Whirlpool Refrigerator Making Noise: Causes and Fixes

Quick Answer

Whirlpool fridge noise: a clicking every few minutes = compressor relay trying to start (relay or compressor failure). A humming that stops when you open the freezer door = evaporator fan motor. A buzzing every 15-20 minutes = water inlet valve filling the ice maker (normal). A gurgling after the compressor stops = refrigerant equalizing (normal).

Your ears really are the best diagnostic tool you've got. Some sounds, like that gurgling after the compressor kicks off or the buzz when the ice maker fills, are totally normal and you can ignore them. But a rhythmic clicking every few minutes or a grinding from inside the freezer? That's the fridge asking for help. Ignore it long enough and you'll come home to a warm unit and a pile of spoiled groceries.

WhirlpoolRefrigeratorSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success

Time to Fix

15–90 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$0 (no parts needed)

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Flathead screwdriver (for prying plastic clips)

Whirlpool Refrigerator Making Noise: Causes and Fixes

Whirlpool fridges are pretty reliable honestly, but they've got a few specific spots that like to get noisy as they age. Most of the time you're looking at a fan motor with worn bearings or that little start relay sitting on the side of the compressor. Figure out where the sound is coming from, back versus inside the freezer versus bottom, and you've already done half the work.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Compressor relay clicking30%

Evaporator fan bearing20%

Condenser fan debris15%

Inlet valve buzz (normal)15%

Refrigerant gurgle (normal)10%

Drain pan vibrating10%

Symptoms You May Notice

A grinding or squealing sound coming from inside the freezer that gets louder or suddenly cuts out the second you open the freezer door
Rhythmic clicking every 2-4 minutes, almost like a metronome, followed by a brief hum and then silence, then it starts all over again
Constant low humming or buzzing from the lower back of the fridge that you don't remember being there six months ago
Ice maker drops ice with a loud clunk or bang, noticeably louder than when the fridge was new
Rattling or vibration that starts and stops with the compressor and seems to shake the whole unit slightly

Can you reset a Whirlpool refrigerator to clear the NOISE code?

A hard reset won't fix a worn bearing or a dead relay, but it can sometimes sort out a glitchy electronic damper motor that's hunting for its position and making noise. Unplug the unit for a full 10 minutes so the control board completely discharges, then plug it back in and give it 15 minutes to stabilize. If the noise comes right back, you're dealing with a mechanical problem, not a software glitch.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverFlathead screwdriver (for prying plastic clips)MultimeterFlashlight or headlampNeedle-nose pliersWork gloves (condenser fan edges are sharp)Appliance dolly or moving straps

Service / Diagnostic Mode

On most Whirlpool French door and side-by-side models: press and hold the Freezer Temp UP and Freezer Temp DOWN buttons at the same time for 5 seconds until the display shows 'SY EF' or a similar service code. Press Freezer Temp UP to cycle through component tests including the fans. Exact sequence varies by model year, so double-check your owner's manual if this doesn't work.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range30–75 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a noisy Whirlpool refrigerator?

Depends completely on what's making the noise. A compressor start relay is $8-15 in parts and you can do it yourself in five minutes. Condenser fan motor runs $25-50 in parts, maybe an hour of work. Evaporator fan motor is $40-80 depending on your model. If a tech comes out, add $100-150 for the service call on top of parts. Where it gets expensive is if the compressor itself is dying. That's $400-800+ in parts plus labor, and honestly at that point on an older unit you're usually better off shopping for a new fridge.

When should I replace instead of repair?

I use a simple rule: if the fridge is more than 10 years old and the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new unit, replace it. For noise specifically, most of the fixes are cheap enough that repair almost always makes sense unless the compressor itself is failing. Fan motors and start relays are $10-80 in parts. A new Whirlpool comparable to what you have runs $800-1500. The math usually points to fix it, unless you're already at that 10-year mark.

Can I fix a noisy Whirlpool fridge myself?

Yeah, for most common noise issues you absolutely can. Swapping a start relay is genuinely a five-minute job with no tools at all. Fan motor replacements take maybe 30-45 minutes and just need a Phillips screwdriver. You don't want to DIY anything involving the sealed refrigerant system though, that's EPA-regulated work that needs a licensed tech with recovery equipment. But the stuff that causes most of the noise? That's all totally DIY-friendly.

Is a clicking noise from my Whirlpool fridge dangerous?

Not dangerous exactly, but don't ignore it. That clicking is the compressor trying to start and failing, usually because the start relay is dead. Every failed start attempt puts stress on the compressor itself. Leave it long enough and you can turn a $10 relay problem into a $600 compressor problem. It's not going to start a fire or anything, but your food is going to warm up and the repair will get a lot more expensive the longer you wait.

Why does my Whirlpool fridge make a gurgling sound?

That gurgling after the compressor shuts off is refrigerant equalizing pressure between the high and low sides of the sealed system. Totally normal. Same with a gentle bubbling while the fridge is running. You'll also hear water dripping into the drain pan during and after defrost cycles. If the gurgling is really loud or seems to be getting worse over a few weeks, mention it to a tech. But 95% of the time it's just the fridge doing its thing.

What Whirlpool fridge models are most prone to noise issues?

Honestly the evaporator fan motor issue shows up across most of the lineup, but I see it most often on the WRS and WRF series French door and side-by-side units from around 2016-2021. Start relay failure is basically universal across all Whirlpool compressor designs. The WRS325SDHZ, WRF535SWHZ, and WRT311FZDW come through the shop more than others for fan noise specifically, but any Whirlpool with miles on it is a candidate.

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Whirlpool shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Maytag washerAll Maytag Washer Error Codes: Complete Lookup Guide Maytag washerHow to Reset a Maytag Washer (3 Methods That Work)Maytag washerMaytag Washer Troubleshooting: Fix 12 Common Problems Maytag washerMaytag Washer F21: Drain Pump Clog or Failure Maytag washerMaytag F03 E01: Pressure Switch or Water Level Fault Maytag washerMaytag F0 E3 Error: Pressure Switch Malfunction

Models Known to Experience NOISE Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WRS325SDHZ, WRF535SWHZ, WRS571CIHZ, WRT311FZDW, WRB322DMBM, WRF767SDHZ, WRS588FIHZ, WRF954CIHZ

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026