Chirping/Grinding Noise | KBFS20EVMS13 KitchenAid Refrigerator

KBFS20EVMS13 KitchenAid Refrigerator

We inherited the subject fridge when we moved a few months ago. We suspect it is original to this 2013 build house.

In recent weeks, it has been chirping approximately every 13 seconds like a low battery signal in a smoke alarm. The noise appears to come from the top center; we have placed our ear on the back panel to nail down the location.

• When we disconnected the fridge a few weeks ago (for about half an hour), the chirping restarted when power was reset.
• We repeated this exercise yesterday (though for less time), and the chirping stopped.
• However, after a short period, there is now a grinding noise from the same location instead.
• At this point, we were opening and closing the fridge quite a bit as we prepared a meal.
• We also decided to turn off the water supply at the same time.
• Since the meal and switching off the water, there is no noise.

Our research indicates that potential faulty components include the condenser fan, evaporator fan, and/or air damper control assembly. For this model, both fans look like they are at bottom rear behind the freezer, so do not mesh with the noise emanating from top center. This then suggests the damper control and/or damper itself is the culprit.

Clearly, something isn’t right, but where do we go from here? The noise has still not returned, but then perhaps the suspect part is now completely defunct? How should we conclude the diagnostics? Which parts should we be replacing?

Thank you