Danby Mini Fridge Clicking and Not Starting: Causes & Fixes

If your Danby mini fridge clicks every few minutes, hums or buzzes for a few seconds and never actually cools, the compressor is usually trying to start and failing. The click is typically the overload protector switching off to protect the motor. The most common cause is a worn start relay, but a failing compressor can look identical, so a few simple checks are worth doing before you buy parts.

Quick answer: unplug the fridge, make sure it has proper airflow and a stable outlet, and inspect the small relay and overload module on the side of the compressor. If the module is cracked, burnt or rattles when shaken, replacing it with the exact part for your model is often an inexpensive fix. If the clicking continues with a new relay, the compressor itself is probably at fault.

Safety first: always unplug the fridge before removing any cover. Never open, cut or puncture the sealed refrigerant system. Most mini fridges use R600a (isobutane), which is flammable, so recharging or venting refrigerant is not a DIY job.

Why a Danby mini fridge clicks and does not start

A compressor motor needs extra help for the first moment of each cycle. A small start device, usually a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) relay, briefly energizes the start winding until the motor reaches speed, then it heats up and drops out of the circuit.

When that relay weakens, the motor tries to turn over but cannot. It draws far more current than it does when running normally, and the overload protector, a heat-sensitive switch, trips to prevent damage. After a few minutes it cools, resets with a click, and the cycle repeats. That is the familiar click, hum, click pattern.

Other problems can produce the same pattern, which is why it helps to work through the list below rather than assuming the relay.

Symptom checklist

What you notice	Likely cause	What to do
Click, short hum, click, repeating every few minutes	Worn start relay or overload protector	Inspect and replace the relay and overload as a set
Click and hum right after a power outage or on a long extension cord	Low voltage or a weak outlet	Plug directly into a wall outlet and retry
Fridge hums constantly but is not cold	Ice buildup, blocked airflow or a sealed system problem	Defrost, clear the vents, then monitor
Clicking even with a new relay	Seized or damaged compressor windings	Consider professional diagnosis or replacement
Silence with no click at all	Thermostat, power cord or other control fault	Check outlet and thermostat first

Step 1: Rule out the easy causes

Before opening anything, check the basics. They take ten minutes and solve a surprising number of cases.

• Plug the fridge directly into a working wall outlet. Avoid power strips and thin extension cords, because voltage drop makes starting harder.
• Leave the fridge unplugged for about five minutes, then plug it back in. Compressors need time for pressure to equalize before restarting, and short power cycling can cause repeated failed starts.
• Make sure the fridge has breathing room. Danby manuals typically ask for a few inches of clearance at the back and sides, so check yours.
• Turn the thermostat dial to a middle setting. A dial turned all the way up can keep the compressor running or cycling hard.
• Confirm the fridge is level and the compressor is not touching the cabinet or tubing.

Step 2: Inspect the start relay and overload

Pull the fridge away from the wall, unplug it, and look at the bottom rear. You will see a black, dome-shaped compressor. On one side, a small plastic module clips directly onto three terminal pins. Depending on the age and model, it may be one combined piece or a separate overload disc plus a relay block.

• Take a photo of the wiring before you remove anything.
• Remove the retaining clip or cover, then pull the module straight off the pins. Do not twist it or pry on the pins.
• Look for cracks, melted plastic, black burn marks or a burnt smell.
• Hold the relay next to your ear and shake it gently. A loose rattling sound usually means the internal ceramic element has broken.

If the module looks damaged, replace it. Use the exact relay and overload specified for your Danby model, which you can find from the model number on the rating label inside the cabinet or on the back. Do not guess based on appearance, because relays and overloads are matched to each compressor. When in doubt, ask a parts supplier to match it to your model number.

Step 3: Optional multimeter checks

If you are comfortable using a multimeter, you can check whether the compressor windings are reasonable before spending money on parts. With the fridge unplugged and the relay removed, measure resistance between the compressor pins. The readings should be low but not zero, and the three pairs of pins should be consistent with each other. The exact values depend on the compressor, so there is no universal number. Compare with the manufacturer’s data if you can find it.

• An open reading (no continuity) between any pair of pins generally means a broken winding.
• A reading of zero or near zero between pins suggests a shorted winding.
• Any continuity between a pin and the bare metal of the compressor or copper tubing suggests the motor is grounded, and the compressor is not worth repairing.

If you are not confident handling electrical components, skip this section and call a technician. Mistakes here can cause shocks or damage.

What happens if you ignore the clicking

Letting the fridge click for days is risky. Each failed start puts heat and strain on the windings, and repeated trips can shorten the compressor’s life. Food safety is the other concern. Because the fridge is not cooling, perishables can rise above 40°F (4°C), the upper limit generally recommended for refrigerated food. If your fridge has been warm for more than a couple of hours, move perishables to a cooler with ice and unplug the fridge until you fix it.

Common mistakes

• Replacing the relay without checking airflow or voltage. A good relay can still fail to start a motor on a weak outlet.
• Buying a part by looks. Always match the part to your model number.
• Forcing the module off. Bent or broken pins can ruin an otherwise repairable compressor.
• Chipping ice with a knife. Puncturing the evaporator releases flammable refrigerant. Defrost with the door open instead.
• Leaving it plugged in while it clicks. Unplug it until you find the cause.

When to call a pro or replace the unit

Call a technician if the new relay and overload do not fix the problem, if the compressor tests as open, shorted or grounded, or if you notice an oily residue, a chemical smell or a hissing noise. These can point to a sealed system problem that needs licensed repair. Because mini fridges are inexpensive, a compressor or sealed system repair often costs more than it is worth, so compare a repair quote against the price of a replacement, especially for older units. If you are shopping for a replacement, our guide to how much energy a mini fridge uses per month can help you compare running costs. If the problem is a different brand, the checklist in our Midea mini fridge not cooling guide follows a similar process.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my Danby mini fridge click but not cool?

The click is usually the overload protector tripping because the compressor cannot start. A worn start relay is the most common reason, though low voltage or a failing compressor can do the same.

Is it safe to replace the start relay myself?

For many people, yes, as long as the fridge is unplugged and you only handle the relay and overload on the outside of the compressor. Never open the sealed system or touch refrigerant lines. If you are unsure, hire a technician.

How long should a mini fridge compressor take to start?

It should start within a few seconds of the cycle beginning and then run with a steady hum. If it clicks off after a few seconds, it is struggling to start.

Can a power surge cause this problem?

It can contribute. Voltage spikes and outages stress start components, and a surge protector or a direct wall outlet is a sensible precaution for any refrigerator.

Is it worth repairing an old Danby mini fridge?

A relay replacement is usually worth trying because the part is inexpensive. Anything involving the sealed system or compressor is usually not worth the cost on a small, older fridge.

Conclusion

A clicking Danby mini fridge is most often a start relay or overload problem, and it is one of the more fixable faults in a compact fridge. Work through the outlet, airflow and relay checks in order, use the exact part for your model, and stop if the compressor itself seems to be the problem. Unplug before every step, and leave anything involving refrigerant to a professional.