Search thermostat in an LG refrigerator is a task that often baffles equipment owners who are faced with temperature problems. Unlike old Soviet models, where the adjustment knob was placed in a prominent place, in modern units LG the temperature control system can be hidden deep inside the case or completely replaced by electronic modules. Understanding exactly where this critically important unit is located is necessary for competent diagnostics and subsequent repairs.
The location of the element directly depends on the type of control of your device: it is mechanical or electronic. If your refrigerator has mechanical systeminstalled, then the thermostat is usually located in the access area hidden behind plastic panels. In models with electronic control the role of a classic thermostat is performed by sensors that can be located in the evaporator, on the back wall of the chamber or even in the air duct. An error during the search can lead to unnecessary disassembly of the case, so it is important to clearly identify the type of your equipment.
In this article we will analyze in detail where to look for a thermostat in different series of refrigerators LGhow to distinguish a mechanical regulator from an electronic sensor and what tools you will need to access them. You will learn why some models may have more than one of them, and how to correctly interpret fault signals coming from the cooling system.
Differences between mechanical and electronic controls
The first step in your search is to determine the type of temperature control system. In refrigerators LG there are two main types: mechanical thermostats and electronic sensors (thermistors). Mechanical thermostat is a device with a capillary tube that responds to changes in the volume of gas or liquid inside it. Electronic sensors work based on changes in resistance with temperature changes.
You can visually distinguish them by the presence of a rotary knob inside the refrigerator compartment. If you have a knob with numbers 1 to 5 or Min to Max, then you have a mechanical system. In this case, the thermostat itself is located directly under or next to this handle, often hidden behind a decorative trim. If the temperature is set using buttons on the external panel or through the touch display, then inside the chamber you will only find thermistors.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to replace an electronic sensor with a mechanical thermostat (or vice versa) is impossible without completely reworking the electrical circuit of the refrigerator. These systems are incompatible with each other.
The arrangement of the elements is also radically different. The mechanical regulator is most often mounted at the top of the refrigerator compartment, near the ceiling or on the side wall. Electronic sensors can be “scattered” throughout the unit: one controls the air temperature in the chamber, another controls the temperature of the evaporator, and the third controls the freshness zone. To access them in electronic models, partial disassembly of the internal plastic is often required.
It is important to understand that in models with a system No Frost a classic thermostat is extremely rare. There, the compressor and defrost are controlled exclusively by an electronic unit based on thermistor readings. Therefore, if you are looking for a “thermostat” in a modern LG No Frost, you most likely need defrost sensor or an air temperature sensor.
Localization of the thermostat in models with mechanical control
If your The refrigerator LG belongs to classic models with a drip defrosting system and a mechanical adjustment knob; finding a thermostat will not take much time. The main one thermostat in such devices is traditionally located in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment. Most often, it is hidden under a plastic shade, which also contains a lighting lamp.
In order to get to the part, you must perform the following steps:
- 🔌 Turn off the power to the refrigerator and empty the top shelf of food.
- 💡 Carefully dismantle the lampshade, which is usually held on by latches or one screw.
- 🔍 Under the lampshade you will see the thermostat housing with a capillary tube coming out of it capillary tube.
- 🔧 Unscrew the mounting screws, if any, and remove the protective cover from the handle adjustments.
In some modifications of refrigerators LG the thermostat may be shifted to the side, to the side wall, especially if the model is narrow. In such cases, the adjustment knob is located on the side panel, and the device body itself is hidden behind the side wall of the chamber or in a special technological hole. In this case, the capillary tube is laid along the perimeter of the chamber or attached to the evaporator.
Particular attention should be paid when removing capillary tube. This is a thin copper or aluminum tube containing a sensitive medium inside. It is very fragile and easily deformed. Any damage to the tube will lead to leakage of the working substance and failure of the thermostat, after which restoration will be impossible - only replacement.
Location of temperature sensors in No Frost refrigerators
In refrigerators LG with a system No Frost the situation is more complicated, since there is no classic thermostat there. Its function is performed by thermistors (thermistors). There are usually two main sensors: one measures the air temperature in the refrigerator compartment, the second controls the temperature of the evaporator in the freezer compartment (or in the cooling zone).
The air temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment is most often hidden behind the rear plastic panel. To access it, you need to:
- ❄️ Defrost the refrigerator (if the system is not fully automatic) or simply turn it off.
- 🔩 Remove all shelves and drawers that interfere with access to the back wall.
- 🧱 Remove the rear plastic panel by unscrewing the fasteners screws and releasing the latches.
- 📡 Find the sensor, which is usually fixed in a special hole or clip on the air duct.
The evaporator sensor (defrost sensor) is located in the freezer, directly on the aluminum evaporator radiator. Getting to it is more difficult: it is often necessary to remove not only the back panel, but also the fan and, possibly, the evaporator itself. This thermistor is critical for proper operation of the defrost system. If it shows incorrect values, the refrigerator may become “overgrown” with ice or, conversely, stop freezing.
In some models LG with the “Freshness” (Zero Degree) zone, there may be a third sensor that controls the temperature in this particular compartment. It is usually built into the wall of the container or attached to a partition. Its malfunction leads to spoilage of food in the freshness zone, while the rest of the refrigerator operates normally.
Tools and preparation for diagnostics
Before you start disassembling and searching thermostat or the sensor, you need to prepare a workplace and tools. Rush in this matter is unacceptable, since the plastic elements of the case LG at low temperatures become brittle and can crack if handled carelessly.
You will need the following set of tools:
- 🪛 Set of screwdrivers (cross and flat) for removing panels and fasteners.
- 🔦 A powerful flashlight, since the lighting inside the cameras can be blocked by the parts being dismantled.
- 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and possible residual cold.
- 📏 Multimeter for checking the resistance of sensors (relevant for electronic models).
The most important stage of preparation is complete defrosting (defrost). Even if you are replacing a mechanical thermostat, ice inside can make it difficult to access hidden components or allow moisture to get into the electrical contacts. It is recommended to leave the refrigerator turned off with the doors open for at least 12–24 hours.
☑️ Preparing to repair an LG refrigerator
It is also worth photographing the circuit in advance connecting wires to a thermostat or sensor. In refrigerators LG the color marking of wires may vary depending on the year of manufacture and region of delivery. The photo will help you avoid mistakes when reassembling and connecting a new element.
Table of typical faults and localization
To quickly identify the problem, use the table below. It will help to compare the symptoms of a malfunction with the probable location of the problem element in refrigerators LG.
| Fault symptom | Probable element | Typical location | Type of control |
|---|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator does not turn off, a “fur coat” is formed | Thermostat (contacts sticking) | Under the lamp shade or on the side wall | Mechanical |
| The refrigerator does not turns on, the chamber is warm | Thermostat (open circuit) | Inside the case under the adjustment knob | Mechanical |
| Ice build-up on the back wall of the freezer | Defrost sensor (thermistor) | On the evaporator, behind the rear panel | Electronic (No Frost) |
| Unstable temperature, food spoils | Air temperature sensor | Behind the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment | Electronic |
| Error on the display (error code) | Faulty sensor | Depends on the error code (air/evaporator) | Electronic |
Analysis of symptoms allows you to narrow your search. If the refrigerator does not respond at all to turning the thermostat knob (no clicks are heard), the problem is most likely in the refrigerator itself. If the unit hums, but does not cool, or cools too much, this may indicate a failure in the transmission of the signal from the sensor to the control board. mechanical unit. If the unit hums, but does not cool, or cools too much, this may indicate a failure in the transmission of the signal from the sensor to the control board.
In electronic models LG often self-diagnosis displays an error code on the display. For example, "Er" errors or flashing lights may directly indicate a problem with a specific sensor. Deciphering the error code is the fastest way to understand which sensor has failed and where to look for it.
Removing and checking the functionality of the thermostat
Once you have determined where the thermostat is in your refrigerator LGand got to it, you need to carry out diagnostics. For mechanical thermostats, the simplest method is visual and acoustic. When you turn the handle, you should hear characteristic clicks of opening and closing contacts. If there are no clicks at the extreme positions of the handle, the element is probably faulty.
A more accurate check is carried out using multimeter in the dialing mode:
- Disconnect the wires from the terminals thermostat.
- Close the multimeter probes to the contacts of the thermostat.
- At room temperature the circuit should ring (if it is a normally closed thermostat).
- Put the sensitive part (can) of the thermostat in the freezer or cover it with ice on 10–15 minutes.
- After cooling, the circuit should break (the multimeter will stop beeping).
⚠️ Attention: When checking electronic sensors (thermistors), the multimeter measures not the integrity of the circuit, but the resistance. It should change smoothly with temperature changes. A sharp jump or break indicates a malfunction.
If the mechanical thermostat does not “click” even after cooling, or the contacts are burnt (which can be seen when opening the case, although opening them is not recommended), it is necessary replacement. It is not advisable to repair thermostats due to low reliability after intervention and the need for precise calibration.
Is it possible to temporarily close the thermostat?
Technically, the contacts of a mechanical thermostat can be closed with a wire so that the refrigerator operates in constant cooling mode. However, this is an emergency measure: the compressor will not turn off, which will lead to overheating, icing of food and high energy consumption. Use this method only for short-term rescue of food before the technician arrives.
Replacing the thermostat: step-by-step algorithm
The process of replacing the thermostat in the refrigerator LG requires care. If you are convinced that a part is faulty, procurete a similar one by marking. There are few universal thermostats; it is important to match the length capillary tube and temperature range of operation.
Algorithm for replacement:
- 🛑 Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
- 🔌 Remove the old thermostat by unscrewing the fasteners and disconnecting the wires (after taking a photograph).
- ❄️ Carefully remove the capillary tube from the process channel or from the evaporator.
- 🆕 Install the new thermostat, securing it in the mounting place.
- 🔗 Lay the new capillary tube exactly along the path of the old one, avoiding kinks and sharp edges.
- 🔌 Connect the wires according to the photograph taken earlier.
Pay special attention to the installation of the capillary tube. In models LG it is often fixed with special clamps or clips on the evaporator. Insufficient contact of the tube with the surface of the evaporator will lead to an incorrect reading of the temperature: the refrigerator will either undercool or work without stopping.
After assembling all the panels and connecting the refrigerator to the network, do not load it with food immediately. Let the unit run idle for 2-3 hours to stabilize the temperature and check the compressor's cycling. If the refrigerator turns off and turns on independently within the specified limits, the repair can be considered successful.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a thermostat from another brand in an LG refrigerator?
The use of analogues is possible, but only if the main parameters match: capillary tube length, temperature range on/off and seating dimensions. However, original spare parts LG guarantee better compatibility and durability of the system.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off after replacing the thermostat?
There may be several reasons: incorrectly installed capillary tube (poor contact with the evaporator), malfunction of the new thermostat (defect), freon leak or Compressor malfunction. It is also worth checking whether the wires are connected correctly.
How to understand that it is the thermostat that has broken down and not something else?
The main sign of a malfunction of a mechanical thermostat is the absence of clicks when turning the knob and the circuit ringing with a multimeter. If the refrigerator does not respond to changes in the position of the handle (continues to freeze or does not freeze at all), most likely the problem is in the thermostat.
How much does it cost to replace a thermostat in the service?
The cost consists of the price of the spare part and the work of the technician. In service centers, the price may vary depending on the model of the refrigerator and the difficulty of accessing the thermostat. Replacing it yourself will save on work, but requires skills.