Last updated: 2026-05-01

🛠️ Can you fix this?

DIY confidence 0%

Easy — Most homeowners

🧊

Refrigerator Noisy or Clicking Compressor

Clicking sound every few minutes, or loud humming from the back

60%

60% chance this is caused by:

Failed start relay or capacitor trying to start the compressor

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Fix it this weekend. Most parts ship same-day on Amazon.

A service call costs $150-300. This repair takes about 15-20 minutes and the part runs $22. Order the part tonight, fix it Saturday morning.

🔧 The Exact Part You Need

Start Relay + Capacitor Kit

$22

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Total parts cost: $22. Same-day shipping available on most items.

🔍

Find the Right Part for Your Refrigerator

Parts vary by model. Search with your model number for the best match.

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Tip: Add your model number (e.g. "GE GSS25GSH") for more precise results.

🔥 Parts for Refrigerators move fast on Amazon — especially common failure parts like these.

🔨 Tools You'll Need

Multi-Bit Screwdriver

$22

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Easy · 15-20 minutes

Parts: $22 vs $$800-2,500 to replace

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

Unplug the refrigerator

Remove lower back panel

Locate the start relay on the compressor

Remove and test — rattling sound = broken

Replace with new relay/capacitor kit

Plug in and listen — compressor should start smoothly within 5 seconds

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Don't put this off.

A Refrigerator that's failing can cause water damage, electrical issues, or food spoilage — each costing 10x what the replacement part costs. The fix is straightforward. The part is cheap. The risk of waiting isn't.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a refrigerator that's noisy or clicking compressor?

The part costs about $22. If you do it yourself, that's your total cost. A professional service call would add $100-200 in labor, bringing the total to $172.

How long does this refrigerator repair take?

This repair is rated "easy" and typically takes 15-20 minutes. The most time-consuming part is usually accessing the component, not the actual swap.

What if this isn't the problem?

Our diagnosis is 60% likely based on the symptom you described. If replacing this part doesn't fix it, the next most common cause for "clicking sound every few minutes, or loud humming from the back" would be related to the wiring harness or control board. In that case, consider calling a professional.

Should I just replace my refrigerator instead?

A new refrigerator costs $800-2,500. If yours is well under 12-17 years old, a $22 repair is far more cost-effective. If it's near end-of-life and has had multiple issues, replacement starts making more sense.

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