LG fridge freezer making loud buzzing then clicking
LG GSL761PZXV American-style fridge freezer has started buzzing loudly then clicking off every few minutes, and the fridge isn't as cold as it was. Could this be the compressor relay (start device) or the condenser fan? Worried it's about to pack in.
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
LG GSL761PZXV buzzing and clicking with reduced cooling
- The problem
- LG GSL761PZXV American-style fridge freezer was reported to make a loud buzzing noise followed by a click every few minutes, with the fridge section not as cold as before.
- Likely cause
- Most strongly supported diagnosis is the compressor attempting to start and then cutting out on overload. Suggested causes in the discussion were a faulty start relay/overload, a capacitor if fitted, poor ventilation, a stalled condenser fan, or a failing compressor. The exact cause was not confirmed.
- What fixed it
- Recommended checks were to isolate the appliance from the mains, identify whether the noise comes from the compressor area or a fan, check condenser airflow and ventilation, inspect whether any external condenser fan runs freely, and note whether the compressor becomes very hot before cutting out. Because compressor and sealed-system faults were also considered possible, further diagnosis by a suitably qualified appliance engineer was advised. No completed repair was confirmed in the thread.
- Checks to try
- Listen at the back to identify whether the noise is from the compressor area or a fan
- Check the rear/lower condenser area for dust and confirm good ventilation around the cabinet
- Inspect whether the external condenser fan by the compressor is running freely and is not obstructed
- Note whether the compressor becomes very hot and keeps cutting out
- Parts or tools mentioned
- start relay/overload
- capacitor
- condenser fan
Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before checking anything internal. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
It does sound like the compressor is trying to start, buzzing, then cutting out on overload, which can be caused by the start device, capacitor (if fitted), poor ventilation, a stalled fan, or the compressor itself. The reduced cooling fits with that. Before checking anything internal, isolate the appliance from the mains.
1. Check where the noise is coming from Pull the fridge freezer out and listen at the back. If the buzzing/clicking is from the compressor area (the black canister), that points more towards the start relay/overload or compressor. If it is clearly from a fan motor, the fan is more suspect.
2. Check condenser airflow Make sure the rear/lower condenser area is not choked with dust and that there is good ventilation around the cabinet. A blocked condenser or failed condenser fan can cause overheating and poor cooling.
3. Inspect the condenser fan If your model has an external condenser fan by the compressor, check whether it is running freely and not obstructed. A seized or noisy fan can cause overheating, but it would not usually cause the classic compressor buzz-then-click on its own.
4. Consider the start device If the compressor tries to start for a few seconds, buzzes, then clicks off repeatedly, the start relay/overload is a reasonable suspect. However, the same symptom can also mean a failing compressor drawing too much current.
5. Note the compressor temperature If the compressor becomes very hot and keeps cutting out, that strengthens the overload/start fault or compressor fault diagnosis.
If you are not confident, this is one for a qualified refrigeration engineer, as sealed system and compressor work should not be DIY. Hopefully it is only the start device, but it is worth checking the fan and airflow first.
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This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
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Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
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Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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