Magic Chef Refrigerator: loud clicking noise
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.
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
- Unplug fridge and pull out from wall.
- Remove lower access panel to expose condenser coils and fan.
- Use vacuum and brush to clean dust and debris off coils and fan area.
- Manually spin condenser fan blades to ensure free movement.
- Reassemble access panel, plug fridge back in, listen for changes.
Inspect and test compressor start relay
- Unplug refrigerator.
- Access rear bottom section and locate compressor start relay attached to compressor.
- Remove relay and perform shake test (rattle indicates failure) or continuity test with multimeter.
- Replace relay with exact model part if faulty.
- Reconnect and test fridge operation for noise reduction.
Next step
Choose the next step for loud clicking noise
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Condenser Fan Motor
Moves air across the condenser and compressor compartment to remove heat.
- Typical part-only price
- $35 - $100
- DIY difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated time
- 30-60 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.
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.
Evaporator Fan Motor
Circulates cold air from the evaporator through the refrigerator or freezer compartments.
Thermostat
Regulates temperature by turning the heating or cooling system on or off.
Main Control Board
The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.
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.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
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.
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.
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.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace evaporator or condenser fan motor assembly
Diagnose and replace compressor or sealed system failure
When to Call a Professional
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?
How do I fix Magic Chef Refrigerator loud clicking noise myself?
How much does it cost to fix loud clicking noise?
When should I call a technician for loud clicking noise?
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 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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
loud click sound when turning off
A video explains the cause of the louder clicking sound.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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