Refrigerator is Noisy or Loud

On many refrigerator models, a damper control assembly is used to control the air flow from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment to maintain the appropriate air temperature. The assembly accomplishes this by opening and closing a small door. As the damper control assembly ages, the action of opening and closing the damper door can become noisy or loud. If the damper control assembly has become increasing noisy, you can replace the old assembly with a new one.

If the refrigerator is not level it can vibrate or rattle. Ensure the unit is level and stable on the floor. Most refrigerators' front legs or rollers are adjustable.

If a refrigerator is making a loud noise near the ice maker when the unit is cycling, it's likely that either the ice maker's drive motor or motor module is beginning to fail. While some of the ice maker components, such as the drive motor or module, may be sold separately for select models, you may need to purchase and replace the entire ice maker assembly.

There might be something caught in the condenser fan motor blade, or the condenser fan motor bearings might be defective. The condenser fan motor is usually located underneath the refrigerator near the back. Pull the refrigerator out from the wall and remove the rear access panel to access it.

If the refrigerator is noisy or loud, especially when one of the doors are opened, the evaporator fan blade may be at fault. Check out the evaporator fan blade in the freezer or refrigerator behind the back panel. Try turning it by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, check to see if the blade is rubbing against something or if something is caught in the blade. If the blade is damaged it will need to be replaced.

If the refrigerator is noisy or loud, the condenser fan blade may be at fault. Check the condenser fan blade in the back lower section behind the panel to determine if it has any obstructions. Try turning it by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, check to see if the blade is rubbing against something or if something is caught in the blade. If the blade is damaged it will need to be replaced.

If the noise is coming from the compressor, the compressor might be damaged internally. The compressor internal components can wear out over time generating more noise than normal. The compressor is usually located underneath the refrigerator near the back. Pull the refrigerator out from the wall and remove the rear panel to access it. Compressors often last for years after they become noisy. However, if your compressor is noisy, be aware that it is likely to fail. The compressor must be replaced by a licensed technician.

When the compressor first cycles on, you may hear a loud humming noise, but the compressor should quiet down after it runs for a few minutes.

Since the control board regulates the power supply to all of the refrigerator components, including the defrost system, it's possible a faulty control board is not sending power to the defrost heating element. This could cause enough frost or ice to build up near the evaporator fan blade to create a noise when the fan is spinning. If there is frost or ice buildup, you should confirm that all of the defrost system components are working properly before replacing the control board.

The auger motor rotates the auger to push the ice forward down the ice chute. If the refrigerator is noisy or loud when the ice is being dispensed, it’s likely the auger motor bearings are wearing out and the motor will need to be replaced.

If the temperature sensor on the evaporator coil is defective, the control board will not sense if the coil has been properly defrosted. This could result in enough frost or ice building up near the evaporator fan blade to create a noise when the fan is spinning. The sensor can be tested with a multimeter to determine if it is functioning properly when the air temperature changes.

If the refrigerator is noisy or loud, particularly when the ice maker is filling, the water inlet valve might be at fault. The water inlet valve is an electrically-controlled valve that opens to supply water to the refrigerator dispenser and icemaker. Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate inside the valve and restrict the water flow. If the water inlet valve is noisy or loud, replace it. Do not attempt to repair the water inlet valve—disassembling the valve can cause the valve to fail.

If no water is connected to the refrigerator water inlet valve but the ice maker is on, the valve will make a buzzing noise when energized by the ice maker. If the ice maker is not being used, make sure it is turned off or consider removing it.

A cracked or damaged ice bucket assembly could result in noisy operation when ice is pushed through the bucket to be dispensed. Inspect the ice bucket for any damage and replace the part if necessary.