The LG refrigerator does not turn off: reasons for continuous operation and how to fix the problem

The refrigerator LG should turn on and off cyclically, maintaining the set temperature with minimal energy consumption. If the unit is running, this not only leads to increased energy consumption (up to without stopping, this not only leads to increased energy consumption (up to 30-50% above normal), but also indicates serious malfunctions. In 80% of cases, the problem is related to thermostat breakdown, leakage refrigerant or system contamination, but sometimes external factors are to blame - for example, improper installation or overloading of the cameras.

In this article we will look all possible reasonswhy the refrigerator LG does not turn off - from trivial a clogged capacitor to critical breakdowns inverter compressor. You will learn how diagnose yourself the problem is, when you can get by with adjusting the settings, and when it is required call a technician. We will pay special attention to models with the system Smart ThinQ —their “smart” sensors often go astray after firmware updates.

If your refrigerator LG has been humming continuously for several hours, do not rush to panic. First check simple thingsto see if the door is tightly closed, if the freezer is not overloaded, if the unit is standing close to the wall. These factors can cause the compressor to wear out. But if the problem persists, read on.

📊 How long has your LG refrigerator been running non-stop?
Less than a day
1-3 days
More than a week
I don’t know, it’s always worked this way

1. Malfunction of the thermostat (thermostat)

The thermostat is the “brain” of the refrigerator, which monitors the temperature sends a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. If the sensor is broken, the compressor will work continuouslytrying to achieve a non-existent “norm”. In models LG with electronic control (for example, series GR-B207 or GA-B459), the thermostat often fails after voltage surges or due to condensation on the board.

How to check the thermostat yourself:

  • 🔧 Unplug the refrigerator and take out all the food.
  • 🔍 Find the thermostat - in most models LG It is located behind the plastic panel inside the refrigerator compartment (next to the lamp).
  • 📊 Check the resistance with a multimeter: at room temperature it should be 0 Ohm, when cooling - infinity. If the readings do not change, the sensor is faulty.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators LG with a system Smart Diagnosis (models after 2018), the thermostat is integrated into the main board. Independent replacement without special software can lead to failure of sensor calibration and complete stop of the compressor.

2. Freon leak or clogged capillary tube

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and cools the chambers. If there is somewhere microcrack (most often in places where pipes are soldered) or a blockage in capillary tube, the compressor will operate at maximum power, but the temperature will not drop to the desired level. Signs of a leak:

  • ❄️ The freezer compartment does not freeze well, and the refrigerator compartment does not cool at all.
  • 🔥 The compressor is hot to the touch (norm: warm, but not scalding).
  • 💧 An oily liquid appears on the back wall of the refrigerator (this is oil leaking from the system along with freon).

Fix the leak yourself impossible —special equipment is required for evacuating the system and refilling with new freon. In service centers LG for models with inverter compressor (for example, GA-B509) they use refrigerant R600awhich cannot be replaced with analogues (for example, R134a).

What will happen if you ignore the freon leak?

If the problem is not corrected, the compressor will burn out in 1-3 months due to constant operation at maximum power. Repairs will cost 70-80% of the cost. new refrigerator.

Symptom Probable cause Can I fix it myself?
The compressor is hot, but does not turn off Freon leak or blockage tubes ❌ No
The refrigerator works, but does not cool Failure of the thermostat or control board ⚠️ Partially (check with a multimeter)
Loud hum and vibration Compressor wear or loose fastenings ✅ Yes (tighten bolts, replace rubber gaskets)
Error on display Er FF or Er CF Malfunction fan or evaporator sensor ⚠️ Partially (fan check)

3. Failure of the compressor or inverter module

In refrigerators LG two types of compressors are used:

  • Linear (old models) - turn on/off with pauses.
  • Inverter (models after 2016, for example GR-N309) - work smoothly, without sudden starts, but are sensitive to voltage changes.

If the compressor hums, but does not create pressure, or vice versa - works without pauses and overheatsthese are signs:

  • 🔋 Wear of windings (typical for compressors older than 10 years).
  • 💥 Breakdown of the inverter module (in models with Smart Inverter).
  • 🔌 Malfunction of the starting relay (clicks, but the motor does not start).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators LG with technology DoorCooling+ (for example, GA-B489), the compressor is connected to the uniform air distribution system. If it breaks, the fan may also be damaged - check whether the blade rotates when the door is open.

Check the voltage in the socket (should be 220-230V)|Listen to the compressor: a hum without vibration is normal, knocking or grinding is a breakdown|Assess the temperature of the case: if it burns, turn off the refrigerator immediately|Check the start relay for burning or melted contacts-->

4. Problems with the control board

In modern refrigerators LG (series InstaView, Smart ThinQ) it is responsible for the operation of the compressor electronic control board. It can fail due to:

  • ⚡ Power surge (even if the refrigerator is through a surge protector).
  • 💧 Moisture ingress (condensation from the back wall).
  • 🖥️ Firmware failure after updating via Wi-Fi.

Symptoms of board malfunction:

  • 📛 An error flashes on the display Er IF or Er dH.
  • 🔄 The refrigerator reboots spontaneously.
  • 🎛️ Not responds to button presses (but the display lights up).

If the board is burned out, it can only be replaced with original (items for popular models: EBR76644604 for GA-B429, EBR76044106 for GR-B247). Self-repair (soldering capacitors) gives a temporary effect - after 2-3 months the problem will return.

5. Contamination of the condenser or evaporator

The condenser (grid on the back wall) and the evaporator (inside the chamber) become covered over time dust, grease and ice. This impairs heat transfer, and the compressor is forced to work longer to cool the chambers. In models LG with a system No Frost (for example, GA-B509) the problem often lies in frozen fan - it is blocked by ice and stops driving cold air.

How to clean the system:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it at least 12 hours.
  2. Remove the back cover and vacuum the condenser (use a soft bristle brush).
  3. Rinse the evaporator with warm water and vinegar (1:1) - this will remove grease deposits.
  4. Check the drainage hole (at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment) - if it is clogged, water will accumulate and freeze.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators LG s linear compressor (models GA-*** before 2018), you cannot use metal brushes to clean the condenser - they can damage the aluminum tubes and cause freon leakage.

6. External factors: improper installation and operation

Sometimes the refrigerator LG does not turn off not because of a breakdown, but because of violation of the installation rules:

  • 🌡️ Stands next to the stove, battery or under direct sunlight (the temperature in the room is higher 30°C).
  • 🚪 The door does not close tightly due to a skewed hinge or a worn seal.
  • 📦 The chambers are overloaded with products (especially in the freezer - air circulation is impaired).
  • 🔌 The voltage in the network is lower 200V or higher 240V (the compressor is working for wear).

How to check door seal:

  1. Take a sheet of paper and clamp it between the door and the body.
  2. If the sheet pulls out without effort, the seal needs to be replaced (original for LG: ADQ72911901 or ADQ73046903).

⚠️ Attention: In models LG with the function Smart Pull Handle (for example, GR-D247) the door may not close properly due to wear of the magnetic mechanism. It cannot be repaired - only a complete replacement of the unit.

7 Failures in the system No. Frost and ventilation

Refrigerators LG with a system No Frost (most models after 2015) are equipped with fanwhich distributes cold air. If it stops working, the compressor will try to cool the chambers idle. Reasons. fan breakdown:

  • 🧊 Icing of the blades (due to a faulty defrost heater).
  • 🔌 Motor winding burnt out.
  • 🛠️ Weak fastening - the blade clings to the body.

How to check the fan:

  1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it.
  2. Remove the back panel in the freezer (in most models LG it is secured with latches).
  3. Turn the fan blade by hand - if it does not rotate freely, the problem is in the bearing.
  4. Connect the refrigerator and listen: if the fan does not start after 5-10 minutes, it is broken.

In models LG s double fan (for example, GA-B489) only one of them can break. In this case, the refrigerator compartment will work normally, but the freezer will freeze.

What to do if the fan makes noise, but does not spin?

Most likely, the capacitor on the fan board has burned out. It can be replaced with a similar one with a capacity of 1-2 uF (for example, Jamicon 1µF 400V).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the continuous operation of the LG refrigerator

Can I fill freon into the LG refrigerator myself?

No. For refueling you need vacuum. pump, gauge manifold And certified freon (for models LG after 2020 - R600aIncorrect refueling can lead to compressor explosion due to excess pressure.

LG refrigerator shows Er FF error - what does this mean?

Error Er FF indicates Freezer fan malfunction. Most often it is ice on the blades or a motor failure. Try defrosting the refrigerator for 24 hours. If the error persists, you need to replace the fan (part number for freezer fan). chambers GA-B429: ADH72945901).

Why does the new LG refrigerator work without stopping for the first 2-3 days?

This is normal! After the first turn on, the compressor works in enhanced modeto cool the empty chambers. If after 3 days the situation has not changed, check if the mode is turned on. Super Freeze or Express Cool.

Is it possible to repair the control board of an LG refrigerator?

Theoretically, yes, if the problem is in capacitors or resistorsBut. in 90% of cases, after soldering, the board is unstable. It is better to replace it with a new one (cost for models Smart ThinQ -from 8,000 to 15,000 rubles).

How often should the refrigerator turn off LG in normal mode?

In models with inverter compressor (for example, GA-B509), pauses between cycles are 5-15 minutes. In older models with a linear compressor - 20-30 minutesIf there are no pauses for more than 2 hours. - this is a reason for diagnosis.