Undoubtedly, GE refrigerators are one of the best you can get on the market. They are reliable, durable, and excellent in performance. However, despite these attributes, they, like all machines, have downtimes.
One of the most common issues, usually reported, is not even a control panel that doesn’t work; it’s a noise. If your GE refrigerator makes a revving noise, know you’re not alone. Many people have reported this issue and found solutions to it already.
In this post, we’ll discuss all possible causes of the revving noise and things you can do to fix it. We’ll provide all the tips you need to prevent the noise from happing in the first place.
Why is your GE Refrigerator Making Revving Noise?
As quiet as modern refrigerators can be, none is entirely silent. Most GR fridges make various sounds that are completely normal. So don’t take all the sounds your refrigerator makes as alarming.
Some of the normal GE refrigerator noises are:
- Buzzing: The bussing sound could come from the refrigerator’s compressor or the water dispenser.
- Clicking or humming: Appears when the icemaker fills with water.
- Gurgling: This occurs when refrigerant circulates through the compressor and evaporator coils.
- Sizzling: Occurs when water drips on the defrost system heater.
All those sounds indicate the regular operation of your GE appliance. So there is no need to worry unless they increase in frequency and volume.
The revving sound is one of the most common sounds that indicate faulty parts. So, let’s troubleshoot what could be the reason for that.
1. Fan blade
The fan blade helps to circulate the cool air throughout your GE refrigerator. Once the fan blade becomes damaged or bent, it could cause a loud revving noise.
The most common reason why the fan blade could get damaged or bent is from hitting something inside the fridge. Moreover, the blades can become gummed with debris that prevents them from spinning freely.
2. Evaporator fan motor
The other reason for the GE refrigerator making a revving noise is the evaporator fan motor. This part is responsible for circulating air over the evaporator coils to cool the air in the fridge. If it fails, you can hear the revving sound.
It appears because of motor bearings that have gone bad. However, it could also be that something is blocking the blades of the evaporator fan.
3. Water inlet valve
You can access the water inlet valve behind your fridge by removing the back panel. The water valve supplies water to the water dispenser and ice maker. If it is faulty, your GE refrigerator will make a revving noise.
4. Condenser fan motor
Like the evaporator fan motor, this part circulates air over the condenser coils to keep them cool. The most common reason it fails is debris and dirt on the fan’s blades. But it could also be that the motor is damaged or worn out.
So, over time the bearing can seize up and cause your motor to fail or stop working correctly. That’s where the revving noise comes in.
5. Faulty compressor
The last on this list, but one of the most common reasons your GE refrigerator is noisy, is the faulty compressor. This part pumps coolant through the system and makes a revving sound when it runs.
A compressor is located in the back of the fridge and is very noticeable. When it fails, your GE refrigerator will start making revving source, stop cooling or even cause other problems like leaks.
How to fix GE Refrigerator Making Revving Noise
To correctly identify the cause of the GR refrigerator making a revving noise problem, consult your manual on the steps required to run the diagnostic mode. The system will flag an error code if there are any issues within the unit.
An expert should interpret the error if you need help understanding the result. It will allow you to understand the issue better and put an appropriate fixate as soon as possible.
But don’t take it for granted whenever you notice your GE fridge making weird noises.
If the error code doesn’t appear to tell you much about the issue, try checking the following solutions to the GE refrigerator making a revving noise problem.
1. Fix fan blades
Fixing the fan blade when it’s damaged or bent is the first thing you can do to fix the GE refrigerator making a revving noise. Remove it from the refrigerator and straighten it with your hands.
If the fan blades are gummed up, clean them with soapy water and a rag.
Note: it’s important to unplug your refrigerator before you attempt any repairs.
2. Clean the evaporator fan motor
If you suspect that something is blocking the way of the evaporator blades, you can try removing and cleaning them off. If it doesn’t help, you might need to replace the evaporator fan motor.
Since replacing it is a straightforward process, you can do it yourself. Remove the black panel to access the motor, disconnect the wires and remove the mounting screws.
Then remove the old motor and replace it with a new one. Be attentive to the wires and screws when turning the back panel.
3. Check the condenser motor fan.
As with the evaporator fan motor, replacing the condenser fan motor is relatively easy. Remove the old motor and install a new one the same way as the evaporator motor.
However, we recommend checking the instructions with the new motor to ensure proper installation.
4. Check the compressor
The refrigerator compressor could fail because of a broken wire or a seized-up compressor. This usually happens because of the lack o maintenance or age.
When you deal with a faulty compressor, it’s best to replace it, as it is not easily fixed. If you intend to replace the fridge compressor, call for a qualified refrigerator repair technician.
5. Check the water valve.
The water valve will fail when there is a problem with the electrical connection or the valve itself. It won’t be able to open and close if there is insufficient power, so the revving noise appears.
However, sometimes you need to replace the valve to make the revving noise disappear.
Turn off the water supply and disconnect the water line from the valve. Then remove the screws that hold the valve and install a new one. Remember to reconnect the water line back and turn on the water supply.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
