Home Garden

A Humming Noise and a Click on the Magic Chef MCWC52B

The Magic Chef MCWC52B is a wine cooler or small beverage refrigerator with adjustable shelves, temperature control knob and automatic defrost. If the cooler makes strange noises, such as a hum and/or a click, some troubleshooting and inspection of the refrigerator can be helpful.
  1. Power Supply

    • Check the power cord on the Magic Chef cooler as it may have come unplugged, which results in the refrigerator making a humming noise until the compressor turns off with a click. Push the power cord completely into a grounded wall outlet and allow a few hours for the cooler to reach the set temperature.

    Temperature Controls

    • Changing the temperature within the wine cooler may result in the compressor running for longer than usual, causing a humming sound and then turning off. Turn the control knob to “7” for maximum cooling for two to three hours before adjusting the knob to a different temperature setting. Note that turning the control knob to “0” effectively turns the refrigerator off. Do not leave the control knob at “7” for more than eight hours. Turn the knob to a lower setting after a few hours for the best results.

    Defrost Process

    • The Magic Chef cooler defrosts automatically and may make a humming noise while the compressor operates to defrost any ice that builds up on the inner rear wall. This water will drain out of the refrigerator into a drain pan above the compressor. When the defrost cycle is finished, the compressor will shut off, often making a clicking sound.

    Operational Issues

    • Make sure you don’t leave the door ajar since this will force the cooling system to work continuously, turning on and off automatically as the refrigerator tries to reach the set temperature. Clean the door gasket if necessary to ensure a proper seal when the door is shut and look for wine bottles or other objects that might be blocking the door. Place the refrigerator in an area with a few inches of space between the cooler and any walls or surrounding objects for complete air circulation. Restricted air flow might also cause the unit to hum and click.