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

Next step

Choose the next step for repetitive clicking

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Check during diagnosis

Most relevant component to inspect

Compressor

Compresses refrigerant within the sealed cooling system and requires specialized service equipment.

Typical part-only price
$180 - $600
DIY difficulty
Hard
Estimated time
120-240 mins
Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Evaporator Fan Motor

Circulates cold air from the evaporator through the refrigerator or freezer compartments.

$35 - $110 · Medium · 30-60 mins

Check fit & price
Model number required

Model-compatible Refrigerator parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

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Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Refrigerator Condenser Coil Brush

For routine cleaning of accessible condenser areas where the manufacturer permits it. It does not repair a sealed-system or compressor fault.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Model-Compatible Refrigerator Water Filter

A routine replacement item on models with a water filter. Match the complete appliance model and existing filter number before ordering.

Compatibility check required: use the complete appliance model and compare the existing filter, bag, or specification before ordering.

Find one that fits my model

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

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

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

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.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
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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