Why does my washer make clicking or humming sounds at the start of the cycle?

These are normal operating sounds. At the beginning of the cycle, you may hear a clicking and hum as the lid lock goes through a self-test, and different humming and whirring sounds as the washplate moves the load. You may also hear sensing spins — short, slow spins that take 2 to 3 minutes before water is added — which is normal operation. (Page 3)