Daewoo refrigerator does not freeze: causes, repairs, errors

A sudden stop in the operation of brand refrigeration equipment Daewoo always becomes an unpleasant surprise, especially if there are perishable products. The owner is faced with the need to quickly determine the cause of the malfunction: whether it is a software failure, the result of improper operation, or a serious breakdown of the unit. Statistics from service centers show that in 70% of cases the unit stops cooling due to trivial reasons that can be eliminated without calling a technician.

The first thing to do when a problem is detected is to carry out an initial diagnosis. Check to see if the power light is on, you can hear the hum of the compressor, and if the temperature controls have moved. Often, users accidentally touch the control buttons or pull out the cord from the outlet, which leads to defrosting of the cameras. If a visual inspection does not produce results, and refrigerator compartment and the freezer remains warm, you will have to move on to a more in-depth analysis.

In this article we will analyze in detail the troubleshooting algorithms characteristic of Korean brand equipment. You will learn how to decipher error codes on the display, why the fan may not turn on, and in what cases the refrigerant needs to be replaced. It is important not to panic and act consistently so as not to aggravate the situation with incorrect actions.

⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or see sparking in the compressor area, immediately disconnect the device from the power supply. Further operation may lead to a fire.

Diagnostics by sound and external signs

An experienced technician is able to determine the nature of the breakdown simply by listening to the operation of the unit. If Daewoo refrigerator it hums, but there is no cold, this indicates that the motor-compressor is trying to start, but cannot gain the required pressure. In such a situation, the starting relay or the compressor itself, which is “jammed,” is often to blame.

In the case when the unit operates absolutely silently and the light in the chamber is on, the problem lies in the electrical circuit. The thermostat may have burned out, the control module has failed, or the wiring has broken. The absence of the characteristic gurgling of freon in the evaporator tubes is also an alarming signal indicating a refrigerant leak.

Pay attention to the condition of the rear wall. If it is covered with a thick layer of ice ("coat"), and the food in the chamber is warm, then the defrosting process is disrupted. In systems No Frost the evaporator heating element, defrost sensor or timer are responsible for this. The ice plug blocks the circulation of cold air, and it simply does not enter the main chamber.

📊 What symptom are you observing?
It hums, but does not freeze
It works silently
The indicator flashes temperature
Strong ice has appeared

The main reasons for the lack of cold

The list of potential malfunctions due to which Daewoo stops freezing is quite extensive. However, the most common problems are with the tightness of the circuit and the operation of the fan. If a microcrack has formed in the system, the freon gradually evaporates, and the cooling efficiency drops to zero.

The second common reason is failure fan. In models with the system No Frost it is he who forces cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment. If the fan blades are frozen or the motor is burned out, the cold remains in the freezer, and the upper chamber remains warm.

It is also worth mentioning that the capillary tube is clogged. An ice or oil plug may form in the refrigerant circulation system, which physically blocks the movement of freon. This often happens after a poor-quality previous repair or filling the system with unsuitable oil.

  • 🔧 Refrigerant leakage through microcracks in the circuit.
  • ❄️ Malfunction of the defrost system (heating element, sensor, timer).
  • 🌀 Fan breakdown blowing the evaporator.
  • 🛑 Clogged capillary pipeline or filter drier.
Why is it important to use original spare parts?

Using non-original sensors or heating elements can lead to incorrect operation of the electronics. Daewoo electronics are sensitive to the resistance of the elements, and a deviation from the norm can cause an error or failure of the control system.

Problems with the No Frost system and freezing

The system No Frost greatly simplifies the maintenance of equipment, but adds complex components that can break. If you notice that Daewoo refrigerator it is not freezing, but at the same time a huge lump of ice has formed in the freezer, hiding the back wall, this is a classic sign of a defrosting malfunction.

The defrosting process is started by a timer or according to sensor readings. If the evaporator heating element burns out, the ice does not melt and grows with each cycle. Sooner or later it blocks the air ducts. The fan begins to hum, trying to break through the ice, but no air enters the chamber.

It is important to distinguish between normal freezing and pathology. A thin layer of frost on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment is normal for a drip system. But if the layer of ice reaches several centimeters, or ice appears where it should not be (for example, on shelves), diagnostics is required.

Symptom Probable cause Required action
Thick layer of ice on the back wall Faulty defrost heating element Replacing the heater
The fan is humming, there is no cold Evaporator freezing Defrost 24 hours, check the sensor
Ice only in the corner of the freezer Loose door fit Adjusting hinges, replacing the seal
Frost on food in the refrigerator compartment Clogged drainage hole Cleaning the drainage with warm water

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to chip off the ice with a knife or sharp objects. You can damage the evaporator tubes, which will lead to an immediate leak of freon and expensive repairs.

Faults of the compressor and start relay

The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator. If motor-compressor he hums, clicks and turns off after a few seconds, most likely the problem is in the start relay or motor windings. The relay is a small plastic element that fits onto the contact of the compressor. Over time, its contacts burn out and it stops starting the engine.

Replacing the start relay is one of the simplest and cheapest repair procedures. However, if after replacing the relay the situation has not changed, and the compressor still clicks and does not start, there may be an inter-turn short circuit in the windings or mechanical wear of the piston group.

In some cases, the compressor may operate continuously without turning off, but not create the required cold. This is a typical sign of loss of performance or freon leakage. The motor runs “idle”, trying to compensate for the lack of refrigerant in the system.

☑️ Compressor diagnostics

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Electronics and error codes on the display

Modern models Daewoo equipped with a self-diagnosis system. If the refrigerator does not freeze, an error code may appear on the display, which will indicate a specific unit. For example, an error related to the evaporator temperature sensor will immediately direct the diagnosis towards the defrost system.

Sometimes electronics fail due to power surges in the network. In this case, a full reset helps. It is necessary to disconnect the device from the network for 15-20 minutes, and then turn it on again. If the problem was in a “frozen” control module, this action will bring the system back to life.

If error codes continue to appear or indicators indicating a malfunction are on, professional diagnostics using a tester are required. Electronic modules are sensitive to moisture and temperature changes, so it is important to (make sure) that the control board is dry and not oxidized.

When you need to call a technician

There are a number of situations when self-repair is not only useless, but also dangerous. If the diagnostics showed a freon leak, specialized equipment will be required to fix the problem: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and scales for dosing the refrigerant.

Also, do not climb inside the sealed circuit without hard soldering skills. Improper soldering of the pipes can lead to a repeat leak or, worse, an oil fire in the system. Replacing a compressor is a complex procedure that requires overhauling the entire system.

If you are not confident in your abilities or do not have the necessary tools, it is better to contact an authorized service center. A professional technician will be able to accurately determine the reason why Daewoo refrigerator stopped freezing, and will carry out repairs with a guarantee.

What to do if the refrigerator has defrosted?

If the food has already defrosted, first of all evaluate their condition. Meat and fish with signs of spoilage (unpleasant odor, stickiness) must be thrown away. Vegetables and fruits can often be saved if they have not begun to rot. After fixing the breakdown, let the refrigerator run empty for 2-3 hours before loading food.

Is it possible to use a refrigerator with one working chamber?

Operating a refrigerator that only freezes in the freezer is possible temporarily, but is not recommended. This puts increased stress on the compressor, which will work non-stop trying to build up the temperature. This can lead to its rapid failure.

How often do you need to defrost Daewoo No Frost?

The technology No Frost implies no need for manual defrosting. However, once a year it is recommended to carry out preventive defrosting and washing to remove bacteria and odors, as well as to check the condition of the drainage system.

Why does the refrigerator take a long time to get cold after defrosting?

After complete defrosting and turning on, the refrigerator may take from 4 to 12 hours to return to operating mode. At this time, do not open the doors or load food. If after 12 hours the cold has not appeared, then the problem is not defrosting, but a malfunction.