The situation when your LG two-chamber refrigerator suddenly stops freezing always takes you by surprise. Products begin to deteriorate, and water appears on the shelves. This is not just a household nuisance, but a signal that a failure has occurred in the complex refrigerant circulation system. Unlike old single-chamber models, modern units of the Korean brand have separate cooling circuits, which makes diagnostics more complex, but also more accurate with the right approach.
The first thing the owner needs to do is to conduct an initial visual assessment of the condition of the equipment. Often the problem lies not in a fatal breakdown of an expensive unit, but in a banal leak or electronics failure. If compressor there is a buzz, but there is no cold, or, conversely, there is dead silence, the algorithm of actions will be radically different. Don’t rush to call a technician right away if you don’t want to overpay for a simple visit.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons for the lack of cold in LG refrigerators. We will consider both software failures and mechanical damage to the system. You will learn how to independently check the condition evaporator and understand when it is no longer possible to use equipment for refilling freon without the intervention of a professional.
Primary diagnostics: analysis of the compressor operation and indication
The very first stage of diagnostics is to listen operation of the motor-compressor. Go to the refrigerator and listen. If you hear a steady, quiet hum that intermittently stops, the engine is trying to run. However, if the motor turns on, hums for 5-10 seconds and clicks off, this is a sign start relay or the compressor is jammed. In this case, the unit does not have time to start the freon compression cycle.
Pay attention to the control panel. Modern LG models are equipped with the system Smart Diagnosis. If errors appear on the display or indicators flash, this greatly simplifies troubleshooting. For example, a flashing temperature indicator in the freezer may indicate that the sensor is not registering a decrease in degrees, although the compressor is running.
It is important to check whether air access is blocked. In two-chamber models with the No Frost system, the cold is pumped by a fan. If the vents between the chambers are clogged with food, circulation is disrupted and the upper chamber stops cooling, although the freezer may still be cold.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor runs continuously for hours and the temperature does not drop, immediately unplug the appliance. Long-term operation in this mode will lead to burnout of the motor windings.
It is also worth checking the tightness of the door. The rubber seal dries out or becomes dirty over time. If the door does not close tightly, warm air constantly enters the chamber, and the refrigerator simply cannot cope with its cooling, working to wear out.
- 🔊 Listen to the rhythm of operation: a steady hum or intermittent clicks?
- 👀 Check the display: are there error codes or flashing symbols on the display?
- 🚪 Inspect the seal: are there any cracks, tears or adhered dirt?
Problems with the No Frost system: fan and defrost heating element
The system most often found in LG two-chamber refrigerators is No Frost. Its essence is that the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel in the freezer, and the cold air is accelerated by a fan. If you hear that the motor is running, but no cold air is blowing from the vents, the problem most likely lies in the defrost system.
The main enemy of the No Frost system is ice. If Defrost heating element (the heating element) burns out, the ice on the evaporator will not melt during defrost cycles. Over time, the ice coat grows so large that it blocks the operation of the fan. The fan either stops due to ice, or its blades begin to make noise when hitting the ice. As a result, cold stops flowing into the refrigeration compartment.
To test this hypothesis, you need to defrost the refrigerator. It's not just "turn it off at night." For a complete diagnosis, complete defrosting is required for at least 10-12 hours (preferably 24 hours) with the doors open. Only after this can you try to turn on the device. If after defrosting it began to freeze, but a week later the problem returned, it means that the defrost circuit (heating element, defrost sensor or timer) is faulty and requires replacement.
Why can’t you defrost with a knife?
Mechanical removal of ice with a knife or sharp objects in No Frost systems is strictly prohibited. You can damage the thin tubes of the evaporator or puncture the heating element, which will lead to a freon leak and expensive repairs.
Often owners confuse a breakdown of the heating element with a malfunction of the defrost sensor. This small element controls the temperature of the evaporator. If it “lies” and shows that there is no ice, the control unit will not give the command to turn on the heater. It is impossible to visually determine if the sensor is broken; it requires a “test” with a multimeter.
- ❄️ An ice coat on the evaporator blocks the air flow.
- 🌀 The fan may jam or work with overload.
- 🔥 The defrost heating element could burn out due to a power surge.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
Refrigerant leak: how to detect and why it is dangerous
One of the most serious reasons why LG refrigerator stops freezing, there is a leak of freon (refrigerant). In a working system, freon circulates in a closed circuit for decades. If its quantity decreases, the cooling efficiency drops and then disappears completely. In this case, the compressor can work without interruption, trying to increase the temperature, but to no avail.
How to understand that a leak has occurred? The first sign is cooling asymmetry. For example, the freezer is still a little cold, but the refrigerator compartment is already warm. Or the back wall inside the chamber, which normally should be uniformly cold or covered with frost (in drip systems), remains warm. Also pay attention to condenser (the grille on the back or sides). Normally it should be warm or hot. If the grille is cold when the compressor is running, this is a sure sign of a lack of freon.
Where can a fistula form? Most often, microcracks appear in places where tubes are soldered, in the foamed part of the body (where the tubes approach the evaporator) or in the area of the door heating circuit. Modern LG models use foaming polyurethane, and it can be extremely difficult to visually locate the leak. The use of special dye equipment or a leak detector is often required.
⚠️ Warning: Freon used in refrigerators (R600a isobutane or R134a) can be a fire hazard or asphyxiant in high concentrations. If you smell a strange chemical smell, ensure the room is ventilated.
It is impossible to fix the leak and refill the refrigerator on your own. This requires a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and scales for accurate gas dosing. Attempts to “just add freon” without looking for a leak will give a temporary effect for a couple of weeks, after which the gas will come out again.
- 🌡️ The back wall inside the chamber is warm, not cold.
- 🔥 The condenser grille at the back remains cold.
- ⏱️ The compressor works non-stop, trying to compensate for the loss of cold.
Faults in the compressor and starting relay
The heart of any refrigerator is compressor. LG dual-chamber models often use inverter compressors, which are characterized by quiet operation and smooth power control. However, both they and conventional piston models can fail. If the compressor hums but does not start, or makes a loud metallic clanging sound, the problem may be in the mechanical part (jamming of the piston group). This is a small plastic block that fits over the compressor contacts. Inside it there is a coil and contacts that close the starting circuit. Over time, the contacts burn out and the coil loses its properties. The relay begins to click, simulating attempts to start, but the motor does not turn. Replacing a relay is a simple operation, accessible even to a beginner if the right model is selected.
Often the culprit for startup failure is start-up protection relay. This is a small plastic block that fits over the compressor contacts. Inside it there is a coil and contacts that close the starting circuit. Over time, the contacts burn out and the coil loses its properties. The relay begins to click, simulating attempts to start, but the motor does not turn. Replacing a relay is a simple operation that even a beginner can do if the right model is selected.
In inverter systems the situation is more complicated. There, an electronic inverter moduleis responsible for starting and operating the motor. If it burns out, the compressor will not receive the necessary currents to rotate. Diagnostics of the inverter requires special knowledge and is often carried out by eliminating or replacing it with a known-good unit.
Symptoms of a compressor malfunction:
- 🔌 The device does not turn on, although there is voltage in the network.
- 🔊 A loud click is heard, a hum and a click again (cyclic start).
- 🔥 The compressor housing can be hot or, conversely, absolutely cold.
Failures in the electronics: control module and sensors
A modern two-chamber LG refrigerator LG refrigerator is a complex electronic device controlled by a microprocessor. The main control module (board) receives signals from temperature sensors and commands the compressor, fans and heating elements. If the board “glitches” due to a power surge or moisture, it may issue incorrect commands, for example, not turning on the compressor when necessary.
Particular attention should be paid to temperature sensors. There may be several of them in the refrigerator: in the refrigerator compartment, in the freezer, on the evaporator, a defrost sensor. If one of them gives incorrect readings (for example, it shows that it is -10°C in the chamber, although it is +10°C there), the “brains” of the refrigerator will decide that there is no need for cooling and will turn off the system. The sensors are checked with a multimeter by measuring the resistance at different temperatures.
Sometimes the problem is solved by a software reset. The electronics could freeze up. To do this, the refrigerator must be completely de-energized: remove the plug from the socket and wait at least 15-20 minutes. Then turn it on again. This action reboots the controller and clears temporary errors.
⚠️ Warning: Before replacing any electronic board or sensor, make sure the problem is not in the wiring. Often the wires rub against the body or are bitten by rodents behind the rear panel.
It is also worth checking the contacts. Oxidation of contacts in connectors can lead to signal loss. Visual inspection of the board for blackening, swollen capacitors, or traces of burning helps diagnose element burnout.
- 💻 The control board may fail after a thunderstorm or power surge.
- 🌡️ A faulty sensor sends false temperature signals.
- 🔌 Oxidized contacts disrupt the transmission of control impulses.
Comparative table of symptoms and causes
To systematize knowledge, let's reduce the main symptoms to possible causes. This will help you quickly navigate the nature of the breakdown of your LG unit.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzing, clicking, does not start | Start relay or jammed compressor | Medium (relay relay) |
| Works constantly, no cold | Freon leak or clogged capillary | High (need master) |
| The freezer is working, the top is warm | No Frost system malfunction (heating element, fan) | Average |
| Indicators, errors are flashing | Electronics failure or sensors | High (diagnostics) |
| Noises, but barely blows | Fan icing or clogged channels | Low (defrost) |
The table shows that many problems require professional intervention. However, understanding the essence of the problem will allow you not to be deceived by unscrupulous craftsmen and accurately describe the symptoms when calling a specialist.
What is a clogged capillary tube?
This is a situation when a plug of oil or debris forms in a narrow tube through which freon enters the evaporator. The symptoms are similar to a freon leak: the compressor works, but there is no cold. The system needs to be purged with nitrogen and the filter-drier replaced.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it has stopped freezing, but the light is on?
For a short time - yes, to remove food. But it is strictly forbidden to leave a unit that does not freeze on. The compressor will work hard trying to reach the set temperature, which will lead to overheating and eventual combustion. In addition, the food will spoil.
How long does it take to defrost an LG refrigerator for diagnostics?
To completely defrost the No Frost system and evaporator, it takes at least 10-12 hours, and it is better to leave it turned off with the doors open for 24 hours. A short defrost of 2-3 hours is often not enough to melt the ice in hidden channels and on the heating element.
Why did the refrigerator start working after defrosting, but after a week it stopped again?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrosting system. The ice melted, the fan started working, and the cold started. But since the heating element or defrost sensor is broken, in the next cycle the ice again accumulated and blocked the system. Replacement of defrost circuit elements is required.
Is it worth repairing an old LG refrigerator or is it easier to buy a new one?
If the breakdown involves replacing the compressor or a leak in the foamed part (casing), repairs can cost up to 50-60% of the price of a new device. In such cases, it is often more profitable to buy new equipment. If a relay or heating element burns out, repairs are economically feasible.
How to extend the life of a two-chamber refrigerator?
Do not place hot pots inside, keep the condenser clean at the back (dust impairs heat transfer), check the tightness of the doors and do not fill the chamber with food to capacity so that air can circulate. It is also important to defrost it (if it is not No Frost) according to the instructions.