moved my midea fridge and now it's making a clicking sound and won't cool, did i break it?

Diagnosis

The clicking sound you hear is the compressor's overload protector tripping. In the Midea WHS-65LB1, the compressor uses a specific lubricant oil to keep the internal pistons moving. When the unit is tilted or laid on its side during a move, this oil is forced out of the compressor sump and into the capillary tubes and evaporator coils. If you plug the unit in immediately after moving it, the compressor attempts to pump a mixture of refrigerant and thick oil, creating a "slugging" effect. This creates an immense amount of internal pressure and electrical resistance. The clicking is the sound of the start relay attempting to engage the compressor, followed by the thermal overload switch cutting power to prevent the motor from burning out. If oil has blocked the narrow capillary tubes, the refrigerant cannot flow, meaning the compressor will run hot and fail to cool the interior, eventually triggering that same clicking cycle every few minutes.

How to Fix It

To resolve this, you must allow the system to undergo a complete gravitational reset. Follow these exact steps:

1. Immediately unplug the Midea WHS-65LB1 from the wall outlet to prevent the compressor motor from overheating or permanently seizing.
2. Ensure the refrigerator is placed in its final, permanent location. Use a bubble level to ensure the unit is perfectly vertical; if it leans forward or backward, the oil may not drain fully.
3. Leave the unit unplugged for a minimum of 24 hours. While some suggest 4 hours, the narrow gauge of the tubing in 1.6 cu ft compact models requires a full day for the viscous oil to settle back into the compressor reservoir.
4. After 24 hours, plug the unit directly into a grounded wall outlet. Avoid using extension cords or power strips, as the compressor requires a high-amperage surge to start and voltage drops can cause the clicking to persist.
5. Set the thermostat to the medium setting (usually marked as 3 or 4 on the dial) and wait 6 hours before placing food inside to ensure the internal temperature has stabilized.

If That Didn't Work

• Replace the Start Relay: If the clicking continues after 24 hours, the start relay (the small plastic component plugged into the side of the compressor) may have burnt out during the initial surge. You can test this by removing the relay and shaking it; if it rattles like a broken piece of ceramic, it is dead and needs replacement with a compatible Midea-spec relay.
• Clear the Condenser Coils: Check the back of the unit. If the move caused dust bunnies or packing material to lodge against the condenser coils, the compressor will overheat and click off. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clear all debris from the rear grill.
• Check for Refrigerant Leaks: If the compressor is running (humming) but the fridge isn't cooling and you hear a faint hissing sound, the move may have caused a hairline crack in the evaporator plate. Check for any oily residue on the exterior coils; if found, the unit has lost its charge and cannot be repaired economically.
• Reset the Thermostat: Turn the temperature dial to the "Off" position for 10 minutes, then snap it back to the highest cooling setting. This can sometimes reset the mechanical thermostat trigger.

Heads Up

• Never lay a compact refrigerator on its side for more than a few minutes. If you must transport it horizontally, always keep the side with the compressor lines facing up.
• Avoid plugging the unit into a surge protector. These fridges have a high "inrush current" that can trip a surge protector's internal breaker, mimicking the clicking sound of a failing compressor.
• Keep at least 2 inches of clearance between the back of the fridge and the wall to allow for heat dissipation; overheating is the primary cause of compressor failure in these small models.
• If you hear a loud "clunk" followed by silence, the compressor internal spring may have snapped during the move. In this case, the unit is non-repairable.