The situation when an LG refrigerator stops freezing in the freezer, always takes you by surprise. Products begin to deteriorate, and ice appears on the walls or, conversely, heat. The owner of the equipment is faced with panic: should he call a technician right away or can he try to find the cause on his own? In most cases, the problem lies in a violation of operating modes or minor malfunctions that can be eliminated without calling a specialist.
Modern models LG, be they classic two-chamber units or advanced systems No Frost, are equipped with complex electronics. It is often the first to signal a problem, blocking the operation of the compressor or fan. Understanding the basic principles of how your cooling system works will help you quickly identify the source of the problem. In this article, we will analyze the main reasons why LG refrigerator does not freezeand draw up a step-by-step action plan.
It is important not to ignore the first signs of failure. If you notice that the temperature in the freezer has risen above -12°C and the food has become soft, you need to act immediately. Often, ignoring the problem leads to more serious damage, such as compressor failure. Let's look at the primary diagnostic algorithm.
Primary diagnostics: checking modes and settings
Before looking for technical faults, it is necessary to exclude the human factor. Often, users accidentally change settings or do not take into account the operating features of the equipment after defrosting. If you recently washed the refrigerator or loaded it with a lot of warm food, the system may simply not have time to reach operating mode.
In models with electronic control, a failure could occur due to a power surge. In this case, a complete system restart helps. You need to unplug the device, wait 10-15 minutes and turn it on again. This action resets the controller errors and starts the standard test cycle.
⚠️ Attention: If after turning on you hear the hum of the compressor, but the cold does not appear within 6-8 hours, this may indicate a refrigerant leak or a malfunction of the thermostat.
Check what mode yours is operating in LG. The Holiday or Eco function may be activated, which specifically limits the freezer capacity to save energy. Also make sure that the door closes tightly and the seal does not allow warm air to pass through.
Pay attention to the distribution of cold. If there is cold in the main compartment, but not in the freezer, the problem is localized in the freezer circuit or defrost system. If the heat is in the entire volume, most likely the compressor is faulty or there is a freon leak.
Problems with the No Frost system and defrosting
The most common reason why LG refrigerator does not freeze in No Frost is a malfunction of the automatic defrosting system. Ice builds up on the evaporator, blocks the air channels, and cold air simply does not enter the chamber. Visually, this may manifest itself as a “fur coat” on the back wall or the absence of the characteristic sound of a running fan.
The key elements of this system are a defrost heating element, a defrost sensor and a timer (or electronic control module). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt, accumulates and turns into a monolith. The sensor, in turn, can “lie” to the control module, reporting that the evaporator is warm, when in fact it is frozen.
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrost system
To check, you will need a multimeter. The resistance of a working heating element is usually from 200 to 400 Ohms. If the device shows a break (one on the left side of the screen), the heating element must be replaced. It is also worth checking the drainage hole: if it is clogged with dirt, the melt water does not drain, freezes and blocks the operation of the system.
How to defrost a refrigerator correctly?
To completely defrost the No Frost system, the refrigerator must be turned off with the doors open for at least 24 hours. The use of a hair dryer or hot water is prohibited as this may damage the plastic parts and evaporator tubes. After defrosting, turn on the unit empty for 4-5 hours to stabilize temperatures.">
A common mistake is to try to chip the ice with a knife. This is strictly prohibited, as it can damage the aluminum tubes of the evaporator, which will lead to an instant leak of freon and expensive repairs.
Faults of the compressor and starting relay
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If the LG refrigerator does not. freezesand the motor is silent or makes clicking noises, the problem may be in the starting relay or the compressor itself, and if it is burned out, the compressor will not be able to gain the necessary speed.
Symptoms of a faulty relay often appear as a characteristic click, followed by a buzzing sound that lasts a few seconds and a second shutdown click. This means that the motor is trying to start, but cannot. In this situation, the relay must be replaced. This is an inexpensive part that you can replace yourself if you have basic electrical skills.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Required actions |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks and buzzing | Faulty starting relay | Replacement of the relay |
| Silence, there is light | Thermostat or module has burned out | Power circuit diagnostics |
| It hums, but does not freeze | The compressor is jammed | Call a technician (replacement) |
| Hot body, no cold | Freon leak | Looking for leaks and refilling |
If the compressor itself has failed (jammed or the winding has burned out), you may feel that the situation is more serious. the motor body is very hot, or, conversely, it remains cold when the electronics are running. In the event of winding combustion, it often knocks out plugs or circuit breakers in the apartment.
It is worth noting that modern inverter compressors in models LG Linear Inverter work on a different principle. They do not make loud clicks at start-up, but smoothly regulate power. Diagnostics of such motors requires special equipment and knowledge, so independent repair is not recommended here.
Freon leak and capillary system blockage
One of the most unpleasant reasons why LG refrigerator does not freezeis a refrigerant (freon) leak, and if. a microcrack appears in the tubes, the gas evaporates. Without a sufficient amount of refrigerant, heat exchange does not occur, and no cold is generated.
Signs of a leak often appear gradually. At first, the refrigerator begins to work longer, the compressor almost does not turn off. the temperature in the chamber rises to +10...+15 ° C. Another sign is hot side walls (where the condenser is located) when the motor is running, or, conversely, a completely cold condenser.
⚠️ Attention: Freon itself is not consumed during operation. If it is gone, then the tightness of the circuit is broken - just “add gas” without finding and eliminating the leak. a waste of money, the problem will return in a month.
Clogged capillary tube is another technical problem. Oil circulates in the system, which over time can thicken or mix with wear products, forming a plug. The symptoms are similar to a leak: the compressor works, but there is no cold, and the condenser can only be hot at the beginning.
It is important to understand that fixing these problems requires calling a technician. He will find the leak (often a foamed part of the body or pipe joints), seal it and fill the system with new freon. Independent attempts can lead to complete breakdown of the unit.
Failure of electronics and sensors
Modern refrigerators LG are stuffed with sensors for temperature, humidity and door position. If one of them fails, the control module receives incorrect data and issues erroneous commands. For example, a sensor may “report” that the freezer is -30°C, although it is 0°C. Naturally, the compressor will not turn on in this case.
Often problems with electronics arise after power surges in the network. Even if the device works externally, the controller could be glitching inside. In some models, this is solved by resetting errors (a combination of buttons), in others, flashing or replacing the board is required.
The main sensors that affect the freezer:
- 🌡️ Evaporator temperature sensor - controls the defrosting process.
- ❄️ Freezer temperature sensor — regulates the activation of the compressor.
- 🌀 Fan sensor —monitors air circulation.
To check the sensors, use a multimeter in resistance measurement mode. When the temperature changes (heating or cooling), the resistance of a working sensor should change smoothly. If the readings stay the same or show a break, the part is faulty.
Sometimes the problem lies in the oxidation of the contacts. In conditions of high humidity and temperature changes, connectors can oxidize, breaking contact. A visual inspection of the board and connectors can reveal traces of corrosion, which can easily be removed by cleaning with alcohol.
Mechanical damage and ventilation
Do not forget about trivial things, such as improper installation of the refrigerator. If LG stands close to a wall or furniture, air circulation around the condenser (grid at the back) is disrupted. The motor overheats and goes into protective mode, stopping freezing.
It is also important to check the condition of the rubber seals on the doors. If the rubber is dry, torn or simply dirty, warm air enters the chamber. The compressor tries to compensate for the heat, works hard, but cannot cope. You can check the tightness of the fit using a sheet of paper: clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. If it is removed easily without resistance, the seal requires replacement or adjustment.
Mechanical damage can also be internal. For example, if you defrosted the refrigerator carelessly and pierced the wall, or if the tubes were pinched during transportation. Such defects lead to a rapid loss of tightness.
When to call a technician: final checklist
Refrigerator repair is a process that requires caution. If simple methods (defrosting, checking settings) do not help, you need to soberly assess your strength. There are a number of situations when independent repair is not only useless, but also dangerous.
Calling a specialist is required if:
- 🛠️ You find oily spots under the refrigerator or on the pipes (a sign of a leak).
- 🔥 The compressor gets very hot and immediately turns off or does not starts.
- 💧 There is water inside the chambers, and the drainage is clean.
- 🔌 The device knocks out the machines in the panel when turned on.
A professional master has a vacuum pump, a leak detector and knows-how on disassembling specific models LG. Trying to replace the compressor yourself or solder the tubes without evacuating the system will result in moisture getting into the circuit and the refrigerator will stop working again after a short time.
⚠️ Attention: Repair prices may vary depending on the region and the specific model. Before starting work, be sure to agree on the final cost with the service center to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Remember that timely contact with a specialist can save your refrigerator from complete replacement. Ignoring cooling problems often leads to food spoilage and more expensive repairs in the future.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the LG refrigerator hum, but does not freeze?
If you hear a hum, it means the compressor is receiving power and trying to work. The reasons may be a jammed compressor, a faulty start relay, a freon leak, or a clogged capillary system. Diagnostics by a technician is required.
How long should a new LG refrigerator take to reach temperature?
After the first turn on or a long defrost, the refrigerator takes from 4 to 8 hours to reach operating mode. At this time, it is not recommended to load food and open the doors frequently.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not freeze?
For a short time - yes, for diagnostics. But long-term operation in this mode is dangerous for the compressor, which can overheat and burn out. If the cold does not appear for more than 10-12 hours, it is better to turn off the device until the technician arrives.
What does the flashing temperature indicator on the LG panel mean?
A flashing indicator usually signals that the temperature in the chamber has risen above the permissible norm. This can be either a temporary phenomenon (after loading food) or a sign of a malfunction of the cooling system.
Why does ice freeze in the LG freezer, but there is no cold?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system (No Frost). Ice blocks the ventilation ducts and cold air cannot circulate through the chamber. It is necessary to check the heating element, defrost sensor and drainage.