The refrigerator started to make a buzz/humming sound several months ago, It lasted only a few second and was infrequent. Then it started to become more frequent, and then started to last longer. Finally, it was occurring every couple of minutes and lasted about 15 seconds with the result that the refrigerator/freezer was not keeping temperature. Could this be a capacitor, starter windings or a compressor problem? Is this something I can fix? Robert

Hi,

Many times a freezer and/or refrigerator do not work right because of a dirty condenser coil...there are also many other things that can go wrong.

If you are hearing a clicking or buzzing then check out the last two tips.

If your refrigerator is running but warm, then...

Check out these tips that I wrote about that... it is a great place to start trouble shooting your unit...and something that you can do rather then calling a repair person to do a simple thing for you...

Refrigerator Condenser Coil Cleaning Refrigerator Repair

Refrigerator Troubleshooting Refrigerator Compressor

Refrigerator Compressor Start Capacitor and Start Relay

Refrigerator or Freezer not Cooling or Getting Cold

heatman101

If unit has an ice maker it could be getting stuck

The water control valve on rear of refrigerator is weakening. That is typical sound for a coil that opens the side that dispenses water or ice tray refills to vibrate or buzz when weakening. If I had you r model number I could give you the part number. They are not expensive and easy to replace. Thanks, Sea Breeze

You have one of two problems going on. Your fan is spinning at hitting the sides. Or your compressor is shot which seems to be more the problem and even though it is cold the humming sound is a warning for you that the compressor is shot and it is more affordable to replace the fridge then the compressor. Sometimes compressor can cost more then the fridge.

HI, The nouse you are hearing is the relay on the compressor. It is possible the relay is going bad but, there is also a chance the conpressor is the problem. You should get a service amn to check it out. I would hate to se you change the relay and then the compressor ruin that too.
I hope tis helps.

Vic

you need to check to see if you have a control board by compressor.if not change relay and overload to compressor if you have a grey box with a board in it then you need to most likely change it

not nessecarily an electrical fire, but sounds as if the compressor is struggling to start, it is indeed "tripping off" on overload. so yo may start ot see a decline in refrigeration. check your manual for "sealed system" coverage. adn check that against our date of purchase, you should have 5 yr manufactuere warr, but that all changed Jan '06 coverage was reduced to one year! yo ucan try replacing teh overlaod relay, atached ot the side of the compressor if youd like

You have the fan problem. Full the refrigerator out and open the lower back cover you will see you fan is almost become bad. If you apply WD1040 oil you can use it about 3 more months. Then It will die out. I think you better change it now or later on you refrigerator become hot and hotter. If you are careless, you can get burn you skin. I had this problem. Frist, the fan made noise on and off. I applied oil into the motor. It was working about 3 months then I died out. The front end of refrigerator become a heater.
Go to online partstore.com and buy a fan with your fan model.

Compressor was replaced (also see additional comments made).

Are you sure this noise is not just the ice maker trying to cycle without water? If it is not turned off it will dry cycle every 15 min or so.