41
Consumer
S
uppor
t
Tr
oubleshooting
Tips
Operating
Instructions
Safety
Instructions
Installation
Instructions
Normal operating sounds.
ge.com
Newer refrigerators sound different from older
refrigerators. Modern refrigerators have more features and
use newer technology.
HUMMM...
WHOOSH...
■
The new high efficiency compressor may run faster
and longer than your old refrigerator and you may
hear a high-pitched hum or pulsating sound while
it is operating.
■
You may hear a whooshing sound when the doors
close. This is due to pressure equalizing within
the refrigerator.
■
You may hear the fans spinning at high speeds.
This happens when the refrigerator is first plugged in,
when the doors are opened frequently or when a large
amount of food is added to the refrigerator or freezer
compartments. The fans are helping to maintain the
correct temperatures.
■
If either door is open for over 3 minutes, you may hear
the fans come on in order to cool the light bulbs.
■
The fans change speeds in order to provide optimal
cooling and energy savings.
CLICKS, POPS,
CRACKS and CHIRPS
■
You may hear cracking or popping sounds when the
refrigerator is first plugged in. This happens as the
refrigerator cools to the correct temperature.
■
The compressor may cause a clicking or chirping
sound when attempting to restart (this could take
up to 5 minutes).
■
The electronic control board may cause a clicking
sound when relays activate to control refrigerator
components.
■
Expansion and contraction of cooling coils during and
after defrost can cause a cracking or popping sound.
■
After an icemaking cycle, you may hear the ice cubes
dropping into the ice bucket.
WATER SOUNDS
■
The flow of refrigerant through the freezer cooling
coils may make a gurgling noise like boiling water.
■
Water dropping on the defrost heater can cause
a sizzling, popping or buzzing sound during the
defrost cycle.
■
A water dripping noise may occur during the defrost
cycle as ice melts from the evaporator and flows
into the drain pan.
■
Closing the door may cause a gurgling sound due
to pressure equalization.
Do you hear what I hear? These sounds are normal.
For additional information on normal
icemaker and dispenser operating sounds,
see the
About the automatic icemaker
and
About the ice and water dispenser
sections.
