Diagnosis
The clicking and gurgling noises emanating from your Frigidaire EFIC189 are typically not signs of mechanical failure, but rather the audible markers of the automated harvest cycle. This unit utilizes a "dump-and-fill" mechanism where a small electric motor rotates a plastic tray to release frozen cubes. The "clicking" you hear is the sound of the internal gear mechanism engaging the tilt motor to flip the evaporator tray and the subsequent action of the plastic ice shovel pushing the cubes into the storage basket. The "gurgling" sound is specifically caused by the internal water pump. Because this is a compact, non-plumbed unit, it relies on a small centrifugal pump to move water from the reservoir back up into the freezing tray. When the pump activates, it pushes air and water through narrow plastic tubing, creating a bubbling or gurgling sound. You can confirm the unit is functioning normally if these sounds are followed by the successful drop of ice cubes into the basket every 7 to 15 minutes. If the noise occurs but no ice is produced, you are likely dealing with a pump blockage or a sensor failure.
How to Fix It
To ensure the noise is operational and not a symptom of a clog or misalignment, follow these calibration and cleaning steps:
- Unplug the unit and remove the ice basket to inspect the evaporator tray. Ensure there are no stray ice cubes jammed in the corners of the tray that could be causing a "louder" click or grinding sound during the tilt.
- Empty the water reservoir completely. Fill it with a solution of 2 tablespoons of white vinegar mixed with 1 quart of warm water.
- Plug the unit back in and run a full cycle. This removes mineral scale (calcium buildup) from the internal pump and tubing, which often causes the gurgling to become excessively loud or "strained."
- Once the cleaning cycle is complete, drain the vinegar solution and refill the reservoir with fresh, filtered water up to the "MAX" fill line.
- Place the unit on a completely level surface. Use a spirit level to ensure the machine isn't tilting; an uneven surface can cause the ice shovel to hit the tray at an angle, creating a sharper, more metallic clicking sound.
If That Didn't Work
- Check for Air Locks: If the gurgling is constant but water isn't reaching the tray, you have an air lock in the pump. Gently tilt the machine forward and backward while it is running to force the air bubbles out of the intake line and allow the pump to prime.
- Inspect the Water Filter/Sponge: If you are using a third-party filter or if the internal intake sponge is clogged with debris, the pump will struggle to pull water, resulting in a loud, rattling gurgle. Remove the reservoir and clean the intake area with a soft brush.
- Verify Ambient Temperature: If the clicking is frequent but no ice drops, the room may be too warm (above 90°F/32°C). The machine will attempt to harvest (click) more often because the ice isn't freezing quickly enough, which can sound like a malfunction. Move the unit to a cooler area with at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides.
- Reset the Control Board: Unplug the unit for exactly 10 minutes. This clears the temporary memory of the control board and resets the harvest timer, which can resolve erratic clicking patterns caused by electronic glitches.
Heads Up
- Avoid using distilled water. The EFIC189 requires a small amount of mineral content for the sensors to properly detect water levels; using purely distilled water can sometimes lead to erratic pump behavior.
- Never force the ice shovel or the evaporator tray manually while the unit is plugged in, as this can strip the plastic gears and turn a normal "click" into a permanent mechanical grind.
- Clean the reservoir weekly. Slime or biofilm buildup in the reservoir can obstruct the pump intake, increasing the volume of the gurgling noise and slowing down ice production.
- Keep the unit away from direct sunlight. Overheating the exterior shell forces the compressor to work harder, which increases the overall vibration and noise level of the machine.