PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
REFRIGERATOR
• May be in defrost cycle when compressor does not operate for about
DOES NOT OPERATE
30 minutes.
• Temperature control in the OFF position.
• If interior light is not on, refrigerator may not be plugged in at wall outlet.
• The fuse is blown/circuit breaker is tripped. Replace fuse or reset
the breaker.
• The Sabboth Kit may be installed and operating. Turn off the Sabboth
Mode device.
MOTOR OPERATES
• Normal when refrigerator is first plugged in. Wait 24 hours for the
FOR LONG PERIODS
refrigerator to completely cool down.
OR CYCLES ON AND
• The new variable speed compressor is designed to run for longer
OFF FREQUENTLY
periods of time to optimize efficiency and noise. You may notice the
compressor and/or fan speeds accelerate based upon door openings
and/or increased food loads.
• 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.
• Door left open or package holding door open.
• If either door is open for over 3 minutes, you may hear the fans
come on in order to cool the light.
• Hot weather or frequent door openings. This is normal.
• Temperature controls set at the coldest setting. See Temperature Controls.
THUMPING SOUND
• This is a normal operating sound.
WHEN DOOR IS CLOSED • The mechanism that closes the door makes a slight thumping sound as
it passes over its lever point, at approximately 80 degrees.
• Closing the door slowly will minimize the sound.
OPERATING
• The variable speed compressor changes speeds and sounds
SOUNDS
may vary.
• Normal fan air flow—one fan blows cold air through the fresh food
and freezer compartments—another fan cools the compressor motor.
• The fans change speeds in order to provide optimal cooling and
energy savings.
• These NORMAL sounds will also be heard from time to time:
– You may hear a whooshing or gurgling sound when the doors close.
This is due to pressure equalizing within the refrigerator.
– A water dripping noise may occur during the defrost cycle as ice
melts from the evaporator and flows into the drain pan.
– 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.
– You may hear cracking or popping sounds when the refrigerator is
first plugged in or during/after the defrost cycle. This happens as the
refrigerator cools to the correct temperature.
– Electronic dampers click open and closed to provide optimal cooling
and energy savings.
– 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.
– Ice cubes dropping into the bin.
– The icemaker water valve will buzz and water will run in tubes when
the icemaker fills with water.
15
Questions?
Use this
problem
solver!
(Modern refrigerators
with more storage
space and a larger
freezer require
more operating time.
They start and stop
often to maintain
even temperatures.)
The Problem Solver
Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
