The situation when Daewoo refrigerator stops freezing always takes you by surprise, because the safety of food and the safety of household members depends on it. Primary panic often prevents a sober assessment of the situation, but it is in the first minutes that it is important to carry out the correct diagnosis in order to understand the scale of the problem. Sometimes the reason lies in a simple violation of operating rules, and the unit can be brought back to life on its own in a matter of minutes.
However, in some cases, the lack of cold signals serious technical malfunctions that require the intervention of a qualified technician. Modern models of the South Korean brand, whether No Frost or a drip system, are equipped with sophisticated electronics that can block the start of the compressor if anomalies are detected. Understanding the indicator signals and sound codes is the first step to solving the problem.
In this article we will consider in detail all possible scenarios, from the simplest connection errors to the failure of expensive components. You will learn to distinguish a software failure from a physical breakdown, which will save you time and money when calling a technician. Remember that a timely response to the first signs of a malfunction often prevents a complete replacement of equipment.
Primary diagnostics: light, sound and indicators
Before looking for the cause of a deep breakdown, you need to make sure that the Daewoo refrigerator is receiving power at all and is trying to work. If the light is on in the chamber, but there is no cold, or the unit is completely silent, the algorithm of actions will be different. Listen carefully to the operation of the device: is the compressor making a hum, is the relay clicking, or is there complete silence in the room.
Modern models are often equipped with a digital display that can display error codes. For example, combinations like E1, F1 or flashing temperature indicators indicate a specific node. If you see an error code, write it down as it will make further diagnosis much easier. Lack of response to turning on may indicate problems with the surge protector or internal wiring.
It is important to check whether the compressor has overheated. If the engine hums but does not start, and then there is a clicking sound and silence, this may indicate problems with the start relay or the engine itself. In this case, operation of the equipment must be stopped immediately to avoid fire.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell a burning smell or see sparking in the area of the compressor or rear grille, immediately unplug the cord from the outlet. Further attempts to turn on may lead to a fire.
Problems with the No Frost system and icing
One of the most common reasons why Daewoo refrigerator stopped freezing is a failure in the system defrost No Frost. Unlike older models, here moisture does not accumulate in the form of ice on the back wall, but is removed through the drainage. If this process is disrupted, the evaporator becomes overgrown with a “fur coat” that blocks the circulation of cold air.
Air simply cannot pass through the ice shell to the products, although the compressor itself can work properly. In such cases, you can often hear the fan humming, trying to expel air, or it stops, pinched by ice. Visually, the chamber may be clean, but behind the plastic panel on the back wall there is an ice lump hidden.
To eliminate this problem, it is often necessary to completely defrost the unit within a day. However, if after turning on the problem returns after a week or two, it means that one of the elements of the defrost system has failed: the heating element, defrost sensor or timer.
Why does ice block the fan?
The ice coat on the evaporator grows until it blocks the fan blades. At this moment, the fan motor begins to hum or crackle, trying to turn over, but the ice prevents it from doing so. Air circulation stops completely, and the temperature in the chamber begins to rise, although the compressor continues to work without interruption.
It is also worth checking the condition of the drainage hole. If it is clogged with food debris or ice, the water does not go into the pan, but freezes, exacerbating the problem. Regular hygiene of the inside of the refrigerator helps to avoid such situations.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is compressor. If this unit fails, the cold disappears completely. Daewoo refrigerators most often use linear or inverter compressors, which are sensitive to voltage changes in the network. If you hear that the engine is trying to start, makes a loud click and goes silent, most likely the problem is in the start protection relay.
The relay is a small element that provides an impulse to start the engine. Over time, the contacts in it burn out, or the bimetallic plate loses its properties. Replacing a relay is one of the simplest and most inexpensive procedures, which can often be done independently if you have basic skills.
In the case of inverter models, the situation is more complicated. There, engine starting is controlled by an electronic module. If the Daewoo inverter compressor hums at low speeds or does not enter mode, this may indicate a breakdown of the windings or a malfunction of the control board. Diagnostics of such systems requires a special tester.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Clicking and silence | Start relay or jamming compressor | Low / High |
| Humming without starting | Low voltage or interturn short circuit | Medium |
| Works constantly | Freon leakage or seal wear | High |
| Strong vibration | Improper installation or shock absorbers | Low |
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
Refrigerant leak and capillary system clogged
If the compressor works without stopping, hums smoothly, but there is no cold in the chambers, and the condenser (grid at the back) remains only partially cold or warm, it is obvious freon leak. The refrigerant can escape through microcracks in the sealed tubes, which are formed due to corrosion or mechanical damage during transportation.
The second option is a clogged capillary tube. A plug may form inside the freon circulation system from oil or moisture oxidation products. This prevents normal refrigerant flow. In both cases, it is impossible to fix the malfunction on your own: you need to evacuate the system, search for leaks, solder and fill with new gas.
Signs may also include swelling on the walls of the refrigerator (if the leak is in the built-in foamed evaporator) or oily spots near the compressor. Operating a refrigerator with a freon leak leads to overheating of the compressor and its rapid failure.
⚠️ Attention: Under no circumstances try to pierce the tubes yourself or seal them without vacuuming. This not only will not solve the problem, but can also lead to moisture getting into the system, which will require a complete replacement of expensive components.
Failures in the operation of the thermostat and sensors
The electronics of Daewoo refrigerators rely on the readings of temperature sensors. If thermostat or one of the air sensors transmits incorrect data, the control module may “think” that the chamber is already cold enough and does not turn on the compressor. Or, on the contrary, drive the equipment into the tail and mane.
In mechanical models, failure of the thermostat leads to the fact that the contacts simply do not close. You can check this by closing the thermostat contacts directly (for a short time!). If the refrigerator starts working after this, the reason has been found. In electronic models, the evaporator sensor often “lies”, which leads to incorrect defrosting operation.
Replacing sensors is usually not difficult, but requires precise selection of an analogue with a similar temperature coefficient of resistance. Using an unsuitable sensor will lead to cyclic errors in the system.
The impact of improper operation on the freezer
Often users themselves create conditions under which Daewoo refrigerator cannot freeze normally. Loading hot products, frequently opening doors in a hot room, or a loose seal make the compressor work at its limit.
The condition is especially critical. sealing rubber band. If it is dirty, damaged or simply does not magnetize in the corner, warm, moist air constantly enters the chamber. This leads to increased ice formation and system overload. Check the tightness of the door with a sheet of paper: it should be pulled out with force along the entire perimeter.
It is also worth considering the location of the refrigerator. If it stands close to a wall or in a niche without a gap for ventilation, heat is not removed from the condenser. The compressor overheats and goes into protection mode, stopping freezing. The minimum gap from the rear wall should be 5-7 cm.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why a Daewoo refrigerator hums, but does not freeze?
This is a classic sign of a freon leak or a clogged capillary system. The compressor tries to pump gas, but due to the lack of refrigerant or a plug in the tubes, circulation does not occur. It is also possible for the compressor to jam, when the motor hums, but the shaft does not turn.
What to do if ice is frozen in the Daewoo freezer, but it is warm in the refrigerator?
Most likely, there is a failure in the No Frost system. Try defrosting the refrigerator completely (turn it off for 24 hours with the doors open). If after switching on the problem repeats after 1-2 weeks, you will need to replace the defrost heating element, sensor or timer.
Is it possible to replace the compressor in a Daewoo refrigerator yourself?
Theoretically it is possible, but this requires special equipment: a burner, a pressure gauge station, a vacuum pump and scales for refilling freon. Without these tools, it is impossible to perform replacement and refueling efficiently.
How to understand that the control module has burned out?
If the refrigerator does not respond to buttons, the indicators do not light, although there is power in the outlet, or if it behaves chaotically (spontaneously turns on/off), the control board is likely faulty. This may also be indicated by traces of burning or swollen capacitors on the board.