Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Noises: 9 Causes & Fixes

Is your Frigidaire refrigerator making a weird noise (i.e. loud buzzing, knocking, or grinding)?

OK.

You’re in the right place.

Read on to discover:

• 9 reasons why a Frigidaire refrigerator makes noises.
• The minimum clearances around a Frigidaire refrigerator.
• Easy steps on how to make your refrigerator perfectly leveled.
• 9 quick fixes for each cause that you can do by yourself at home.
• And so much more…

Why is Frigidaire refrigerator making noises?

Your Frigidaire refrigerator is making noises due to an issue with its evaporator or condenser fan motor. The former might be broken, frozen, or loose. While the latter may be faulty or dirty. But this can also be due to a loose drain pan or an uneven surface. As well as a bad damper or compressor.

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Frigidaire refrigerator making noises: 9 causes & fixes

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#1: Unsteady drain pan

Where do you hear the noises in your fridge?

If the buzzing or rattling comes from the bottom, you might have a loose drain pan.

“What is it?”

It’s also known as a ‘drip pan.’

It’s placed under refrigerators to collect water from the defroster. And it’s secured by a bracket.

However, as the fridge vibrates, it can slip out and cause a rattling sound.

Once out of place, it could touch the radiator as well. Then it may produce a buzzing noise instead.

If this seems like your problem, the fix is going to be easy.

How to fix it

You can solve this by putting your drain pain back in its place.

But before doing this, its location may vary per fridge model. So check it first on your manual.

And then:

1. Unplug your refrigerator from its power and water source.
2. Take out the kick plate at the bottom of your fridge.
3. If needed, move your unit away from the wall. This is so that you can access your drain pan with ease.
4. Make sure that the pan is on the bracket. If not, adjust it until it’s in the right position.
5. Tighten the screws that hold it using a screwdriver.
6. Put the kick plate back in its place.
7. Connect your fridge to its power and water source again.

Note: If there’s still noise, and your drain pan is placed properly, inspect it for any cracks. It might be damaged and needs a replacement.

#2: Little clearance

Is your fridge too close to the wall?

If so, it might be the reason why your Frigidaire refrigerator is making a knocking noise.

“Why’s that?”

Fridges tend to vibrate while they operate. And this doesn’t usually create a loud buzzing noise.

Well, unless their bodies come in contact with the wall or any object.

How to fix it

Move your fridge a little bit further away from the wall.

For this to be effective, follow these standard clearances on all sides:

• Top: 4 in (10 cm).
• Rear: 2 in (5 cm).
• Left and right sides: 2 in (5 cm).

By doing this, you wouldn’t only reduce the knocking noise. But you’ll also provide better ventilation for your unit.

This is because its condenser coils release heat to the outside. So giving it more clearances will help the warm air circulate well.

Now, if your fridge has enough clearances, check out the next reason.

Learn more: 15 Refrigerator Do’s And Don’ts (Avoid #7 At All Times)

#3: Lopsided fridge

Another reason why your fridge is making a knocking noise is that it might be on an uneven surface.

If your unit isn’t perfectly leveled, it can rock from side to side while running. And this will cause it to create weird sounds.

How to fix it

First, check whether your Frigidaire refrigerator is tilted or not.

To do this, try pushing it on both sides. Then see if it moves or sways.

If it does, place a level on top of your fridge. 

This will help you determine which leg should be adjusted. And also, how much it must be raised or lowered.

After this, start adjusting your refrigerator’s legs.

1. Remove the kick plate at the bottom of your fridge.
2. Search for the side or leg/s that needs to be adjusted.
3. Raise or lower it until your unit is perfectly leveled from side to side. (You can check this by putting the level again on top of the refrigerator.)

While you’re at it, also make your fridge’s front legs higher than the rear by at least 0.25 inch (6 mm). 

By doing this, you’ll ensure that its doors are completely closed. It’ll help your unit retain its coolness and prevent ice build-up.

Note: If your fridge is still unstable, consider placing rubber mats under its legs. This may help lessen the noise it creates. And it can also make the surface even.

Check out this article: 15 Best Ways To Maintain Your Refrigerator (Checklist)

#4: Faulty evaporator fan motor

Do you hear a high-pitched noise coming from your Frigidaire refrigerator?

As if there are birds chirping inside it?

If so, this might be due to a faulty evaporator fan motor.

“What is it?”

The job of this motor is to blow air to the evaporator coils. Which will then cool the interior of your fridge.

Now, if it’s not working well, it’ll have a hard time cooling the unit. 

Then this may cause it to overwork and create those high-pitched sounds.

How to fix it

Before replacing your evaporator fan motor, check its condition first.

Then like the drain pan, also verify its location in your fridge. 

Once you know it, do an inspection:

1. Remove your fridge’s cord from the power outlet.
2. Find the evaporator fan motor.
3. Wipe its blades with a clean cloth until all the dirt is removed. Ensure that there is no debris between them.
4. Rotate the fan blades with your finger or any object you can use.

Note: If they moved with difficulty, there might be a problem with the blades. So you may need to contact a repairman to change them.

5. Plug your refrigerator back in its outlet.

After this, monitor your Frigidaire fridge if it still produces a chirping noise or not.

If the problem is still there, the motor calls for a replacement.

#5: Frozen evaporator fan

Aside from the chirping sound…

You may also hear your Frigidaire refrigerator making a grinding noise.

If this is coming behind the freezer section, you might have a frozen evaporator fan.

“What may have caused this?”

There are many reasons. 

But the most common one is a gap in your freezer door. Or leaving it open for a long time.

Due to this, warm air can go inside your unit. Then it’ll cause frost build-up over time.

This may also be due to a leak in your ice maker. 

As well as a small opening in your ice dispenser. Say, the flapper door isn’t shut tightly.

So now, your evaporator fan is all frozen due to exposure to warm air.

How to fix it

To get this issue fixed, you need to thaw the ice around your fan motor.

If your Frigidaire has temperature dials, follow these steps:

1. Open the door on the refrigerator side.
2. Look for the thermostat dial for your freezer. (This is usually found at the upper edge of your fridge.)
3. Set the dial to zero to shut down your compressor.

Note: To know if the defrost cycle is starting, you should hear a clicking sound once you turn the dial. Normally, the whole process will take up to 30 minutes.

4. Once your unit is done defrosting, set your fridge’s temperature again.
5. Let it cool by itself.

Observe your fridge if it still makes a grinding noise.

Or…

You can also defrost your unit manually.

How?

Simply unplug your fridge from its wall outlet. Or turn the circuit breaker dedicated to it.

Then, open its door/s for about 5 to 20 minutes.

Check the frost condition inside your unit. Then stop once all the ice inside has already melted.

Note: If your ice build-up is too thick, you may need to leave your unit unplugged for more than 20 minutes. If it’s more than 4 hours, you have to remove all the items in your fridge to avoid spoilage. 

Store your goods in an ice chest or cooler. Layer them by putting the frozen goods first then the items in your fridge compartment next. And repeat this pattern for the rest.

#6: Slipped evaporator fan

If your evaporator fan isn’t frozen or broken…

It might also be out of its place.

Its fan blades must have been pulled down from its orifice.

So now, they’re hitting the motor shaft. And this causes the grinding noise that you hear.

How to fix it

For your safety, unplug your Frigidaire refrigerator first.

And then:

1. Take out the contents, shelves, and drawers inside your fridge. (Only those that block the rear wall of your unit. This is because the evaporator fan is behind it.)
2. Remove the screws that hold the lower evaporator cover.
3. Pull the cover or slide it upwards to detach it.
4. Detach the screws that secure the upper evaporator cover.
5. Remove the upper cover and look for the fan.
6. If you notice that it has slipped out, put it back in its original position. 

Note: Also, check your fan’s condition. See if it’s chipped or damaged. If this is the case, putting it back in its place won’t get rid of the noise. The only option left is to replace it with a new one.

7. Then secure it by tightening the screws in its orifice.
8. Reattach everything that you removed.
9. Plug your fridge back in.

After this, check if you can still hear a grinding noise from your Frigidaire refrigerator.

#7: Bad damper motor

Here’s another possible reason.

If the grinding noise is coming from the “Fresh” section of your fridge, you might have a bad damper motor.

This is usually located on the upper left side. And this is where the control box is.

Now, the damper regulates the air coming from the evaporator fan. It’s like a flapper that lets cold air in inside your fresh food section.

So if it’s broken, it may also cause loud buzzing or grinding sounds.

“How will I know if my fridge damper motor is faulty?”

To confirm this, check the common signs below:

• Loud grinding noise.
• Your fridge isn’t cooling properly.
• The damper is stuck or not moving.
• The damper is closed and doesn’t let the cold air flow well.

How to fix it

This problem calls for a replacement.

But the good thing is, you don’t have to change the whole control box.

You only need to buy a new damper motor assembly. And if you’re handy, you can install it by yourself.

To know how, check out this tutorial video:

#8: Dirty or damaged condenser fan motor

Apart from the evaporator fan…

There’s another fan motor inside your fridge.

It’s the condenser fan motor. And its job is to draw air to the condenser coils. As well as to the compressor – to help them cool down.

This is often found at the rear part of a refrigerator. So it’s exposed to dirt and debris.

If this becomes obstructed, it may malfunction. And this might be the reason why your Frigidaire refrigerator is making a knocking noise.

How to fix it

Inspect your condenser fan motor.

To do this, remove your fridge from its power source first. Then do the next steps:

1. Move your refrigerator out or away from the wall.
2. Remove its rear access panel. (This is done by detaching the screws that secure it.)
3. Find the condenser fan motor.
4. Using an old toothbrush or damp cloth, clean its fan blades. Do this until most of the dust and debris are removed.
5. Ensure that the fan is connected properly. Tighten each of the screws that hold it.
6. Return the rear access panel in its place.
7. Connect your fridge to a power source.

Then, listen carefully if you can still notice any unusual noises.

Note: Again, if this doesn’t solve the issue, you have a faulty condenser fan motor. You can contact Frigidaire Repair Service. But you may call your trusted repairman as well.

#9: Compressor

Have you recently bought your unit?

If so, it’s normal for a new Frigidaire refrigerator to be making a buzzing noise.

“Why?”

The reason for this is that its fans and compressor are still in the adjustment phase.

So if your unit is relatively new, then you don’t need to worry much. As this will be gone eventually.

However…

This is only alright if the sound that your fridge makes isn’t too loud.

So if it’s not, your compressor might be at fault.

What does a bad refrigerator compressor sound like?

If your compressor is damaged, you’ll hear a loud humming or buzzing.

Your fridge can also create a clunking or knocking sound. And this usually happens when you turn the compressor off.

If you have a problem with it, you’ll also have a cooling issue with your unit.

This is because the compressor is the ‘heart’ of a fridge. And it’s placed at the back of a refrigerator.

How to fix it

Since it’s an important part of your fridge, it’s best to call a repair service for this one.

Further reading: 11 Ways To Stop A Refrigerator From Buzzing