The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Freezer not working, clicking sound are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
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Freezer Indicator Light Is Out? Freezer TroubleshootingThe start relay provides power to the compressor. If the start relay isn’t working properly, the compressor may run intermittently or not at all. If the compressor won’t run, the freezer will not cool. To determine if the start relay is defective, unplug the freezer and remove the start relay from the compressor. Use a multimeter to test the start relay for continuity between the start and run terminals. If the start relay does not have continuity, or if it smells burnt, replace it.
If the power cord prongs are burnt, and not making a good connection in the wall outlet, the power cord and the wall outlet should be replaced. The wall outlet will need to be replaced by a licensed electrician. If the voltage to the freezer drops below 105v when the compressor is starting, call the electric utility. When this happens the compressor may struggle to start and possibly burn out the compressor windings. The voltage can be checked with a multimeter when the compresser is starting.
Fan Blade
The compressor is a motor which compresses the refrigerant and circulates the refrigerant through the evaporator and condenser coils. Use a multimeter to test the continuity between the electrical pins on the side of the compressor. If there is an open circuit, the compressor is defective. If the compressor is defective, it must be replaced by a licensed technician. If the compressor does not appear to be defective, test the start relay and run capacitor. If the start relay or run capacitor are defective, they will prevent the compressor from running.
If a freezer is not working, but you're hearing a clicking sound, you should confirm that power if getting to the compressor. If no power is reaching the compressor, it's likely the control board is defective. However, control boards are often misdiagnosed—before replacing the control board, first check more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, replace the control board.
A freezer's start device, like a start relay, provides power to the compressor. If the start device isn’t working properly, the compressor may run intermittently or not at all. If the compressor won’t run, the freezer will not cool. To determine if the start device is defective, unplug the freezer and remove the start device from the compressor. Use a multimeter to test the start device for continuity between the start and run terminals. If the start device does not have continuity, or if it smells burnt, replace it.
If a freezer is not working, but you're hearing a clicking sound, you should first check to see if the power cord is damaged and unable to provide the freezer with sufficient voltage to operate. If the power cord terminals are burnt, you will need to replace the cord.
If a freezer is not working, but you're hearing a clicking sound, you should confirm that power is getting to the compressor. If no power is reaching the compressor, or the power to the compressor is intermittent, it's likely the main control board is defective. However, control boards are often misdiagnosed—before replacing the control board, first check more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, replace the main control board.
