The appearance of an extraneous hum, crackling sound or complete lack of air circulation in the fridge compartment often indicates a system malfunction No Frost. In units of the brand LG a special fan is responsible for the uniform distribution of cold air, which over time can fail or become covered with an ice crust. Replacing this unit on your own is a completely solvable task for a person with basic skills in working with tools, but requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions.
Before starting disassembly, you need to understand that in models with a dual No Frost system, the fans are located separately in the freezer and refrigerator compartmentsand their dismantling may differ significantly. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to the purchase of unnecessary spare parts, so it is important to first make sure that the problem lies in the motor and not in the electronic module or defrost sensors. In this article, we will analyze in detail the process of removing, checking and installing a new fan, paying attention to the nuances that official manuals are silent about.
Safety is not just a formality, but a critical stage of working with electrical appliances. Any interference with the internal structure of the refrigerator requires a complete disconnection from the power supply. It is not enough to simply turn off the device with a button; you must physically remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock or short circuit if the insulation of the wires is accidentally damaged during manipulation.
Fault diagnosis and tool preparation
The first step should always be accurate identification of the problem. If you hear a loud hum that turns into a crackling sound, or, conversely, silence when the compressor is running, these are direct signs of a fan malfunction. In some cases, the impeller may become jammed due to ice formed, and then the motor will hum, trying to turn over, but will not be able to start. It is important to distinguish between compressor noise and fan noise: the latter usually has a higher frequency and is localized inside the chambers.
To carry out high-quality repairs, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are found in most home craftsmen. The lack of specialized equipment is not a barrier, but using inappropriate objects such as knives instead of screwdrivers can damage the plastic fasteners. Prepare your work area in advance by ensuring good lighting and easy access to the back of the refrigerator.
The standard list of necessary equipment includes:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead in different sizes)
- 🔪 A plastic spatula or card for careful opening latches
- 💡 Flashlight for illuminating the internal space of the evaporator
- 🌡️ Hairdryer (preferably a construction one, but a household one can also) for defrosting ice
- 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and cold
Particular attention should be paid to the multimeter if you plan not only to replace the part, but also to check the circuit. A continuity test of the motor windings will help to definitively verify its malfunction before purchasing a new spare part. If the fan emits a burning smell or melted parts of plastic are visible, replacement is definitely required, and checking the electrical system in this case is secondary.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to wait until the compressor has completely stopped. Starting the engine immediately after unplugging it can lead to water hammer in the cooling system, which is fatal for the refrigerator.
It is also important to note that in different models LG access to the unit can be organized differently. In some cases, it is enough to remove the back panel inside the camera, in others, partial disassembly of the body from the outside is required. Studying the design of your particular model using the service manual or video reviews will greatly simplify the task and save time.
Defrosting as a mandatory stage of dismantling
Many amateur craftsmen make the mistake of starting disassembly immediately after discovering a problem. In the system No Frost the evaporator around which air circulates is often covered with a layer of frost or ice, especially if the defrost heating element or sensor is faulty. An attempt to remove a fan frozen in an ice cocoon is guaranteed to break the plastic impeller or damage the aluminum evaporator tubes.
The defrosting process takes time and patience. The use of sharp objects to chip ice is strictly prohibited, since a breakdown of the evaporator circuit will make repairs economically unfeasible. The safest and most effective way is natural thawing for 10-12 hours or accelerating the process with a hairdryer.
When using a hairdryer, follow the following rules:
- 🌡️ Do not direct a hot stream of air directly onto plastic parts for more than 5-7 seconds to avoid deformation.
- 💧 Place in the bottom part of the chamber with absorbent rags or towels to collect melt water.
- 🚫 Avoid getting water on electrical contacts and wiring.
After the ice has completely melted, you must thoroughly wipe all surfaces dry. Moisture inside the case may cause a short circuit when first turned on. Make sure there are no blockages in the drainage channel that may have caused excessive icing in the past.
Why should you not pick at the ice with a knife?
Aluminum evaporator tubes have very thin walls. Even a microscopic puncture will cause the refrigerant to escape instantly. Repairing such damage requires calling a technician with equipment for soldering and refilling with freon, which costs more than a new part.
If after defrosting the fan starts working and the noise disappears, this indicates a problem in the defrosting system, and not in the motor itself. However, if the goal is to replace the fan, proceed to the next step only after ensuring the area is completely dry and free of ice.
Access to the fan in the freezer
In most models of refrigerators LG with a system No Frost the main fan responsible for the freezer is located behind the back wall. To access it, you need to empty the chamber of products, shelves and drawers. Dismantling of internal elements should be carried out carefully, since plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures.
The back panel is usually secured with several screws and plastic latches. The screws can be hidden under decorative plugs or located in recesses. After unscrewing them, the panel must be pulled towards you, starting from the bottom or top, evenly distributing the force so as not to break the guides.
Algorithm for removing the panel:
- Unscrew all visible fastening screws.
- Check for hidden screws under stickers or plugs.
- Carefully snap off the panel around the perimeter using a plastic spatula.
- Move the panel to the side without jerking sharply so as not to damage the sensor wires.
Behind the panel you will see an evaporator and a fan located nearby. In some modifications it is attached directly to the evaporator body, in others - to a special plastic frame. The fasteners are screws or self-tapping screws, which also need to be unscrewed. Be careful: the power wires may be short, so do not pull the assembly far.
☑️ Check before removing the fan
It is important to remember the position of the wires and connectors before disconnecting. It is best to take a photo of the assembly on your phone so that during assembly there will be no questions about which connector to connect where. The connectors often have latches that need to be pressed with a finger or a thin screwdriver.
Removing and replacing the motor in the refrigerator compartment
In refrigerators LG with a double system No Frost the second fan is located in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment. Access to it is often hidden by a decorative panel on the ceiling of the chamber or the top of the rear wall. The design may vary: in some models it is necessary to remove the entire back wall of the refrigerator compartment, in others it is enough to dismantle only the upper casing.
The process is similar to working in a freezer, but has its own characteristics. Here, duct fans are more common, which direct the air flow through special air ducts. When removing such an assembly, it is important not to lose the rubber seals or guides that ensure the tightness of the air flow.
Typical signs of a malfunctioning refrigerator fan:
- ❄️ Uneven cooling of products (cold at the top, warm at the bottom).
- 🔊 Whistling or buzzing, coming from the top of the refrigerator.
- 💧 The appearance of condensation or ice on the back wall of the chamber.
When dismantling, pay attention to the condition of the seat. If there was ice there, then the defrost system was not working correctly. Clean the installation site of the new fan from dirt and remnants of old sealant or seal. Installation of the new part should be done tightly, without distortions, so as not to create additional vibration.
⚠️ Attention: Refrigerator and freezer fans may differ in size, shaft length and connector type. Do not attempt to install a part from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment without checking compatibility.
After installing the new motor, but before final assembly, it is recommended to perform a test run. Connect the refrigerator to the network and check whether the impeller rotates and whether there are any extraneous sounds or vibrations. If everything is working properly, you can turn off the device and complete assembly.
Electrical testing and selection of analogues
Before throwing away the old fan, it makes sense to check it with a multimeter. This will help you understand whether the winding burned out or the problem was jamming. To check, switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (Ohms) and attach the probes to the contacts of the motor connector. Normal resistance is usually from 200 to 500 Ohms, the exact values depend on the model.
If the device shows one (open) or zero (short circuit), the motor is faulty and requires replacement. It is also worth checking the free movement of the impeller - it should rotate easily by hand, without jamming or shaft play. The presence of play indicates wear of the sliding bearings, which will inevitably lead to noise.
Table of common fan parameters for LG:
| Parameter | Freezer compartment | Refrigerator compartment | General requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 220-240 V (AC) | 220-240 V (AC) | Strictly according to marking |
| Frequency | 50/60 Hz | 50/60 Hz | Mandatory match |
| Current | 0.10 - 0.18 A | 0.08 - 0.15 A | Not higher than the original |
| Bearing type | Sliding / Rolling | Sliding |