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Fridge Makes Clicking Sounds and Won’t Cool: Faulty Start Relay or Failing Compressor
A refrigerator is one of the few appliances in a home that works around the clock. When it suddenly stops cooling and starts producing repetitive clicking sounds, the situation becomes stressful very quickly. Food spoils, daily routines are disrupted, and you are left wondering what exactly went wrong. One of the most common reasons behind this issue is a malfunctioning start relay or a failing compressor. Understanding how these components work and why they fail can help you act quickly and prevent further damage.
If your refrigerator is clicking every few seconds or every time it tries to start, this is a clear sign that the cooling system is struggling to activate. Unlike other noises that might be harmless, clicking is almost always related to an electrical or mechanical fault within the compressor system. Each click indicates an unsuccessful attempt of the compressor to turn on. Repeated failure can eventually lead to complete compressor burnout, which is a far more expensive repair.
Ignoring this sound can cause the refrigerator’s internal temperature to rise steadily. Your appliance might seem like it is running, but the cooling function is no longer active. If you notice warm food, melting ice, or high humidity inside the compartment, this is a strong indicator that the clicking noise is more than just a minor inconvenience.
The start relay is a small component attached to the side of the compressor. Its job is to send an electrical boost that helps the compressor start. Over time, this relay can wear out, overheat, or burn internally. When this happens, the compressor cannot start properly, resulting in clicking sounds.
A faulty start relay often shows additional symptoms:
Replacing a start relay is generally not complicated, but diagnosing it requires proper tools and experience. A misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary costs or accidental damage to the compressor, which is why professional inspection is strongly recommended.
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator’s cooling system. It circulates refrigerant, maintains pressure, and enables heat exchange. When it starts failing, the clicking sound can become more frequent and louder. Unlike a start relay issue, a failing compressor is a major repair concern and usually requires full replacement.
Compressor failure occurs due to:
When the compressor becomes weak, it draws excessive power and struggles to start, triggering the overload protector to shut it down. This protective cycle creates the familiar clicking sound. If the compressor fully burns out, the fridge will stop cooling entirely and may not make any sound at all.
Clicking and cooling issues can overlap with other refrigerator problems such as faulty fans, burned wiring, clogged condensers, or malfunctioning sensors. Only a trained appliance technician can differentiate between a minor component failure and a complete compressor breakdown.
A professional technician will:
Early diagnosis can prevent total system failure and save you from costly repairs or replacement.
If your fridge begins clicking and stops cooling, take the following steps:
The sooner you act, the greater the chance that the compressor can be saved—or that the issue is limited to the relay.
You can extend the lifespan of your compressor by maintaining good airflow and reducing strain on the cooling system. Routine maintenance plays a crucial role. Cleaning the condenser coils, ensuring balanced internal temperature, and avoiding overfilling the refrigerator all help reduce workload on the compressor and prevent overheating.
A refrigerator that clicks and does not cool is a serious issue that should not be ignored. Whether it is a simple start-relay replacement or a major compressor fault, timely professional intervention is essential.
If your fridge has begun making clicking sounds or stopped cooling altogether, contact Chula Vista Appliance Repair Company. Our trained technicians provide fast diagnostics, reliable repairs, and long-lasting solutions to restore your refrigerator’s performance.
Call today to schedule a service and protect your appliance from further damage.
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