Magic Chef Refrigerator: not cooling, ticking noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a Magic Chef refrigerator that is not cooling and emitting a persistent ticking noise? This issue often indicates problems with the compressor, condenser coils, or fan, leading to inefficiencies in cooling. Understanding the causes can help in addressing the issue effectively.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Magic Chef Models

  • Magic Chef refrigerators commonly have condenser and evaporator fan issues and damper control assembly airflow problems contributing to cooling failure.

Possible Causes

Faulty compressor start relay or overload protector

How to Identify: Loud click every few minutes with compressor failing to run, potentially relay rattles when shaken gently.

Part: Start relay / overload protector on compressor

Dirty or blocked condenser coils/fan causing compressor overheating/shutdown

How to Identify: Dust/debris visible on coils or fan; fan not spinning freely; unit feels very hot at back or bottom; clicking as compressor overheats and cuts out. (Fridge Mentor

Part: Condenser coils and condenser fan

Evaporator fan failure hindering cold air circulation

How to Identify: No cold air movement inside freezer; ice may build up; clicking may accompany airflow issues even if compressor runs.

Part: Evaporator fan motor

Door gasket air leak reducing cooling efficiency

How to Identify: Condensation on seal, visible gaps, warm air infiltration, fridge not cooling though compressor runs.

Part: Door gasket/seal

Malfunctioning thermostat or control board

How to Identify: Irregular compressor cycling unrelated to actual temperature; clicking not tied to start relay; inconsistent temperature.

Part: Temperature control thermostat or electronic control board

DIY Solutions

Clean Condenser Coils and Fan

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, soft brush
  1. Unplug the refrigerator from power.
  2. Pull the unit away from wall and access condenser coils at back or bottom.
  3. Use vacuum/brush to remove dust/debris from coils and fan blades.
  4. Manually spin fan blades to ensure they rotate freely.
  5. Push refrigerator back and restore power to test cooling/noise.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before working near electrical components

Test and Replace Start Relay

Advanced 30–90 minutes
Tools Needed: basic socket set, multimeter (optional)
  1. Unplug refrigerator and remove access panel covering compressor area.
  2. Locate start relay on compressor side and remove it.
  3. Shake the relay; if it rattles internally, it’s faulty.
  4. Install new start relay matched to model.
  5. Reassemble and restore power to test operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure unit is unplugged

Inspect and Replace Evaporator Fan

Advanced 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, possibly nut driver
  1. Unplug the refrigerator and clear internal shelves/drawers.
  2. Remove freezer back panel to access evaporator fan.
  3. Check if fan spins freely; replace fan motor if seized.
  4. Reassemble and restore power to test airflow/cooling.
⚠️ Safety First: Handle internal components gently

Professional Repairs

Compressor Replacement or Deep Diagnostic

Estimated Cost: $500 - $1000+

Thermostat or Control Board Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

If clicking persists after start relay and fan troubleshooting
If compressor is not running at all and overheating is evident
If internal diagnostics indicate control board failures

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Overheating and cycling issues that can lead to clicking and poor cooling
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Check door gasket seals: Cold air leakage and inefficiency
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Magic Chef Refrigerator not cooling, ticking noise?
Common causes include a faulty compressor start relay, dirty condenser coils, or an evaporator fan failure.
How do I fix Magic Chef Refrigerator not cooling, ticking noise myself?
You can clean the condenser coils, test the start relay, or inspect the evaporator fan for issues.
How much does it cost to fix not cooling, ticking noise?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $1,000+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not cooling, ticking noise?
If DIY solutions do not resolve the issue, or if you suspect a compressor failure, contact a technician immediately.

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 compressor relay
  • Dirty condenser coils
  • Defective evaporator fan motor

User Suggested Solutions

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

  2. Clean the condenser coils. Unplug the refrigerator, locate the coils (usually at the back or beneath), and use a vacuum or brush to remove dust and debris.

  3. Inspect and replace the evaporator fan motor if necessary. Unplug the refrigerator, remove the back panel inside the freezer, and check the fan for obstructions or test it for functionality.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Magic Chef MCBM920S1 Not cooling / Ticking Noise

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