Freezer Not Freezing And Making Clicking Noise

Introduction

Is your freezer struggling to keep things frozen and emitting a repetitive clicking sound? This is a common problem, and it can be frustrating to discover your food is thawing. A freezer that isn’t freezing properly not only risks spoiling your food but can also lead to higher energy bills. The clicking noise often indicates a component is trying to start but failing. Don’t panic! We’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and potentially fix the issue yourself before calling a technician.

Common Causes of Freezer Not Freezing and Making Clicking Noise

Here are some of the most frequent reasons why your freezer might be acting up:

Dirty Condenser Coils: Dust and debris on the coils can prevent proper heat dissipation, forcing the freezer to work harder and eventually fail to freeze.
Faulty Start Relay: This small device helps the compressor start. A clicking noise often means the start relay is failing to engage the compressor.
Overload Protector Issues: This protects the compressor from overheating. If it trips, it can cause a clicking sound as it tries to reset.
Compressor Problems: The compressor is the heart of the freezer. If it’s failing, it might make a clicking sound as it struggles to start.
Frost Buildup: Excessive frost can insulate the evaporator coils, preventing them from cooling effectively.
Door Seal Problems: A damaged or improperly sealing door allows warm air to enter, causing the freezer to work overtime and potentially fail to freeze.
Temperature Control Issues: The temperature setting might be incorrect or the thermostat itself might be malfunctioning.
Blocked Vents: Inside the freezer, vents circulate cold air. Blocked vents restrict airflow, leading to uneven cooling.

Symptoms Checklist

Check if any of these apply to your freezer issue:

Freezer temperature is above the ideal 0F (-18C).
Food is thawing or partially frozen.
You hear a repetitive clicking sound, usually coming from the back or bottom of the freezer.
The freezer runs constantly without effectively cooling.
Frost is building up excessively inside the freezer.
The freezer exterior feels unusually warm.
The motor seems to be struggling to start.

How to Fix Freezer Not Freezing and Making Clicking Noise Step-by-Step Guide

Unplug the Freezer: Before doing anything, disconnect the freezer from the power outlet for safety.
Clean the Condenser Coils: Locate the condenser coils (usually on the back or bottom of the freezer). Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a coil cleaning brush to remove dust and debris.
Check the Door Seal: Inspect the rubber seal around the freezer door. Look for cracks, tears, or gaps. Clean the seal with warm, soapy water. To test the seal, close the door on a piece of paper. If you can easily pull the paper out, the seal isn’t tight enough.
Defrost the Freezer: If there’s excessive frost buildup, manually defrost the freezer. Unplug it, remove all food, and leave the door open for several hours (or use a hairdryer on a low setting carefully!). Place towels to absorb melting water.
Check the Temperature Setting: Ensure the thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature (usually around 0F or -18C).
Check Internal Vents: Make sure the vents inside the freezer are not blocked by food containers. Rearrange items to allow for proper airflow.
Listen to the Compressor Area: After plugging the freezer back in, listen carefully near the compressor (usually at the back or bottom). Is the clicking sound still present? Does the compressor seem to be struggling to start?
Check the Start Relay: (This requires a bit more caution. If you’re uncomfortable, skip this step and call a technician.) Locate the start relay on the side of the compressor. It’s a small, usually black or white, plastic component. Carefully remove it (after unplugging the freezer!). Shake it. If it rattles, it’s likely faulty.
Reset the Overload Protector: The overload protector is often located near the start relay. It may have a small reset button. Push it in to reset it.
Give it Time: After making any adjustments, plug the freezer back in and allow it 24 hours to reach the set temperature. Avoid opening the door frequently during this time.
Monitor the Performance: Check the freezer’s temperature regularly over the next few days to ensure it’s maintaining the proper temperature.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Before considering replacements, try these free methods:

Reset: Unplug the freezer for at least 30 minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the internal electronics.
Thorough Cleaning: As mentioned above, clean both the condenser coils and the door seal. A clean freezer operates much more efficiently.
Recalibration (If Applicable): Some freezers have a calibration feature in the settings. Consult your owner’s manual to see if you can recalibrate the temperature.
Inspection Tips: Regularly inspect the door seal for wear and tear. Check for ice buildup and clear it promptly.
Maintenance Basics: Avoid overfilling the freezer. Proper airflow is crucial for efficient cooling.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If the clicking noise persists, the freezer isn’t freezing after trying the above steps, and especially if you suspect a faulty compressor, replacement may be necessary. Compressors are expensive to replace, often costing $300-$700 including labor. A faulty start relay might be a cheaper fix ($20-$50), but if the compressor is struggling, it’s often a sign of a larger problem. Replacing the entire freezer might be more cost-effective than a major repair on an older model.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the freezer before performing any maintenance or repairs.
Avoid working on electrical components if you are not comfortable or experienced.
Be careful when using tools to avoid injury.
If water spills, wipe it up immediately to prevent slips and falls.
Do not use sharp objects to remove ice, as you could damage the freezer’s internal components.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
Coil cleaning brush
Warm water and mild soap
Towels
Multimeter (optional, for testing electrical components)

FAQ

Here are some common questions and answers:

Q: Why is my freezer clicking but not freezing after a power outage? A: The power surge could have damaged the start relay or the compressor. Try unplugging and plugging the freezer back in after 30 minutes. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to call a technician.
Q: How can I tell if the compressor is bad? A: If the compressor is making a loud, unusual noise (beyond the clicking) and the freezer isn’t cooling, it’s likely the compressor is failing.
Q: How often should I clean the condenser coils? A: It’s a good idea to clean the condenser coils every 6 months to a year.
Q: Is it normal for my freezer to make some noise? A: Yes, some humming or buzzing is normal. But a loud clicking noise accompanied by a lack of cooling is not normal.
Q: My freezer is freezing, but the clicking noise is still there. What should I do? A: The clicking may indicate a failing start relay that is still partially functioning. It’s best to address it before it completely fails and stops the freezer from freezing altogether.

Conclusion

A freezer that’s not freezing and making clicking noises can be a headache, but by following these steps, you can often diagnose and even fix the problem yourself. Start with the simple solutions like cleaning and defrosting. If those don’t work, consider the start relay or compressor as potential culprits. Remember, safety first! If you’re not comfortable with any of these steps, don’t hesitate to call a qualified appliance technician. Many freezer issues can be resolved without expensive repairs. Good luck!