Refrigerator continuously makes clicking sound and does nothing more

This Frigidaire refrigerator is in a rental property owned by my son. The refrigerator was purchase in July 2009. So, it is not under warranty now.

The rental is vacant now. I've been there numerous times to do various tasks to prepare it for future occupancy. The fridge was working normal until a week or so ago. I had turned temp down but did not turn it off. I was completely away from the property for a few days and then went in one day and discovered the fridge was not working. It was continuously making an abnormal noise but the motor and cooling compressor were clearly not running and I could not get it to run by changing the dial settings in the fridge. Also, turning the dial to off did not stop the noise; I had to unplug the fridge.

Yesterday, I removed the lower cover panel so that I could see the compressor, located at the bottom of the fridge. I vacuumed some dust out and plugged it in to see whether I would see any sign of life from the compressor. I saw none but the noise resumed. Closer listening revealed that the noise was coming from the upper part of the fridge; actually, it seemed to be coming from the back of the freezer compartment.

So, I suspect the cause of the problem is a switch or sensor in the back of the freezer compartment. Prior to the problem arising, the fridge seemed to be functioning normal; it seemed to cool normal. So, I suspect the compressor and refrigerant level in it are fine.

I believe a panel at the back of the freezer compartment can be removed. I could try removing it to look for a switch or sensor. Or, maybe I should just call a repair service, an industry that seems to not have the greatest reputation.

 

Post a model # and the refrigerator guys can help better

 

When you say dial I think of mechanical fridge with standard defrost timer. The other type of system is touchpad with LED readout showing the temperature. The electronic system would have an actual control board.

I can give you better info when you post the model number.

 

The model is FGHT1844KF. You can see it at Frigidaire FGHT1844KF 18.2 cu. ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator with 3 SpillSafe Glass Shelves, 2 Humidity Control Crispers, Adjustable Gallon Door Bins and Optional Ice Maker: Stainless Steel, Right Hinge Door Swing. It was purchased at Lowe's but they no longer carry it.

 

That is a basic fridge. Easy to service. It has a mechanical thermostat that controls the fans and compressor. It monitors the fridge temperature. The freezer temp control is just a damper (door).

There is nothing serviceable on the back that I'm aware of. The defrost timer could be making noise and may be stuck in defrost mode. That would cause a clicking to be heard inside the freezer compartment where the cold coil is. The defrost timer is near the thermostat for the fridge. It is pictorial #23 in the link below. The timer has a place where you can turn it with a screwdriver to advance it in and out of defrost. See if turning it starts the fridge.


Diagram & Parts List for Model FGHT1844KF0 Frigidaire-Refrigerator-SearsPartsDirect

 

Thanks for that info. Can you tell me how to access the defrost timer? Do I remove a panel at the back of the freezer compartment to get to it or do I have to access it some way from the back of the refrigerator?

As I said in my original post, I removed the small panel on bottom of the back of the fridge and that exposes the compressor and cooling coil. But, I don't recall seeing screws to remove so that the entire upper panel on the back of the fridge can be removed.

 

I left you a link in my previous post. The timer is in the top of the fridge section..... near the fridge thermostat and light.

 

Oh, I see it now. The first time I went to your link, I scrolled down to item #23 on the right of the page and clicked the link to go to the detailed info for that part. The image to the left that I now understand you were referring to was so small that I could not read numbers on it. But, now, I have expanded the image and see the numbering and a clearer view of the diagram.

I'll be taking a look at the fridge today. Will report back on what I find.

 

Well, I located the defrost timer and turned it a bit with a screwdriver and the compressor started. I guess some observation for some period of time will provide evidence of whether it is going to continue working or get stuck again. And, if the defrost timer becomes problematic, knowing the cause can save money by either replacing it ourselves or by being better informed when dealing with a repairman.

 

Ok..... good. Confirm that the fridge is cooling properly.

The timer should put the fridge into defrost mode approx three times a day. If that is not happening..... your cold coil will freeze over with ice in several days to a week. At that point you'll need to replace the timer.

Easy job to replace yourself. It just plugs in. The hardest part was finding it.