Manual
The Problem Solver
Questions?
Use this 
problem 
solver!
PROBLEM  POSSIBLE CAUSE
REFRIGERATOR/   • May be in defrost cycle when motor does not operate for about 
FREEZER DOES NOT  45 minutes.
OPERATE
  • Temperature control in the OFF position.
• If interior light is not on, refrigerator/freezer may not be plugged in 
  at wall outlet.
• The house fuse is blown/house circuit breaker is tripped. Replace fuse 
  or reset the breaker.
• The Sabbath Mode Kit may be installed and operating. Turn off 
the Sabbath Mode device.
MOTOR OPERATES   • Normal when refrigerator/freezer is first plugged in. Wait 24 hours 
FOR LONG PERIODS or the refrigerator/freezer to completely cool down.
OR CYCLES ON AND
  • Often occurs when large amounts of food are placed in refrigerator/ 
OFF FREQUENTLY
 freezer. This is normal.
• Door left open or package holding door open.
• Hot weather or frequent door openings. This is normal.
• Temperature control set at the coldest setting. See Temperature 
  Control.
VIBRATION OR RATTLING  • Refrigerator may not be properly installed. 
(Slight vibration   
is normal.)
THUMPING SOUND   • This is a normal operating sound. 
WHEN DOOR IS CLOSED 
  • The mechanism that closes the door makes a slight thumping sound as 
  it passes over its lever point, at approximately 80 degrees. 
• Closing the door slowly will minimize the sound.
OPERATING  • The variable speed compressor changes speeds and sounds may vary.
SOUNDS
  •  Normal fan air flow—fans blow cold air through the fresh food and 
freezer compartments—another fan cools the compressor motor.
•  The fans change speeds in order to provide optimal cooling and 
energy savings.
• These NORMAL sounds will also be heard from time to time: 
  – You may hear a whooshing or gurgling sound when the door closes. 
This is due to pressure equalizing within the refrigerator.
  – A water dripping sound may occur during the defrost cycle as ice 
melts from the evaporator and flows into the drain pan.
  – The flow of refrigerant through the freezer cooling coils may make a 
gurgling sound like boiling water.
  – Water dropping on the defrost heater can cause a sizzling, popping or 
buzzing sound during the defrost cycle.
  – You may hear cracking or popping sounds when the refrigerator is 
first plugged in or during/after the defrost cycle. This happens as the 
refrigerator cools to the correct temperature.
  – The compressor may cause a clicking or chirping sound when 
attempting to restart (this could take up to 5 minutes).
  – The electronic control board may cause a clicking sound when relays 
activate to control refrigerator components.
  – Ice cubes dropping into the bin.
  – The icemaker water valve will buzz and water will run in tubes when 
the icemaker fills with water.
(Modern refrigerators 
and freezers with more 
storage space and a 
larger freezer require 
more operating time. 
They start and stop 
often to maintain 
even temperatures.)
36” All-Refrigerator and All-Freezer Units
16










