LG No Frost refrigerator does not freeze the lower chamber: 7 reasons and what to do

You opened the freezer LG s system No Frost, and there - instead of the expected cold and frozen food, they found puddles, melted meat and temperatures above zero? The problem when a two-chamber refrigerator stops freezing the lower compartment is common, but its causes can be radically different. In some cases, an electronic failure is to blame, in others it is a mechanical failure, and sometimes it is enough to simply defrost the unit in the correct way.

In this article we will look 7 key reasonswhy the freezer LG No Frost does not work, but the refrigerator compartment continues to cool. You will learn how to diagnose a malfunction yourself (even without special tools), what manipulations you can do yourself, and in which cases you will need to call a specialist. We will pay special attention typical user mistakes that aggravate the breakdown —for example, attempts to defrost a refrigerator with a No Frost system using a hairdryer or scraper.

1. Failure in the No Frost defrosting system: why ice blocks the freezer

The system No Frost in refrigerators LG works on the principle of forced circulation of cold air with periodic automatic defrosting. If the fan, defrost heater (defroster) or sensor fails, ice builds up on the evaporator, which blocks the air channels. As a result, the freezer compartment stops cooling, but the refrigerator compartment can continue to work (albeit less efficiently).

How to recognize the problem:

• 🔍 A thick layer of ice or frost is visible on the back wall of the freezer.
• 💨 The fan in the freezer does not make noise (normally it should turn on periodically).
• ❄️ The refrigerator is working, but weaker than usual - the temperature is 2-4°C higher than the set one.

What to do:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from network for 12–24 hours so that the ice melts naturally. Do not use a hair dryer or sharp objects - this will damage the No Frost system.
2. After defrosting, turn on the refrigerator and listen: if after 10-15 minutes the fan does not start, the problem is in the electronics (sensor, timer or board controls).

⚠️ Attention: If after defrosting the ice builds up again within 1-2 weeks, the defrost heater or defrost thermostatis faulty. It is difficult to replace them yourself - you need to disassemble the rear panel of the freezer.

2. Faulty freezer fan

The fan in the system No Frost is responsible for uniform distribution of cold air across both chambers. If it breaks, the freezer stops cooling, but the refrigerator can maintain the temperature for some time due to natural convection. Reasons for stopping the fan:

• 🧊 Icing of the blades (due to a malfunction of the defrost system).
• 🔌 Power supply problems (broken wire, oxidation of contacts).
• 🛠️ Mechanical breakdown of the motor (wear of bearings, jamming).

How to check the fan:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back panel in the freezer (usually it is secured with latches or screws).
3. Try to manually turn the fan blades - if they do not rotate or make a squeaking sound and require replacement.
4. Check the wires and contacts for damage.

If the fan is working, but does not turn on, the problem may lie in control board or temperature sensor. In this case, you cannot do without diagnostics with a multimeter.

3. Freon leak: how to recognize and what to do

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the refrigerator system and provides cooling. If a leak occurs (for example, due to corrosion of tubes or mechanical damage), the freezer stops freezing, and the compressor works almost non-stop, trying to compensate for the lack of refrigerant.

Signs of a freon leak:

• 🔊 The compressor runs constantly or turns on for long hours.
• ❄️ The freezer does not cool, the refrigerator may be slightly cold.
• 💧 Oily spots appear on the floor under the refrigerator (freon is mixed with oil).

⚠️ Attention: A freon leak is a malfunction that cannot be fixed on your own. Specialized equipment is required for refrigerant charging and pipe soldering. Attempts to “refuel” the refrigerator without eliminating the cause of the leak will lead to repeated breakdown.

What can be done before the technician arrives:

• Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains to avoid overheating of the compressor.
• Do not move the refrigerator - this may worsen the damage to the tubes.
• If there are oily stains on the floor, wipe them and ventilate the room (freon is non-toxic, but in high concentrations it can cause dizziness).

What happens if you ignore a freon leak?

Long-term operation of the compressor without refrigerant leads to its overheating and failure. Repair in this case will cost 2–3 times more than timely refilling of freon.

4. Compressor failure: symptoms and diagnosis

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, which circulates freon. If it fails, the freezer compartment stops freezing completely, and the refrigerator compartment can remain cool for some time due to the residual cold. Reasons for compressor failure:

• 🔥 Overheating due to freon leakage or clogged capillary tube.
• ⚡ Power surges in the network.
• 🛠️ Mechanical wear (if the refrigerator is more than 10 years).

How to check the compressor:

1. Listen: if the compressor does not turn on at all (no characteristic buzzing), the problem may be start relay or a winding break.
2. If the compressor hums but does not freeze, it may be running dry due to a freon leak or blockage.
3. Touch the compressor (be careful, it may be hot!). Normally it should be warm, but not scalding. If it is hot, this is a sign of overheating.

If the compressor burns out, replacing it will cost 50–70% of the cost of a new refrigerator. In this case, it is more advisable to consider purchasing new equipment, especially if your model LG is more than 8-10 years old.

5. Problems with electronics: control board and sensors

Modern refrigerators LG are equipped with complex electronics that control the temperature, operation of the compressor and fans. If control board or one of the sensors fails, the freezer may stop freezing, even if all mechanical parts are working.

Signs of electronics failure:

• 📛 Errors appear on the display (for example ER FF, ER DH or ER IF for models LG).
• 🔄 The refrigerator randomly turns on/off.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the chambers does not correspond to the set one (for example, the freezer shows -5°C instead -18°C).

Frequent reasons:

• 🔌 Power surges in the network (especially important for houses with old wiring).
• 💧 Moisture getting on the board (for example, due to improper defrosting).
• 🛠️ Wear of board elements (capacitors, resistors).

⚠️ Attention: If the display shows an error, do not reset it at random. Some codes (for example, ER DH) indicate a malfunction of the defrost sensor, and ignoring the problem will lead to icing of the evaporator. means the code in the instructions for your model LG.

What you can do yourself:

• Unplug the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes, then turn it on again. Sometimes this helps to reset the temporary failure.
• Check the voltage in the outlet - it should be within 220–230 V. If the voltage is unstable, use a stabilizer.

6. Clogged capillary tube: why the refrigerator “chokes” itself

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. If it becomes clogged (for example, due to moisture or oil particles), the refrigerant cannot circulate normally and the freezer stops freezing. At the same time, the compressor works for wear, trying to push freon through the blockage.

Signs of a blockage:

• 🔊 The compressor works non-stop, but the freezer does not cool.
• 🌡️ The condenser (grid on the back wall of the refrigerator) remains cold (normally it should heat up).
• 💧 Drops of oil may appear on the floor under the refrigerator.

What to do:

A clogged capillary tube is serious malfunctionwhich requires professional repair:

1. Pump out the remaining freon.
2. Clean or replace the capillary tube.
3. Fill the system with new refrigerant.

It is impossible to clean the tube yourself - for this you need specialized equipment and skills in working with refrigerants.

7. Mechanical damage: door, seal, thermostat

Sometimes the reason that the freezer does not freeze lies in seemingly small things: a loose door, a worn seal, or a broken thermostat. These problems are easy to fix on your own. resorting to the help of a specialist.

Checklist for checking:

• 🚪 Freezer door: make sure that it closes tightly. If the door is skewed, adjust the hinges or replace the seal.
• 🧲 Sealing rubber: check it for the presence of cracks or deformations. Over time, the elastic band loses elasticity and allows warm air to pass through.
• 🌡️ Thermostat: if it is knocked down or faulty, the freezer may not turn on. Try setting the temperature to -24°C - if nothing changes, the thermostat is faulty.
• 🔄 Mode switch: some models LG have a button Fridge/Freezerthat turns off the freezer. Make sure it is not pressed accidentally.

How to check the seal:

1. Take a sheet of paper and close it with the freezer door.
2. If the sheet is easily pulled out, the seal is leaky and requires replacement.

What to do if the freezer stops freezing: step-by-step algorithm

To avoid wasting time and money on unnecessary repairs, follow this algorithm:

1. Check the power supply: make sure that the refrigerator is connected to socket, and there is voltage in the network.
2. Inspect the freezer: if there is a lot of ice, defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
3. Listen to the fan: if it does not work, check the blades for ice or mechanical damage.
4. Check the compressor: if it does not turn on or gets very hot, turn off the refrigerator and call a technician.
5. Diagnose the electronics: if errors appear on the display, check them with the instructions.
6. Assess the feasibility of repair: if the refrigerator is more than 10 years old, and repairs cost more than 50% of the price of a new one, it may be worth considering a replacement.

If after all checks the reason is not found, contact the service center LG or to a trusted technician. When describing the problem, be sure to indicate:

• Refrigerator model (located on the sticker inside the chamber or on the back).
• When the problem appeared (suddenly or gradually).
• What symptoms are observed (noisy/noisy, freezing/not freezes, errors on the display).

⚠️ Attention: Parts for refrigerators LG (for example, control boards or compressors) are often counterfeited. Buy spare parts only from authorized dealers or trusted service centers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about a non-working freezer. LG No Frost

The freezer does not freeze, but the refrigerator compartment works. What is the reason?

The most likely reasons:

• Clogging of the system No Frost with ice (defrost required).
• Faulty freezer fan.
• Freon leak or clogged capillary tube.

Start by defrosting the refrigerator for 24 hours. If the problem persists, call a technician.

The display shows the ER DH error. What does this mean?

Error ER DH in refrigerators LG indicates a malfunction of the defrost sensor (defrost sensorThis leads to icing of the evaporator and the fan stops. Replacement of the sensor is required. data-i="234">defrost sensor

Is it possible to fill freon into an LG refrigerator yourself?

No. Charging freon requires special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauges) and skills in working with refrigerants. Incorrect charging can lead to compressor damage or. freon leakage, contact a specialist.

How much does it cost to repair a freezer in an LG refrigerator?

The cost depends on the cause of the breakdown:

• Fan replacement: 2,500–4 000 ₽.
• Replacement of the defrost sensor: 3,000–5,000 ₽.
• Refilling freon + eliminating leaks: 5,000–8,000 ₽.
• Replacement of the compressor: 8 000–12,000 ₽.

If the refrigerator is more than 8 years old, repair may not be practical.

How to properly defrost an LG No Frost refrigerator?

Defrost algorithm:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from network.
2. Remove all products and shelves.
3. Leave the doors open for 12–24 hours (the ice should melt naturally).
4. Wipe the chambers with a dry cloth.
5. Turn on the refrigerator and check the operation through 2–3 hours.

Prohibited:

• Use a hairdryer, heater or hot water to speed up the process.
• Chop the ice with a knife or other sharp objects.