{"id":18020,"date":"2025-05-20T07:29:23","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T14:29:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=18020"},"modified":"2025-05-20T07:29:31","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T14:29:31","slug":"troubleshooting-a-clicking-noise-in-your-upright-freezer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/troubleshooting-a-clicking-noise-in-your-upright-freezer\/","title":{"rendered":"Troubleshooting a Clicking Noise in Your Upright Freezer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Opening your upright freezer door and being greeted by warmth, spoiling food, and strange noises is any homeowner’s nightmare. A freezer that is not cooling properly or making odd clicking sounds needs immediate attention to avoid food waste and prevent permanent damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

We’ll explore the common causes of freezer failure accompanied by clicking noises and how to get your appliance back to freezing food properly. With some handy DIY diagnostic tests and repairs, you can often solve the problem yourself without waiting for an expensive technician visit.<\/span><\/p>\n

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or<\/span> contact us<\/b><\/a> with any questions.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n

What Does a Clicking Freezer Mean?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Clicking, cracking, or buzzing noises from your freezer are telltale signs of a malfunctioning cooling system. The main components that keep the interior cold are the compressor, evaporator fan, start relay, and run capacitor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Issues with the compressor, relay, or capacitor can all manifest as clicking or chattering noises as the system tries unsuccessfully to start up and begin circulation. The clicks are the result of electrical arcing as the starting components fail to operate smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a clicking or rattling evaporator fan means debris may be interfering with blade rotation or else the motor is wearing out. Below we’ll explore troubleshooting for each of these common culprits behind the clicks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Start Relay Testing and Replacement<\/span><\/h2>\n

The start relay is one of the most prone to failure parts in a freezer. It works together with the run capacitor to jolt the compressor on during each cooling cycle. Over time, electrical arcing damages the contacts until the relay prevents the compressor from starting properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Checking the Start Relay<\/span><\/h3>\n

Loud clicking coming from the lower rear of the freezer points to a struggling start relay. To evaluate:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Unplug the appliance for safety.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Remove the access panel to expose the main electrical compartment.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Locate the large start relay. It has multiple spade terminals.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Use a multimeter on the R x 1k Ohms setting to check continuity through the relay.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    You should detect continuity between the start and run motor terminals when set to \u201cclosed.\u201d If no continuity, the relay must be replaced. Also, inspect for signs of overheating.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Installing a New Start Relay<\/span><\/h3>\n

    After confirming the original is defective through continuity testing, install an exact replacement start relay.<\/span><\/p>\n