Kitchenaid Refrigerator: repetitive clicking

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are you hearing repetitive clicking noises from your KitchenAid refrigerator? This sound often occurs during cooling cycles and may originate from the back or inside the appliance. Understanding whether this clicking is normal or indicates a problem is crucial for maintaining your refrigerator's performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kitchenaid Models

  • Repetitive clicking can be normal during dual evaporator valve regulation between compartments.
  • Ice maker water valve can produce clicking noises during fill cycles.

Possible Causes

Normal dual‑evaporator valve operation

How to Identify: Rapid clicking that occurs as the fridge switches cooling between compartments and isn’t accompanied by performance issues.

Part: Dual evaporator valve / cooling system

Compressor overload or failure

How to Identify: Clicking followed by compressor shutting off, fridge not cooling, compressor overheating sensation; relay rattling/shaking when inspected.

Part: Compressor and overload protector

Condenser or evaporator fan issues

How to Identify: Clicking associated with fan operation; noise location near fans, possible blockage or ice buildup.

Part: Condenser fan motor, evaporator fan motor

DIY Solutions

Verify normal operational clicking

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Listen to the clicking timing and location relative to cooling cycles.
  2. Compare the sound to normal operation as described in KitchenAid documentation – repetitive clicking between compartments may be normal.

Turn off ice maker to isolate clicking

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Locate ice maker power or ON/OFF switch in freezer or via control panel.
  2. Turn the ice maker off to see if clicking from water valve stops.

Clean condenser coils and check fans

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, screwdriver
  1. Unplug refrigerator.
  2. Remove rear access panel and vacuum dust from condenser coils.
  3. Check condenser and evaporator fans for debris or ice obstruction, clear if needed.
  4. Reassemble and restore power.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before servicing

Replace compressor start relay/run capacitor

Advanced 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers, replacement parts
  1. Unplug the fridge and pull it from wall.
  2. Remove rear access panel.
  3. Locate compressor start relay and run capacitor.
  4. Test components with multimeter for continuity.
  5. Replace faulty relay/capacitor with OEM parts.
  6. Reassemble and restore power.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct part numbers

Professional Repairs

Replace compressor or major sealed system component

Estimated Cost: $600 - $1200+

Diagnose and replace control board if related to electrical cycling

Estimated Cost: $300 - $500

When to Call a Professional

Clicking is constant and accompanied by poor cooling performance
Compressor area overheating or other unusual sounds (buzzing/humming)
DIY replacement of start relay does not fix the issue

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Fan and compressor strain that may contribute to abnormal clicking
    Frequency: annually
  • Check and level refrigerator: Vibration‑related noises and strain on components
    Frequency: semi‑annual

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my KitchenAid Refrigerator repetitive clicking?
Common causes include normal dual-evaporator operation, compressor overload, or fan issues.
How do I fix KitchenAid Refrigerator repetitive clicking myself?
You can verify normal operation, turn off the ice maker, clean condenser coils, or replace the compressor relay.
How much does it cost to fix repetitive clicking?
Professional repairs can range from $600 to $1200+ for major components or $300 to $500 for control board issues.
When should I call a technician for repetitive clicking?
Call a technician if the clicking persists after DIY efforts or if you suspect compressor or electrical issues.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

60%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty start relay
  • Defective compressor
  • Ice buildup in the evaporator fan

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the start relay if necessary. Unplug the refrigerator, locate the relay on the compressor, and test it with a multimeter. If it shows no continuity, replace it.

  2. Check the compressor for issues. If the compressor is not running properly, it may need to be replaced. This involves disconnecting power, removing the compressor from the unit, and installing a new one.

  3. Defrost the evaporator fan area. Unplug the refrigerator, remove any ice buildup around the fan, and ensure it spins freely. Reassemble and plug the unit back in.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Brand New kitchenaid refrigerator making a repetitive clicki...

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