Modern refrigerators LG are distinguished by complex internal architecture and thoughtful design, but even reliable equipment requires periodic maintenance or repair. Owners are often faced with the need to get to internal components: replace a burnt-out fan, clean the drainage hole, or replace a failed fan. Self-disassembly can significantly save your budget if you have minimal skills in working with tools and follow safety precautions. Defrost heating element, clean the drainage hole or replace a faulty fan. Do-it-yourself disassembly can significantly save your budget if you have minimal skills in working with tools and follow safety precautions.
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly understand which model you are dealing with. The design No Frost and drip defrosting system is radically different, which affects the sequence of dismantling the panels. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the plastic latches or disruption of the tightness of the circuit, so each step must be conscious and careful.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling the main components of refrigeration equipment LG. We will cover the steps from turning off the power to removing the compressor, paying special attention to fragile elements and hidden fasteners. It is critical to completely defrost the chamber within 24 hours before starting work.as the presence of ice inside the system can damage the evaporator tubes when removing the panels.
Preparation for dismantling and the necessary tools
Any work with household appliances begins with ensuring safety. The first step should always be to completely disconnect the device from the electrical outlet. Unplug the power cord and make sure all lights on the control panel go out. If the refrigerator is built into a kitchen unit, it must be carefully pulled out, providing access from all sides, including the top and back wall.
To carry out quality work, you will need a minimum set of tools, which most home craftsmen can find. Lack of specialized equipment can complicate the process or lead to damage to bolt heads and plastic fasteners. The main tool will be a Phillips screwdriver, but you may also need flat-head screwdrivers of different sizes and pliers.
- 🔧 A set of Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers for removing screws of different calibers.
- 🔨 A plastic spatula or pliers for carefully snapping off the clips without scratches.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of metal sheets.
- 🧊 A container for collecting water if there is liquid left inside after defrosting.
Pay special attention to preparing the workspace. The floor must be level and dry to prevent heavy housing elements from slipping or falling. It is recommended to cover the work area with soft material, since it is better to place the removed panels and doors with the outer side up so as not to scratch the front surface.
⚠️ Attention: Do not start disassembling if there is still ice inside the chambers. An attempt to remove the back panel with the evaporator frozen to it is guaranteed to result in broken tubes and freon leakage.
☑️ Checking readiness for disassembly
Removing the door and internal shelves
Removing the door is the first stage, which greatly facilitates access to internal components and allows you to move the unit without hindrance. Refrigerator doors LG usually mounted on strong hinges, which can be hidden with decorative plugs. Depending on the model, the fastening bolts can be located at the top or bottom of the door leaf.
First you need to free up the internal space. Remove all glass shelves, plastic containers and runners. Glass elements are very fragile, so they should be put in a safe place, after covering the surface with a soft cloth. In some models, the shelves can be fixed with additional latches that need to be carefully unlocked.
The process of removing the door requires the participation of two people due to the significant weight of the structure. One person holds the door while the other unscrews the hinge mounting bolts. It is important not to drop a heavy element, as this may damage the flooring or the equipment itself. After removing the bolts, carefully lift the door and set it aside.
- 🚪 Remove the decorative trims from the hinges by prying them with a thin screwdriver.
- 🔩 Unscrew the upper and lower hinge fastening bolts using a suitable bit.
- 🧊 Carefully remove the door, holding it by the handle and bottom end.
If electronics are installed on the door, for example, a display or control buttons, you must first disconnect the cables. They may be secured with plastic clips which require careful handling. Do not pull the wires sharply so as not to damage the contacts or insulation.
Removing the back panel and accessing the evaporator
To access the system No Frost, heating elements and temperature sensors, you must remove the back panel inside the freezer or refrigerator compartment. It is attached with self-tapping screws and plastic latches. In some models LG fasteners may be hidden under plastic plugs or decorative elements.
Carefully inspect the perimeter of the panel. Often the screws are located in the corners and in the middle of the sides. Use a magnetic screwdriver to avoid dropping the fastener inside the case, where it will be difficult to remove later. After unscrewing all visible bolts, the panel must be carefully pressed around the perimeter with a plastic spatula.
Do not sharply pull the panel towards you. Inspect the space behind it and carefully disconnect the connectors if they interfere with complete removal. Often the connectors have locking tabs that need to be pressed with a finger or a thin screwdriver.
⚠️ Attention: The plastic in old refrigerators becomes brittle. When unsnapping the panel, apply even force so as not to break the fastening points of the latches.
After removing the panel, you will have access to evaporator. This is a key element of the cooling system, which is a coil with fins. This is where ice most often freezes and blocks the operation of the fan. Visually assess the condition of the fins: they should be clean, without severe deformations and a thick layer of frost.
What to do if the panel cannot be removed?
If the panel does not budge after unscrewing all the screws, do not use force. Check if you forgot to remove any fastening element at the bottom or top. Sometimes the panel is held on by guides that need to be moved up or to the side. Also check if the panel is stuck due to moisture - in this case, you can slightly warm the edges with a hairdryer (very carefully!).
Replacing the defrost heating element and sensors
One of the most common reasons for the need for disassembly is the failure of the defrost system. If the refrigerator stops freezing or water accumulates in the chamber, the problem often lies in a burnt Defrost heating element or faulty sensor. These elements are located directly on the evaporator or near it.
The heating element can be of an open type (bent tube) or hidden in a special box. To replace it, you must disconnect the power terminals. Before installing a new element, it is recommended to clean the seating area from scale and corrosion to ensure better heat transfer. The new heating element must exactly match the model of your refrigerator LG.
Temperature and defrost sensors are usually attached to clips or clothespins to the evaporator tubes. They are small cylindrical elements with two wires. When replacing, it is important not to overheat them with a soldering iron and reliably insulate the connection points of the wires, if required by the design.
| Component | Location | Function | Signs of malfunction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defrost heating element | Under the evaporator | Heating and melting of ice | Increasing "coat", water in the chamber |
| Defrost sensor | On the evaporator fins | Control of defrost temperature | The heating element does not turn on or off |
| Thermostat | Inside the chamber/at the back | Adjusting the compressor | The refrigerator does not turn on or off |
| Fan | Behind the rear panel | Cold air circulation | Noise, lack of cold when the compressor is running |
After replacing the components, reassemble the structure in the reverse order. Make sure that all wires are laid in the correct places and do not touch moving parts or hot surfaces. The refrigerator should be connected to the network only after complete assembly.
Access to the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, located in a niche on the rear wall outside. To access it, simply remove the metal or plastic cover, which is usually secured with 4 bolts or latches. Inside there is the compressor itself, a capacitor and a start-up relay.
If you need to replace the relay or check the contacts, you need to act extremely carefully. The relay fits directly onto the compressor terminals. Be sure to wait until the unit has completely cooled down before removing it. Remove the retaining bracket and carefully pull the relay down, rocking it from side to side.
When working on the back of the refrigerator, it is important not to damage the thin condenser tubes, which are often located close to the compressor. They are filled with refrigerant under pressure. Any scratch or puncture will lead to a gas leak and costly repairs with refilling.
- 🔌 Unplug the refrigerator before removing the back cover.
- 🧤 Use dielectric gloves when working with electrical components.
- 🔍 Inspect the tubes for oily spots indicating a freon leak.
If you are planning to replace the compressor, remember that this requires special equipment to evacuate the system and charge it with freon. It is impossible to perform this operation independently without skills and tools.
Assembly and performance testing
Assembling the refrigerator is carried out in strictly reverse order. It is important not to miss a single fastener and make sure that all panels fit into place without gaps. Pay special attention to the doors: they should close tightly, and the rubber seal around the perimeter should evenly adhere to the body.
After assembly, turn on the refrigerator. In the first minutes of work, listen to the sounds: there should be no extraneous vibrations, knocking or buzzing that were not there before. The fan should operate smoothly, without whistling or friction.
Check the operation of the system No Frost. After 15-20 minutes of operation, cold air should come out of the vents. If you have changed heating elements or sensors, the defrost control cycle may take some time, so it is better to give a final assessment of the operation after a day of operation.
⚠️ Attention: If after assembly the refrigerator makes a loud noise or does not freeze, turn it off immediately. Repeated disassembly will help you find an error made during the installation process.
Regular maintenance and proper operation will extend the life of your refrigerator LG. Cleaning the drainage holes and monitoring the condition of the seals are simple measures that will prevent serious damage in the future.
Is it necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator before disassembling?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. Ice inside the system can damage the evaporator tubes when removing the panels, and water can cause a short circuit in the electronics.
What tools are needed to remove LG door hinges?
Most often, a Phillips screwdriver or 8 or 10 mm socket wrench (socket head) is required, depending on the model. Some hinges may have hexagonal fasteners.
Is it possible to remove the back panel without removing the drawers?
In most models, drawers and shelves must be removed completely, as they block access to the fasteners and interfere with removing the panel at the desired angle.
What to do if, after assembly, the refrigerator does not turns on?
Check the connection of the power cord, the presence of voltage in the outlet and the correct connection of all internal connectors that may have been disconnected during disassembly.