, fan doesn’t spin freely when hand-spun

Part: Evaporator fan and blades

Condenser fan blade obstruction or motor failure

How to Identify: Humming, buzzing, rattling from back/bottom, fan won’t spin freely, debris visible

Part: Condenser fan and blades

Loose or misaligned internal components

How to Identify: Rattling sounds not linked to specific components, noise changes when adjusting shelves or stabilizing fridge

Part: Shelves, drawers, panels, drain pan

Ice maker mechanism noise

How to Identify: Noise only during ice making cycles, clicking or buzzing near ice maker area

Part: Ice maker assembly/motor

Compressor or compressor mount vibration

How to Identify: Deep humming/buzzing from back bottom area, may increase with load/age

Part: Compressor and mounting hardware

Water inlet valve noise

How to Identify: Buzzing when water is supplied to ice maker or dispenser

Part: Water inlet valve

DIY Solutions

Inspect and clean condenser and evaporator fans

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, vacuum brush attachment, flashlight
  1. Unplug fridge and pull away from wall
  2. Remove access panels to expose condenser and evaporator fans
  3. Carefully clear debris and dust from blades and housing
  4. Manually spin fan blades to ensure free movement
  5. Reassemble panels and restore power
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before accessing internal components

Level the refrigerator and tighten loose components

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: level, wrench/screwdriver
  1. Place level on top of refrigerator and adjust feet until level
  2. Check and tighten loose screws on shelves, panels and drawers
  3. Ensure drain pan is secure

Check ice maker for jams or obstructions

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver
  1. Unplug refrigerator
  2. Open freezer and inspect ice maker area for ice jams or stuck parts
  3. Clear obstructions, test ice maker motor manually if possible
  4. Plug in and test cycle

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator or condenser fan motor/blades

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Compressor or start relay replacement

Estimated Cost: $300 - $800+

Water inlet valve replacement

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after fan cleaning and leveling
Compressor area emits loud humming/knocking
Evaporator/condenser fan motors fail to spin or are damaged
Refrigerator fails to cool properly along with noise

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Fan strain and overheating noise
    Frequency: biannually
  • Inspect fan blades for debris: Fan-related noise
    Frequency: quarterly
  • Ensure fridge is level: Vibration and rattling
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Refrigerator unusual noise?
Common causes include fan obstructions, loose components, ice maker noise, or compressor vibration.
How do I fix Kenmore Refrigerator unusual noise myself?
Inspect and clean fans, level the fridge, and check the ice maker for jams.
How much does it cost to fix unusual noise?
Repair costs range from $50 for a water inlet valve to $800+ for compressor replacement.
When should I call a technician for unusual noise?
Call a technician if DIY fixes don’t resolve the issue or if unusual noises persist.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Normal defrost cycle operation causing gurgling sounds from the drain pan
  • Faulty evaporator fan motor creating a grinding or rattling noise
  • Clogged defrost drain leading to water accumulation and unusual sounds

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check the defrost cycle: Listen for normal sounds during the defrost cycle. If the noise is consistent and rhythmic, it is likely normal. No action needed.

  2. Inspect and replace the evaporator fan motor: Unplug the refrigerator, remove the back panel in the freezer, and check the fan for obstructions or damage. Replace if necessary.

  3. Clear the defrost drain: Locate the drain inside the freezer, remove any blockage, and ensure water can flow freely to the drain pan below.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Kenmore Fridge - water noise !!

Community Discussions

water noise, running/gurgling fluid sound

Likely hearing a defrost cycle.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!