Where is the evaporator located in the LG refrigerator: search by models and cooling systems

The evaporator is a key element of the refrigeration circuit, responsible for removing heat from the chamber. In refrigerators LG its location depends on the type of cooling system: No Frost, Direct Cool or hybrid. If you notice that the refrigerator is not freezing well, ice is forming on the back wall, or the compressor is running non-stop, the problem may lie in the evaporator. But before you call the technician, you should figure out where it is and how to inspect it.

In this article we will analyze in detail:

• 🔍 How the location of the evaporator differs in different cooling systems LG (with photos and diagrams).
• 🛠️ Signs of an evaporator malfunction and how to diagnose them without disassembling.
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions on how to get to the evaporator in popular models LG (including GA-B489*, GR-N309*, GB-B399* etc.).
• ⚠️ Typical mistakes when doing it yourself inspection and why you should not remove the panel without preparation.

Important: the design of refrigerators LG has changed over the years. If your model was released before 2015, the location of the evaporator may differ - check this in official documentation using your serial number.

1. Evaporator in LG No Frost refrigerators: where to look and what it looks like

In models with the system No Frost (for example, LG GA-B489*, GR-M402*, GB-B570*) the evaporator is hidden behind the back panel of the freezer. It is an aluminum or copper radiator with plastic air guides. The main feature is the absence of a visible “crying” evaporator in the refrigerator compartment.

How to find it:

• 🧊 Open the freezer and remove all food.
• 🔧 Remove plastic back panel (usually secured with latches or screws for a Phillips screwdriver).
• ❄️ Under the panel you will see a radiator with a fan - this is the evaporator.

In some models LG (for example, Total No Frost) evaporator can be divided into two parts: the main one in the freezer and an additional one in the refrigerator compartment (behind the top panel). This is typical for models with the function Multi Air Flow.

Why is the evaporator not visible in the refrigerator compartment in No Frost?

In No Frost systems, cooling occurs due to the forced circulation of cold air from the freezer compartment. There is only one evaporator (in the freezer), and cold enters the refrigerator compartment through air ducts. The exception is models with Twin Cooling, where the evaporators are separate.

⚠️ Attention: If, when removing the panel, you find a thick layer of ice on the evaporator (more than 5 mm), this is a sign of a malfunction of the defrosting system. Do not try to scrape off the ice with a knife - this can damage the tubes. It’s better to defrost the refrigerator for 12–24 hours and check the operation after turning it on.

2. The evaporator in LG Direct Cool refrigerators (drip system)

In models with Direct Cool (for example, LG GA-B399*, GR-N309*, GB-389*) the evaporator is located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment and looks like a plastic panel with aluminum tubes. It is easy to recognize by its characteristic “crying” effect - during operation, drops of condensate form on the wall, which flow into the drainage hole.

Location features:

• 🔹 In single-chamber models, the evaporator occupies almost the entire back wall.
• 🔹 In two-chamber ones - divided into two parts: the upper (for the refrigerator) and the lower (for the freezer, if there is one).
• 🔹 In some models (for example, LG GA-E409) the evaporator can be hidden under a decorative panel.

In LG models with Direct Cool system released after 2018, the evaporator is often integrated into the back wall and does not have a removable panel. An attempt to dismantle it without experience may lead to damage to the freon circuit.

3. LG hybrid models (Total No Frost, Twin Cooling): two evaporators

Refrigerators LG with technologies Total No Frost or Twin Cooling (for example, LG GC-B247*, GB-B570*) equipped two independent evaporators:

• 🧊 One in the freezer compartment (behind the rear panel).
• ❄️ The second is in the refrigerator compartment (usually behind the top panel or in the ceiling of the chamber).

How are they distinguish:

• 🔧 The freezer evaporator is always hidden by a panel and has a fan.
• 🔧 The fridge compartment evaporator can be visible as a grille in the upper part or hidden under plastic (in models with Door Cooling+).

The advantage of such a system is separate temperature control and no mixing of odors. However, if it comes out If one of the evaporators is faulty, repairs are more expensive.

4. Signs of a malfunction of the evaporator: when diagnostics are needed

Problems with the evaporator manifest themselves differently depending on the type of system. Here are the key symptoms:

For No Frost:

• ❄️ Ice builds up on the back wall of the freezer (more than 1 cm thick).
• 🌬️ The fan is loud or stops periodically.
• 🔥 The compressor heats up and turns off 5-10 minutes after starting.
• 📉 The temperature in the freezer is above −10°C, despite the constant operation of the motor.

For Direct Cool:

• 💧 Water accumulates under the vegetable drawers.
• 🧊 A “coat” of ice or snow forms on the back wall.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the refrigerator compartment does not drop below +8…+10°C.
• 🔊 The compressor works without stopping or turns on too often.

For hybrid models:

• 🔀 One of the chambers does not cool (for example, the freezer works, but the refrigerator does not).
• 💨 Warm air is blowing from the vents.
• 🚨 An error appears on the display ER FF or ER IF (depending on the model).

⚠️ Attention: An error ER IF on the display LG often indicates an open circuit of the evaporator sensor. Do not reset it forcibly - this can lead to failure of the control board. It is better to call a technician for diagnostics.

5. How to check the evaporator yourself: step-by-step instructions

If you suspect a malfunction of the evaporator, follow these steps:

For No Frost models:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it for at least 12 hours.
2. Remove the back panel of the freezer (usually it is held on by latches or 4-6 screws).
3. Inspect the evaporator:
   • 🔍 If there is a thick layer on it ice - defective defrost heater or defrost sensor.
   • 🔍 If the tubes are blackened or have traces of corrosion - possible leakage freon.
   • 🔍 If the fan does not rotate, check its power supply (the wire may be broken).

For Direct Cool models:

1. Make sure that the refrigerator is turned off and defrosted.
2. If the evaporator is hidden by a panel, remove it (in some models the panel is not removable!).
3. Check:
   • 💧 The presence of ice between the tubes is a sign clogging of the capillary tube.
   • 🔧 Integrity of the tubes - if there are microcracks, freon repair is needed contour.
   • 🕳️ Patency of the drainage hole (clogging leads to water accumulation).

6. Typical mistakes when searching and inspecting an evaporator

Many users make critical mistakes when trying to diagnose the evaporator themselves. Here's what you can't do:

• 🔨 Remove ice with a knife or metal objects - this will almost certainly lead to puncture of the tubes and leakage of freon.
• 🔥 Use a hairdryer for accelerated defrosting - overheating can damage plastic parts and seals.
• 🛠️ Solder the tubes yourself without vacuuming the system - this will lead to repeated leakage within a month.
• 💡 Ignore errors on the display, resetting them with a button - this can “mask” a serious breakdown.
• 🧲 Try to clean the evaporator with chemicals - aggressive substances destroy aluminum and rubber seals.

Also a common mistake - confuse the evaporator with the condenser. The condenser (grid on the back wall of the refrigerator) heats up during operation, but the evaporator is always cold. If you are in doubt which element is in front of you, please note:

• 🔹 Evaporator - inside the chamber, covered with frost or ice.
• 🔹 Condenser - behind the refrigerator, hot on touch.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators LG with a linear compressor (Inverter Linear Compressor), if the evaporator is damaged, the protection may be triggered and the refrigerator will shut down completely. Do not try to turn it on again without diagnostics - this may result in failure of the control board.

7. When to call a professional: signs of serious damage

Not all problems with the evaporator can be solved on your own. Contact a specialist if:

• 🛠️ Oily stains are visible on the evaporator tubes Oil stains (a sign of a freon leak).
• ⚡ When you turn on the refrigerator, it works UZO or automatic in the dashboard.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the chambers does not fall below +15°C, despite the continuous operation of the compressor.
• 🔊 Appears hissing or gurgling from the back of the refrigerator (refrigerant leakage is possible).
• 💻 Errors appear on the display ER DH, ER CH, ER FF (fault codes for sensors or fan).

The cost of repairing the evaporator in LG depends on the type of breakdown:

• 🔧 Replacement of the defrost heater: from 2,500 to 4,000 rubles.
• 🔧 Elimination of freon leakage + refilling: from 5,000 to 8,000 rubles
• 🔧 Replacement of the evaporator sensor: from 1,800 to 3,500 rubles.
• 🔧 Repair of the freon circuit (soldering tubes): from 6,000 to 12,000 rubles.

In some cases (for example, if the tubes are corroded or the evaporator is damaged in several places), the technician may recommend replacing the refrigeration unit, which will cost 50–70% of the cost of a new refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to clean the evaporator in an LG refrigerator without disassembling?

In models Direct Cool you can carefully wash the visible part of the evaporator warm water and soap (no abrasives!). C No Frost cleaning without removing the panel is impossible - disassembly is required. For disinfection, use a solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water). Never use vinegar or citric acid —they corrode aluminum.

Why ice builds up in the LG No Frost freezer if the evaporator itself should defrost?

This is a typical malfunction of the defrosting system. Reasons:

• 🔥 Burnt out evaporator heater (heating element).
• 🛠️ Out of order defrost sensor (defroster).
• ⚡ The wiring is damaged or the contacts on the control board are oxidized.
• 🕒 The defrost timer settings are lost (in models with mechanical control).

You can check the heater yourself with a multimeter (the resistance should be 20–60 Ohms). If the device shows a break, the heating element must be replaced.

How to understand that the evaporator fan is broken in an LG refrigerator?

Signs fan malfunction:

• 🔇 It has become quieter in the freezer (no characteristic air noise).
• 🌡️ The temperature in the refrigerator compartment is higher than normal, despite the operation of the compressor.
• 🔥 The rear panel of the freezer gets very hot (the fan does not cools the evaporator).

To check the fan:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and remove the back panel of the freezer.
2. Turn the fan blades by hand - they should rotate freely.
3. Connect the refrigerator and listen: if the fan does not start after 5-10 minutes, it is broken.

Attention: in some models LG the fan turns on only when the freezer door is closed!

What to do if, after defrosting, the LG refrigerator does not cool?

Possible causes and solutions:

• ❄️ Clogged capillary tube —cleaning or replacement is required (only in service).
• 🛠️ Freon leak - need refilling and soldering (cannot be fixed on your own!).
• 🔧 Failure control board - try turning off the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turning it on again.
• 🌡️ Malfunction of the thermostat or sensor —check with a multimeter (the resistance of the sensor should change as the temperature changes).

If the refrigerator LG with a display, check the error code in the instructions. For example, ER CS indicates a problem with the refrigerator compartment sensor.

Is it possible to replace the evaporator in an LG refrigerator yourself?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is extremely difficult:

• 🛠️ Required special equipment for vacuuming and refilling freon.
• 🔧 You need to solder copper tubes argon welding (a regular soldering iron will not work).
• ⚠️ An installation error can lead to repeated leakage or failure of the compressor.

If you do not have experience, it is better to entrust the replacement to a professional. The cost of work (excluding spare parts) is from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles, depending on the model.