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

Next step

Choose the next step for not cooling, ticking 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.

Check during diagnosis

Most relevant component to inspect

Condenser Coil Assembly

Releases heat from the refrigerant circuit and must match the appliance's sealed-system design.

Typical part-only price
$80 - $400
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

Condenser Fan Motor

Moves air across the condenser and compressor compartment to remove heat.

$35 - $100 · Medium · 30-60 mins

Check fit & price
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
Possible related component

Door Gasket

Creates a watertight seal around the door to prevent leaks during operation.

$45 - $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

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

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

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.

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. Magic Chef MCBM920S1 Not cooling / Ticking Noise

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