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Maytag refrigerator noisy
Common reasons your Maytag refrigerator is noisy
The most common reasons your Maytag refrigerator is noisy are a faulty ice maker assembly, defective electronic control board or a locked compressor.
44% of the time it's the Ice Maker Assembly
38% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
7% of the time it's the Compressor
11% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Maytag refrigerator
Ice Maker Assembly Replacement
A faulty refrigerator ice maker can have diverse effects, impacting various aspects of the refrigerator's operation, including its ability to make ice. Increased noise during the ice-making process could indicate a problem in the ice maker's components. A malfunctioning ice maker may lead to water leaks around the ice maker assembly, potentially causing water puddles in and around the refrigerator. If the bail arm fails to shut off ice production, it could result in the ice maker drawer jamming due to an overproduction of ice, potentially leading to damage to the drawer or adjacent shelf. The failure of other components in a refrigerator that stops cooling will affect ice production, so a thorough inspection of the refrigerator by a Sears Home Services professional is recommended for an accurate diagnosis.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A defective electronic control board can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power or cooling and water leaking. This is because the board serves as the brain of the refrigerator, controlling crucial operations such as regulating internal temperatures, running fans, managing defrost cycles, overseeing the ice maker, and controlling dispenser functions. If the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components, including automatic doors if equipped. A failing board may cause a chattering or clicking noise from the refrigerator and may emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.
Compressor Replacement
A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.
Why is my Maytag refrigerator so noisy?
When your Maytag refrigerator is making unusual noises, it may be caused by these common issues:
- Loose parts.
- Faulty fan motor or fan blade hitting ice buildup.
- Worn-out compressor.
Understanding these causes can help you pinpoint the problem and determine whether it's a DIY fix or if you need to call in the professionals.
Loose Parts
Over time, the regular use of your refrigerator can lead to the loosening of components like door handles, shelves, fan screws or motor mounts. If you suspect this is the cause, a careful inspection and tightening of any loose screws or bolts should help.
If you hear a knocking noise as the compressor turns on and/or shuts off, the compressor motor mounts could be loose. Rattling noises can indicate that fan mounting screws are loose. A loose door handle or shelves can also make rattling noises as the fridge compressor runs.
Fan Problems
A faulty fan motor could also be the culprit. This crucial component circulates air throughout your refrigerator to maintain proper temperature levels. If the motor is malfunctioning, it may make strange noises such as grinding or squeaking. In this case, it's advisable to hire a professional technician for fridge repair near you.
When you hear a loud buzzing noise or grinding noise from inside the freezer compartment, the evaporator fan blade may be hitting ice and frost build-up on the evaporator. The excessive frost and ice could be caused by an air leak into the cabinet or a failure of the automatic defrost system in the fridge.
When you suspect problems with the automatic defrost system, follow the steps in this video to diagnose and fix the problem:
Refrigerator Compressor Problems
An overheated compressor can make loud noises such as loud buzzing or clicking. Dirty condenser coils can cause the compressor to run hotter than normal.
Another possible cause of refrigerator noise is a worn-out compressor. This component is the heart of the cooling system, circulating refrigerant through the refrigerator. If it's worn-out or damaged, it may make excessive noise such as loud buzzing or knocking. The refrigerator may also not cool as well as it should. Unfortunately, compressor issues usually need professional repair or replacement.
If your refrigerator is making noise, it's important to address the problem promptly. Ignoring it can lead to further damage and potential food spoilage. While some issues can be easily fixed by tightening screws or bolts, other problems may require the expertise of a trained technician. Remember, it's always best to call in professional help if you're uncertain or uncomfortable about doing any repairs yourself.
Steps to Silence a Noisy Refrigerator
If your refrigerator is making unusual noise, there are a few steps you can take to quiet it down. Here are some common solutions:
- Tighten loose screws: Vibrations from the refrigerator can sometimes loosen screws, leading to rattling or buzzing noises. Check the various components like the compressor, fan motor, and condenser, and tighten any loose screws or bolts.
- Check for excessive frost: When you hear loud buzzing noise coming from the back of the freezer, manually defrost the fridge to see if the noise goes away. To get rid of frost on the evaporator, safely store sensitive medicine and foods in an ice chest and unplug the fridge or turn it off for several hours. Open the freezer door to allow warm air to circulate through the freezer and melt frost and ice off the evaporator fins. Restart the refrigerator and see if the fan still makes noise. If the noise goes away, you’ve resolved the problem – for now. If the noise returns, you’ll likely need to have a service technician diagnose and repair the automatic defrost system.
- Replace a worn-out fan motor: Buzzing or whining noise may be due to a worn-out fan motor. Consult your refrigerator's manual or contact a professional technician to determine if the fan motor needs replacing.
- Clean the condenser coils: Dust and debris can accumulate on these coils over time, causing your refrigerator to work harder and make more noise. To clean them, unplug the refrigerator, locate the coils (usually found on the back or underneath), and use a vacuum cleaner or brush to gently remove the dirt. Refer to your owner’s manual for more details on cleaning the condenser coils in your refrigerator.
Here’s a video that shows how to clean the refrigerator condenser coils:
By following these steps, you can address the most common causes of a noisy refrigerator. If the noise persists or you need professional help, consider contacting Sears Home Services for expert repair and maintenance.
What to expect when you experience a Maytag refrigerator makes noise issue
How is the makes noise problem fixed?
Correcting most makes noise problems usually involves replacing the ice maker assembly, electronic control board or compressor. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a noisy refrigerator
When the refrigerator makes noise it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend scheduling Maytag refrigerator repair with a local Sears Home Services professional who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to look out for with a refrigerator that makes noise diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.