The situation when your LG refrigerator suddenly stops cooling food always takes you by surprise. At best, this threatens a spoiled dinner, and at worst, the loss of significant food supplies. Modern models, whether classic No Frost or simpler systems, require careful attention to the signals they give before complete failure.
The first thing the owner needs to do is not to panic and carry out initial visual and auditory diagnostics. Often the problem lies not in a complex breakdown compressor, but in a banal violation of operating rules or failures in electronics. If you notice that the chamber has become warmer than usual, or a “fur coat” has appeared on the back wall, these are direct indicators of a malfunction.
In this article we will analyze the main scenarios, why LG refrigerator does not freeze, and determine what steps you can take yourself, and when it is necessary to call a technician. Understanding the operating principles of refrigerant and the defrost system will help you save time and money on diagnostics.
Primary diagnostics: checking the power supply and settings
Before opening the technical compartment or looking for a leak, make sure the electrical circuit is intact. Sometimes LG refrigerator does not turn on or turns off due to a power surge, and the protection system blocks the compressor from starting. Check if the indicator on the control panel is on and try to start defrosting manually.
The second important aspect is the temperature settings. In models with electronic control Total No Frost a failure in the control board can set the parameters to higher values. You need to make sure that the set degrees correspond to the norm: usually this is +2...+4°C for the refrigerator compartment and -18°C for the freezer.
⚠️ Attention: If after turning on the network you hear a click, but the compressor does not start, or, conversely, it hums and immediately stalls - disconnect immediately device Repeated starting attempts may burn out the start relay or motor windings.
It is also worth checking the tightness of the door. If seal is dirty or deformed, warm air constantly flows inside, and the unit simply cannot cope with the heat influx. This is a common reason why equipment works around the clock, but does not produce cold.
Problems with the No Frost system and evaporator
Technology No Frost, which most LG models are equipped with, implies the absence of ice in the chambers due to air circulation. However, if LG refrigerator does not freezebut it still hums, the problem often lies in the evaporator defrost system. Ice builds up inside the case, blocking the ventilation ducts.
In this case, cold air physically cannot enter the refrigerator compartment, remaining behind the wall in the freezer compartment. You may notice that the freezer is operating normally and that the top compartment is warm. This is a sure sign that Defrost heating element or the timer is out of order.
- ❄️ Defrost timer: A mechanical or electronic unit that should switch between the “cooling” and “defrosting” modes. If it is stuck in cooling mode, ice clogs the evaporator.
- 🔥 Heating element (heating element): If the coil is burned out, the ice does not melt during the defrost cycle, forming a monolithic block.
- 🌡️ Defrost sensor: Thermistor that controls the temperature of the evaporator. Its incorrect readings may not start the defrosting process at all.
To confirm the diagnosis, partial disassembly of the rear panel of the freezer is often required. If you find a thick layer of ice blocking the fan, then the defrost system is faulty. In such cases, it is necessary to replace defective elements.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
Faults in the compressor and start relay
Compressor - this is the heart of the refrigerator, ensuring the circulation of the refrigerant. If LG refrigerator it hums, but does not freeze, or is silent despite the power being turned on, the problem may be in the start-up relay or the motor itself. A relay is a small plastic block that fits onto the contacts of the compressor.
When the relay fails, the compressor either does not start at all (only clicks are heard) or works nonstop, trying to build up pressure, but cannot do so. In models with inverter compressor LG the situation is more complicated: there is no classic relay, and the start is controlled by an electronic board.
If you hear a loud knock or metallic clanging when you try to start, this is a bad sign, indicating mechanical jamming of the piston group. In this case, repairs are often not economically feasible, and the entire unit must be replaced.
⚠️ Attention: Replacing the start relay is a simple procedure, but requires precise selection of the part for the compressor model. Installing an unsuitable relay can lead to burnout of the motor windings.
LG inverter motors are famous for their quiet operation, but their diagnosis requires special equipment. A compressor error is often shown on the display in the form of a code, for example Er FF or a combination of flashing indicators.
What is an inverter compressor?
This is a motor that does not turn off completely, but smoothly changes power. Unlike conventional ones, it does not make loud clicks when starting and consumes less energy, but is sensitive to power surges in the network.
Freon leakage: signs and consequences
One of the most serious reasons why LG refrigerator does not freezeis a refrigerant (freon) leak. The gas circulates in a closed loop, and if the seal is broken, the pressure drops and cooling stops. Freon is not consumed during operation, so its shortage is always a sign of damage.
Leakage can occur due to corrosion of the pipeline (often in the foamed part of the case), mechanical damage during transportation or poor-quality factory soldering. In models with a door perimeter heating circuit, rust can eat through the tube precisely at the point where it exits the foamed mass.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor runs constantly | Lack of freon, the system does not gain pressure | Call a technician to find a leak |
| Heat in only one chamber | Partial leak or clogged capillary | Diagnostics circuits |
| Black deposits near the compressor | Oil stain (freon left along with the oil) | Urgent repair, replacement of filter drier |
| The refrigerator rarely turns on | The thermostat does not detect the lack of cold | Checking the sensors |
It is impossible to eliminate the leak on your own, since it is necessary to evacuate the system and fill it with gas in strict compliance with weight standards. Attempts to simply “add” gas without eliminating the hole will give a temporary effect.
Clogged capillary tube
The capillary tube is a thin copper channel in which the refrigerant is throttled. If LG refrigerator stops freezing, but the compressor is hot and overloaded, it may have formed clogging. Moisture, oxidation products or technical debris could have entered the system.
Often the blockage is accompanied by freezing of the section of the tube before entering the evaporator. You may notice frost on the outside of the piping near the compressor even though the chambers are warm. This indicates that freon cannot pass further and circulate through the system.
A special press or high-pressure nitrogen is used for cleaning. In some cases, it is necessary to replace the capillary tube and filter drier. This procedure refers to complex repairs and is performed in service centers.
Failures in electronic controls and sensors
Modern LG refrigerators are stuffed with electronics. Various sensors are responsible for temperature, defrost and fan operation. If LG refrigerator does not freezebut the indication is on or the lights are flashing, the reason may be an error in reading the readings.
Temperature sensors in the refrigerator most often fail camera. If it “lies” and shows that it is already -5°C inside, the controller simply will not turn on the compressor. Malfunctions in the operation of the main control board are also possible, especially if there were power surges in the room.
Electronics diagnostics are carried out by testing the sensors with a multimeter and comparing their resistance with a table of ratings for a specific model. Errors are often displayed on the display in the form of codes such as rF (defrost error) or dH (problem with sensor).
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and error codes may vary depending on the year of manufacture and series of the refrigerator. Before replacing any part, check the technical documentation (service manual) specifically for your model.
When you need to call a specialist
Repair of refrigeration equipment is divided into household and professional. If you do not have the skills to work with a multimeter, a soldering iron and do not know the safety rules when working with (high pressure), it is better not to take risks. LG refrigerator is a complex unit, and inept intervention can aggravate the situation.
A master is needed if required:
1. Finding and eliminating freon leaks.
2. Replacing the compressor or capillary tube.
3. Reflashing or replacing the control module.
4. Restoring the tightness of the housing after a breakdown of the evaporator.
In other cases, such as replacing a lamp, adjusting the legs or cleaning the drainage hole, you can handle it yourself. However, if the problem lies in the “stuffing”, professional diagnostics will save you money in the long run.
Why does the LG refrigerator freeze but does not turn off?
This may indicate a freon leak (the compressor is trying to compensate for the lack of cold), wear on the door seal, or a malfunction of the thermostat/temperature sensor that does not give a signal to turn off.
What does the flashing Ice Plus indicator or snowflake mean?
Most often this is a signal of a malfunction of the No Frost system or problems with the temperature sensor in the freezer. Diagnosis of the error code is required.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it hums, but does not freeze?
For a short time - yes, so that the food does not disappear, but you cannot keep it in this mode for a long time. A compressor running empty will quickly overheat and burn, and the food will spoil.
How often do you need to defrost an LG No Frost refrigerator?
The No Frost system does not require regular defrosting to remove ice. However, once every 6-12 months it is recommended to carry out a complete defrosting and washing for hygiene and checking the drainage system.