[fridge noob]

My new fridge makes this intermittent high pitched noise that is almost unbearable. When it starts making it I have to put in ear plugs in order to work or sleep.

It happens when the cooling cycle turns on (sorry I don't know the technical name). Like when I open the door, or just randomly sometimes, the fridge will start up. Eventually, within 15-20 minutes, it starts making a high pitched noise that gets louder and louder over time. I work from home and it's so loud I need to wear ear plugs in order to not go insane. As soon as the cycle ends (or if I open the door and turn the temp control to "off") the noise stops.

It is horribly grating. When the cable guy was installing cable, he goes "what's that noise?" It pierces through everything, and even with the TV on and the windows open and the train going by, I can still hear it.

A repair guy came out and couldn't really hear it. He finally heard it a little and goes "that's normal." Um... no dude, that's not "normal." I've had refrigerators ever since I was born and I've never heard one make a noise like this before.

It sounds like a dog whistle, or like when your ears ring, except it gets louder, and louder, and louder, until finally the cooling cycle shuts off (anywhere from 20 to 45+ minutes).

Any ideas what this is?

I didn't find too much from Googling, altho I did see a few instances of GE fridges making high pitched noises that the repairmen "couldn't hear."

I'm going to be highly annoyed if I have to get another model of fridge.

The fridge is new. I've tried tilting it, putting a heavy weight on top, moving it, etc. None of that worked.

Much thanks to anyone who can help

[richappy]

Check your model #

[fridge noob]

Originally Posted by richappy

Check your model #

What's wrong with the model number I gave?

[richappy]

I think it's a 20 or 22 cuft, not 21

[fridge noob]

it's 21, I just doublechecked.

[richappy]

Found your model on another site. Your fridg has a motherboard that can put annoying frequencies to the evaporator motor. You can call this site and perhaps they can get a new one for you, rather easy to replace, comes with instructions.

[fridge noob]

Originally Posted by richappy

Found your model on another site. Your fridg has a motherboard that can put annoying frequencies to the evaporator motor. You can call this site and perhaps they can get a new one for you, rather easy to replace, comes with instructions.

What other site did you find my fridge on? Where did you get the info about the motherboard? The fridge is still under warranty so I don't think I need to call anyone other than GE.

I would love to have some info to show the repair guy since the last guy said it was "normal".

[richappy]

The site was (repair ************), an on line site. Get a different repair person that has better hearing and more sypathetic to customers. You would need a scope to see the problem and verify it's the motherboard. However, most servicers that service these are familiar with this problem and have fixed it before with a new motherboard. Just ask before you authorize service, if no knowledge, call someone else!

[fridge noob]

Originally Posted by richappy

The site was (repair ************), an on line site.

Looks like this forum filters competitors.

Get a different repair person that has better hearing and more sypathetic to customers. You would need a scope to see the problem and verify it's the motherboard. However, most servicers that service these are familiar with this problem and have fixed it before with a new motherboard. Just ask before you authorize service, if no knowledge, call someone else!

Yeah, I'm about to call GE again and have them send another repair guy.

[fridge noob]

So are you saying it's the fan or the motherboard itself that is making the noise?