Monogram Refrigerator: making clicking noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Monogram refrigerator making a clicking noise? This repetitive sound often originates from the back of the unit and may indicate issues with the start relay or compressor. If the clicking coincides with cooling problems, it's crucial to address it promptly to prevent further damage.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Monogram Models

  • Monogram refrigerators (GE line) often show clicking related to compressor start relay or water inlet valve issues; water valve clicking might be heard during ice maker cycles.

Possible Causes

Faulty or failing start relay / compressor relay causing compressor attempts to start and fail

How to Identify: Repeated clicking from back of fridge every few minutes coupled with compressor not running or fridge not cooling; relay may rattle when removed and shaken; compressor hot to touch.

Part: Start relay / overload protector on compressor

DIY Solutions

Check and clean condenser/evaporator fans

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, vacuum or brush
  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Pull fridge out and remove access panel to locate condenser fan.
  3. Inspect and clean debris from fan blades and ensure they spin freely.
  4. Locate evaporator fan inside freezer and check for ice or obstruction, remove any blockages.
  5. Plug the fridge back in and monitor noise.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before accessing internal components.

Inspect and test start relay

Advanced 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter (optional)
  1. Unplug refrigerator and pull it out.
  2. Remove rear access panel to expose compressor and attached start relay.
  3. Remove relay and shake—rattle indicates failure.
  4. Optionally test with multimeter for continuity per service manual.
  5. If faulty, order and install correct start relay part.
  6. Restore power and observe operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off; avoid touching compressor terminals live.

Clean condenser coils

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: coil brush or vacuum
  1. Unplug refrigerator.
  2. Locate condenser coils (back or bottom).
  3. Use brush or vacuum to remove dust and debris.
  4. Restore power and monitor noise.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before coil cleaning.

Next step

Choose the next step for making 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.

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

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

Condenser Coil Assembly

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

$80 - $400 · Hard · 120-240 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 sealed system components

Estimated Cost: $500 - $1200

Replace defrost timer or control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Clicking persists after checking fans and replacing start relay
Fridge not cooling and clicking constantly
Signs of compressor failure (hot compressor, warm interior)
Electrical burning smell or abnormal electrical sounds

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Overheating and fan related clicking issues
    Frequency: biannually
  • Inspect and clean fan blades: Fan obstruction that can lead to compressor trips and clicking
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Monogram Refrigerator making clicking noise?
The clicking noise is often caused by a faulty start relay or compressor relay, leading to repeated start failures.
How do I fix Monogram Refrigerator making clicking noise myself?
You can check and clean the condenser fan, inspect the start relay, or clean the condenser coils to resolve the issue.
How much does it cost to fix making clicking noise?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $1200, depending on whether you need to replace the compressor or control board.
When should I call a technician for making clicking noise?
If the clicking persists after DIY checks or if you're unsure about the repairs, it's advisable to contact a technician.

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
  • Defective evaporator fan motor
  • Ice buildup in the freezer

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's defective, replace it with a new one.

  2. Inspect and replace the evaporator fan motor if necessary. Open the freezer compartment, remove the fan cover, and check the motor for any signs of damage. Replace it if it's not functioning properly.

  3. Defrost the freezer to eliminate ice buildup. Turn off the refrigerator, remove all food items, and allow the ice to melt. Clean any water and restart the unit.

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

Community Discussions

Refrigerator making a clicking noise

The clicking noise is likely caused by a malfunctioning ice maker that is trying to cycle but cannot complete its operation.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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