If your refrigerator is making a noise or a constant repetitive clicking noise, here are 2 reasons why that can occur. There are 2 different types of fan motors in your refrigerator. One is located in the freezer and this one is called the evaporator fan motor.
The other is located behind your fridge and it is called the condenser fan motor. To repair and stop this buzzing or humming noise, first make sure the fan blade is not hitting anything. If the fan, motor and surrounding areas look fine, you will more than likely need to remove and replace the fan blade or fan motor.
To repair a buzzing or noisy refrigerator you will need some basic tools and of course the fan motor you are going to swap out. First determine where the noise is coming from. If it is inside the freezer then you need to buy a new refrigerator evaporator fan motor. If the noise is coming from the bottom and back of the fridge you will need a refrigerator condenser fan motor.
Here is what a noisy refrigerator evaporator fan motor will sound like.
Here is what a noisy refrigerator condenser fan motor will sound like.
Here is a video to show how to replace a noisy refrigerator evaporator fan motor.
Here is a video to show how to replace a noisy refrigerator condenser fan motor.
 Do you know of another method to repair a buzzing or noisy refrigerator? Please leave a comment below.
Written by Keith Schneerer
Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com
Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.
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Hi! Thank you very much for this information on how to repair a refrigerator that is making noise or has other issues. Refrigerators are a big part of every day life, as many people have at least one and sometimes more in their house. I think it’s good to be educated and to know how to maintain and repair them if they are every not working properly.
Mia,
A refrigerator can make noises for many different reasons. One of the most common and easiest to FIX YOURSELF is the evaporator fan and or motor. If you know where it is located and how it works, fix it yourself to save money. If you are intimidated by repairing appliances, then it may be best to call a repair service.
-RR
Thanks for the information. My refrigerator has been SO noisy lately! It’s loud enough that my kids can’t even sleep. I’m going to follow your tip about hiring a repairman. Should I have him look at the “evaporator fan motor”, just like you suggested? Or do you think it’s something else?
Thank you for the instructions on how to fix my noisy refrigerator. I really appreciate it because the noise caused by my fridge was starting to drive me crazy. The video made it even better because I could actually see what the article was talking about. Hopefully I will now be able to fix my fridge without breaking it.
Thanks for the tips! I’ve been trying to figure out what’s been causing my refrigerator to make a buzzing and clicking noise. It’s good to know that it’s because of problems with either the evaporator fan motor or the condenser fan motor. I really appreciate that you’ve pointed out where to check for the noises that are coming from my fridge. The noise seems to be coming from inside of the freezer, so I suppose I should buy a new refrigerator evaporator fan motor. Thanks for the information!
Danny,
If you have a multimeter, check to see you are getting proper voltage to the fan. Why did you replace the main control board if the fan did not work?
-RR
Hi, I have a Samsung refrigerator model #RS267LABP. The inside freezer fan motor was not working I replace new and did not work, then I replace the main control board and did not work. I left run the refrigerator and check tomorrow .