Consumer SupportTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions Installation Instructions33Normal operating sounds. ge.comNewer refrigerators sound different from older refrigerators.Modern refrigerators have more features and use newertechnology.HUMMM...WHOOSH... The new high efficiency compressor may run fasterand longer than your old refrigerator and you mayhear a high-pitched hum or pulsating sound whileit is operating. Sometimes the refrigerator runs for an extended period,especially when the doors are opened frequently. Thismeans that the Frost Guard™ feature is working toprevent freezer burn and improve food preservation. You may hear a whooshing sound when the doors close.This is due to pressure equalizing within the refrigerator. You may hear the fans spinning at high speeds.This happens when the refrigerator is first pluggedin, when the doors are opened frequently or whena large amount of food is added to the refrigeratoror freezer compartments. The fans are helping tomaintain the correct temperatures. If either door is open for over 3 minutes, you mayhear the fans come on in order to cool the lightbulbs. The fans change speeds in order to provide optimalcooling and energy savings.CLICKS, POPS,CRACKS and CHIRPS You may hear cracking or popping sounds when therefrigerator is first plugged in. This happens as therefrigerator cools to the correct temperature. Electronic dampers click open and closed to provideoptimal cooling and energy savings. The compressor may cause a clicking or chirpingsound when attempting to restart (this could takeup to 5 minutes). The electronic control board may cause a clickingsound when relays activate to control refrigeratorcomponents. Expansion and contraction of cooling coils duringand after defrost can cause a cracking or poppingsound. On models with an icemaker, after an icemakingcycle, you may hear the ice cubes dropping intothe ice bucket.WATER SOUNDS The flow of refrigerant through the freezer coolingcoils may make a gurgling noise like boiling water. Water dropping on the defrost heater can cause asizzling, popping or buzzing sound during thedefrost cycle. A water dripping noise may occur during the defrostcycle as ice melts from the evaporator and flows intothe drain pan. Closing the door may cause a gurgling sound due topressure equalization.Do you hear what I hear? These sounds are normal.For additional information on normalicemaker and dispenser operating sounds,see the About the automatic icemakerand About the ice and water dispensersections.