PROBLEM
REFRIGERATOR DOES
NOT OPERATE
MOTOR OPERATES
FOR LONG PERIODS
MOTOR STARTS AND
STOPS FREQUENTLY
VIBRATION OR RATTLING
NORMAL OPERATING SOUNDS
These sounds are normal and do not indicate a need for service.
The new high efficiency compressor runs faster and will have a higher pitch hum or
pulsating sound while operating.
Sizzling sound in the freezer during the defrost cycle,
caused by frost thawing and draining.
Defrost timer and refrigerator control click on and off.
The fan circulating air inside the freezer which keeps the
temperatures throughout.
Water dropping on the defrost heater causing a sizzling,
hissing or popping sound during the defrost cycle.
The flow of refrigerant through the freezer cooling
coils sounds like boiling water or a gurgling noise.
Cracking or popping of cooling coils caused by expansion
and contraction during defrost and refrigeration following defrost.
Water dripping as it melts from the evaporator
and flows to the drain pan during the defrost cycle.
Icemaker (on some models):
The icemaker water valve will buzz when the icemaker fills with water. If the feeler
arm is in the (down) position it will buzz even if it has not yet been hooked up to
water. Keeping the feeler arm in the (down) position before it is hooked up to water
can damage the icemaker. To prevent this, raise the feeler arm to the
This will stop the buzzing.
The sound of cubes dropping into the bin and water running in pipes as icemaker refills.
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QUESTIONS?
USE THIS PROBLEM SOLVER
POSSIBLE CAUSE
• May be in defrost cycle when motor does not operate for about 30 minutes.
• Temperature control is in "0" position.
• If interior light is not on, refrigerator may not be plugged in at wall outlet.
• If plug is secure and the refrigerator still fails to operate, plug a lamp or a small
appliance into the same outlet to determine if there is a tripped circuit breaker or
burned-out fuse.
• Modern refrigerators with more storage space and a larger freezer compartment
require more operating time.
• Normal when refrigerator is first delivered to your home—usually requires
24 hours to completely cool down.
• Large amounts of food placed in refrigerator to be cooled or frozen.
• Hot weather—frequent door openings.
• Door left open.
• Temperature control is set too cold. Refer to Temperature Controls section.
• Grille and condenser need cleaning. Refer to Care and Cleaning section.
• Temperature control starts and stops motor to maintain even temperatures.
• If refrigerator vibrates, more than likely it is not resting solidly on the floor.
The front leveling legs need adjusting, or floor is weak or uneven. Refer to
Rollers in Preparation section.
• If dishes vibrate on shelves, try moving them. Slight vibration is normal.
(up) position.