GE refrigerator makes buzzing, clicking, rattling or knocking noises: GE's manual for the Profile PVD28BYNFS has a Normal Operating Conditions page that answers most noise questions. The high-efficiency compressor may run faster and longer than an old one with a high-pitched hum or pulsing sound, the fans spin at high speeds when first plugged in or after heavy loading, a whoosh is pressure equalising when the doors close, and clicks, pops and cracks come from cooling coils expanding and contracting. Water sounds include refrigerant gurgling and dripping during defrost, and the ice chute motor hums after dispensing. A fan blade striking something is not normal.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE refrigerator makes buzzing, clicking, rattling or knocking noises”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Normal high-efficiency compressor and fan sounds
What separates it A hum, a whoosh from the fans and pulsing while the compressor runs
How to confirm GE says these are normal; they are most noticeable at first plug-in or after loading food
- 2
Cooling coil expansion and defrost
What separates it Cracks, pops and water dripping during and after defrost
How to confirm This is normal; the manual lists these sounds
- 3
The ice maker or ice chute motor
What separates it A buzz as the ice maker fills or a hum after dispensing
How to confirm A buzz every 10 to 15 minutes may mean the water supply is off; turn the ice maker off
- 4
Something hitting the fan
What separates it A sound like a playing card in bicycle spokes from underneath
How to confirm Unplug, pull out, remove the rear cover and clear any obstruction such as a wrapper
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The type of sound: hum, click, buzz, tapping or a fan-blade knock
- When it happens: after defrost, ice dispensing or continuously
- Whether the ice maker is on and the water is connected
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCompare with the normal list
ReversibleThe manual's normal sounds include hums, whooshes, clicks, pops, gurgles, sizzling on the defrost heater and the ice chute closing. If yours matches, no action is needed.
Check the ice maker
ReversibleA buzz every 10 to 15 minutes lasting 5 to 10 seconds means the ice maker water valve is trying to fill with no water. Turn the ice maker off until water is connected.
Check leveling
ReversibleAn unlevel refrigerator can rattle or cause doors to swing. Adjust the leveling legs at the bottom front.
Check underneath
ReversibleIf the sound is like a playing card hitting bicycle spokes, unplug the refrigerator, pull it out and check the condenser fan behind the rear cover for an obstruction.
Allow start-up time
ReversibleFans and the compressor run fast and long for up to 24 hours after installation, when doors are opened often or when a lot of food is added.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Condenser fan check
- Most GE refrigerators made since 2001 have NeverClean condenser coils that do not need cleaning. On models without one, unplug the refrigerator, pull it away from the wall, remove the cover at the bottom rear (usually a 5/16 inch hex head screw) and check the fan blade for obstructions, then reinstall the cover, plug in and push the refrigerator back.
- Parts for this problem on the PVD28BYNFS (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- evap fan & gasket assy, part number WR60X42165, at $84.49; refrigerator evaporator fan, part number WR60X32071, at $66.76; door and ice maker control board located on top , part number WR55X32080, at $176.16.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models PGE29BYTFS, GFE28GYNFS, CYE22TSHSS, GSS25GYPFS, GDE21EYKFS, GTS22KYNRFS.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a fan blade sounds as if it hits something in the freezer, contact GE service; it is not normal
- !If a large rubber strip near the fan is the obstruction, it is an air divider and needs service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
GE Appliances' own support articles for refrigerators; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
GE's own troubleshooting page for the SmartHQ pairing steps and the Connected Home Support line.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Is a hum normal?+
Yes, the high-efficiency compressor may hum or pulse and run longer than an old one.
Why does it pop and crack?+
Expansion and contraction of the cooling coils, especially at first plug-in and around defrost.
What is the whoosh when I close the door?+
The whoosh when you close the door is pressure equalising inside the refrigerator.
Why does it gurgle?+
The flow of refrigerant through the coils, or pressure equalisation.
What is the ice chute motor?+
After dispensing ice a motor closes the chute to keep warm air out; a hum is normal.
What if I hear a buzz every 10 to 15 minutes?+
The ice maker water valve is trying to fill with no water. Turn the ice maker off or connect the water.
Does the door squeak?+
The hinge may have lost lubricant; apply food-grade lubricant, not WD-40.
How long is start-up noise?+
Up to 24 hours as the temperatures settle.