Magic Chef Refrigerator: loud clicking noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a loud clicking noise from your Magic Chef refrigerator? This often indicates issues like a faulty compressor start relay or dirty condenser coils. The clicking may occur in a pattern and could be accompanied by cooling problems. Understanding these signs can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Magic Chef Models

  • Noise troubleshooting for Magic Chef often focuses on fan blade or motor inspection as common sources of loud noises.
  • Low water pressure can cause inlet valve chatter if ice maker is engaged.

Possible Causes

Faulty compressor start relay / overload protector

How to Identify: Repeated loud clicking every few minutes, fridge not cooling properly, compressor stops shortly after attempting to start.

Part: Compressor start relay and overload protector

Dirty or blocked condenser fan or coils causing compressor overload

How to Identify: Clicking coincides with overheating signs (hot rear area, visible dirt/debris around coils/fan blades, fan blades obstructed or not spinning freely.

Part: Condenser fan motor and coils

Evaporator fan motor obstruction or failure

How to Identify: Noise may change when freezer door is opened; clicking may be associated with fan blade hitting ice/debris rather than compressor pattern.

Part: Evaporator fan motor and blades

Normal thermostat or control cycling

How to Identify: Clicks are quieter and less frequent, associated with normal on/off cycling, and not accompanied by cooling failure.

Part: Thermostat/control board

Compressor internal failure

How to Identify: Persistent clicking after relay replacement, fridge fails to cool, compressor hot and not running.

Part: Compressor motor assembly

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils and fan

Moderate 30–45 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, screwdriver
  1. Unplug fridge and pull out from wall.
  2. Remove lower access panel to expose condenser coils and fan.
  3. Use vacuum and brush to clean dust and debris off coils and fan area.
  4. Manually spin condenser fan blades to ensure free movement.
  5. Reassemble access panel, plug fridge back in, listen for changes.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before accessing rear/bottom components.

Inspect and test compressor start relay

Advanced 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter (optional)
  1. Unplug refrigerator.
  2. Access rear bottom section and locate compressor start relay attached to compressor.
  3. Remove relay and perform shake test (rattle indicates failure) or continuity test with multimeter.
  4. Replace relay with exact model part if faulty.
  5. Reconnect and test fridge operation for noise reduction.
⚠️ Safety First: Risk of electrical shock; ensure fridge is unplugged.

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator or condenser fan motor assembly

Estimated Cost: $80–$250 (parts+labor)

Diagnose and replace compressor or sealed system failure

Estimated Cost: $500–$1200+

When to Call a Professional

Clicking persists after cleaning coils/fans and relay replacement
Clicking accompanied by warm interior and no cooling
Signs of compressor overheating or sealed system failure

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Overheating and overload clicks due to dirty coils
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Ensure fridge is level: Excess vibration and noise artifacts
    Frequency: as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Magic Chef Refrigerator loud clicking noise?
The loud clicking noise may be due to a faulty compressor start relay, dirty condenser coils, or an obstructed evaporator fan.
How do I fix Magic Chef Refrigerator loud clicking noise myself?
You can clean the condenser coils and fan or inspect the compressor start relay for issues.
How much does it cost to fix loud clicking noise?
Professional repairs can range from $80–$250 for fan motor replacement to $500–$1200+ for compressor issues.
When should I call a technician for loud clicking noise?
Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, especially for complex problems like compressor failure.

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

  • Faulty start relay causing the compressor to click on and off rapidly.
  • Defective compressor leading to irregular clicking sounds during operation.
  • Ice buildup around the evaporator fan, causing it to hit the ice and create a clicking noise.

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the start relay: Unplug the refrigerator, locate the start relay on the compressor, remove it, and replace it with a new one. Plug the refrigerator back in and check for noise.

  2. Check and replace the compressor: If the compressor is defective, it will need to be replaced. This involves disconnecting the power, removing the compressor, and installing a new one. Seek professional help if unsure.

  3. Defrost the evaporator fan: Unplug the refrigerator, remove the back panel in the freezer, and use a hairdryer to melt the ice around the fan. Reassemble and plug it back in.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. loud click sound when turning off

Community Discussions

loud click sound when turning off

A video explains the cause of the louder clicking sound.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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