9
NORmal OPeRaTINg SOuNDS & SIghTS
uNDeRSTaNDINg The SOuNDS yOu may heaR
Your new high-efficiency refrigerator may make unfamiliar
sounds. These are all normal sounds and soon will become
familiar to you. They also indicate your refrigerator is operating
as designed. Hard surfaces, such as vinyl or wood floors, walls,
and kitchen cabinets may make sounds more noticeable. Listed
below are descriptions of some of the most common sounds
you may hear, and what is causing them.
a. evaporator
The flow of refrigerant through the evaporator may
create a boiling or gurgling sound.
B. Evaporator Fan
You may hear air being forced through the refrigerator
by the evaporator fan.
C. Defrost Heater
During defrost cycles, water dripping onto the defrost
heater may cause a hissing or sizzling sound. After
defrosting, a popping sound may occur.
D. Automatic Ice Maker
If your refrigerator is equipped with an automatic ice
maker, you will hear ice cubes falling into the ice bin.
note
Rigid foam insulation is very energy efficient, but is not a
sound insulator.
ImPORTaNT
During the automatic defrost cycle, you may notice a red glow
in the vents on the back wall of your freezer compartment.
This is normal during the defrost cycle.
RePlaCINg The fReezeR lIghT BulB (SOme
mODelS)
caution
avoid cuts when replacing light bulbs, wear gloves.
1. Unplug refrigerator.
2. Wear gloves as protection against possible broken glass.
3. Unsnap light shield as shown.
4. Unscrew and replace old bulb with an appliance bulb of
the same wattage.
5. Replace light shield.
6. Remember to plug the refrigerator back in.
E. Cold Control/Defrost Timer or Auto Defrost Control
These parts can produce a snapping or clicking sound
when turning the refrigerator on and off. The timer also
produces sounds similar to an electric clock.
F. Compressor
Modern, high-efficiency compressors operate much
faster than older models. The compressor may have a
high-pitched hum or pulsating sound.
G. Water Valve
If your refrigerator is equipped with an automatic ice
maker, you will hear a buzzing sound as the water valve
opens to fill the ice maker during each cycle.
H. Drain Pan (Nonremovable)
You may hear water running into the drain pan during
the defrost cycle. The drain pan will be located on top
of the compressor for air-cooled condensers (black coils
on back of refrigerator).
I. Condenser Coils
CaRe & CleaNINg
NeveR CleaN CONDeNSeR (SOme mODelS)
If your refrigerator is equipped with a Never Clean condenser,
there’s no need to clean the condenser under normal operating
conditions. If the refrigerator is operated under particularly
dusty or greasy conditions, or if there is significant pet traffic
in your home, it may be necessary to periodically clean the
condenser for maximum efficiency.
Defrost
Water Pan
