Refrigerators naturally make sounds while cooling, defrosting, circulating air, and producing ice. However, a new, unusually loud, or continuous noise may indicate that the refrigerator needs attention.

Follow the steps below to identify the sound and determine whether it can be corrected without service.

Refrigerator Sounds That Are Usually Normal

You may hear the following sounds during normal operation:

• Humming or low buzzing: The compressor or fans are running.
• Clicking: The compressor, temperature controls, or defrost system is turning on or off.
• Gurgling or bubbling: Refrigerant is moving through the cooling system.
• Popping or cracking: Interior materials are expanding or contracting as the temperature changes.
• Water flowing or dripping: Water is moving during the automatic defrost cycle.
• Buzzing followed by water movement: The ice maker is filling with water.
• Air movement or whirring: A fan is circulating cold air.

These sounds may become more noticeable when the refrigerator is newly installed, after the doors have been open, or when the refrigerator is working to reach the selected temperature.

Troubleshooting a Loud or Unusual Noise

Identify Where the Sound Is Coming From

Listen near the top, bottom, back, freezer, and ice maker area.

Why this matters: Identifying the location helps determine whether the sound is coming from a fan, the compressor, the ice maker, or an object inside the refrigerator.

Make Sure the Refrigerator Is Level

Confirm that the refrigerator is stable and does not rock. Adjust the leveling feet if necessary. The front may need to be slightly higher than the back so the doors close properly.

Why this matters: An uneven refrigerator can vibrate, rattle, or cause the doors and internal components to make noise.

Check the Refrigerator’s Clearance

Make sure the refrigerator is not touching a wall, cabinet, countertop, or another appliance. Follow the installation-clearance requirements in your refrigerator’s user manual.

Why this matters: Normal compressor vibrations can become much louder when the refrigerator is touching another surface.

Check Items Inside the Refrigerator

Move bottles, containers, shelves, and food packages that may be touching each other or the interior walls. Make sure shelves, drawers, and bins are installed securely.

Why this matters: Loose or closely packed items can vibrate and create rattling or buzzing sounds.

Check the Doors and Door Gaskets

Make sure both doors close completely and that no food or packaging is blocking them. Clean the door gaskets with a soft, damp cloth if needed.

Why this matters: A door that does not seal properly allows warm air to enter, causing the compressor and fans to run longer and sound louder.

Check the Air Vents

Make sure food and containers are not blocking the air vents inside the refrigerator or freezer.

Why this matters: Blocked vents can restrict airflow, increase fan noise, and prevent the refrigerator from cooling evenly.

Check for Ice Around the Freezer Vents

Look for visible frost or ice buildup near the freezer vents or rear interior panel. Do not use a knife, screwdriver, hair dryer, or other tool to remove the ice.

Why this matters: Ice buildup can contact the evaporator fan and cause clicking, scraping, or grinding sounds. Sharp tools and direct heat can damage the refrigerator.

If heavy frost is present, refer to the user manual for the correct defrost procedure or contact TCL Support.

Check the Ice Maker

If your refrigerator has an ice maker, confirm that the water supply is connected and turned on. If no water line is connected, turn off the ice maker.

Why this matters: An ice maker that is trying to fill without a water supply may produce repeated buzzing or clicking sounds.

Power-Cycle the Refrigerator

Unplug the refrigerator or turn off its circuit breaker for five minutes. Restore power and monitor the sound.

Why this matters: Restarting the refrigerator may clear a temporary control or fan-operation issue. The compressor may take several minutes to restart after power is restored.

When to Contact TCL Support

Stop troubleshooting and contact TCL Support if:

• The refrigerator makes continuous grinding, scraping, knocking, or unusually loud clicking sounds.
• The noise continues after completing the steps above.
• The refrigerator is not cooling properly.
• You notice a burning smell, smoke, sparks, or excessive heat.
• Water is leaking from the refrigerator.
• Heavy frost quickly returns after defrosting.
• The sound appears to come from behind a service panel.

Do not remove service panels, test electrical components with a multimeter, lubricate internal fan motors, or attempt to repair the compressor. These components should be inspected by a qualified service technician.

Before contacting support, have the refrigerator’s model number, serial number, purchase date, and a short recording of the sound available, if possible.

Final Tips

Many refrigerator sounds are part of normal cooling and defrost operation. If the refrigerator is level, properly spaced, unobstructed, and cooling normally, occasional humming, clicking, popping, and gurgling usually do not require service. Persistent or worsening noises—especially when accompanied by cooling problems—should be evaluated by TCL Support.