The LG refrigerator constantly works and does not turn off: reasons and what to do

Is your refrigerator LG humming around the clock, and the compressor does not stop for a minute? This is not just an annoying noise - a signal that the equipment is operating in emergency mode. Constant operation without shutdowns leads to increased wear of parts, increased electricity bills and the risk of food spoilage. In 80% of cases, the problem can be fixed on your own, without resorting to expensive repairs.

In this article we will examine all possible reasonswhy refrigerators LG (including No Frost, Inverter Linear Compressor and classic models) may not turn off - from trivial incorrect placement to serious breakdowns compressor. You will learn how to diagnose a malfunction by indirect signs, what manipulations you can do with your own hands, and when it’s time to call a specialist. We will pay special attention specific "diseases" of LG inverter compressors, which are often confused with freon leaks.

We warn you right away: if the refrigerator not only works for a long time, but also and does not freeze, overheats on the sides or makes strange sounds (grinding, knocking) - this is a reason to stop experiments and contact a service center. In other cases, follow our instructions.

1. Check the obvious: 5 external reasons for continuous operation

Before disassembling the refrigerator or calling a technician, exclude factors not related to breakdowns. Experience shows that in 30% of cases the problem lies in incorrect operation.

• 🔌 Unstable voltage in the network. Refrigerators LG are sensitive to power surges. If there are frequent power outages in your area or the voltage drops below 190 V, the compressor may work without stopping, trying to compensate for the lost power.
• 🌡️ High room temperature. If the refrigerator is located next to the stove, radiator, or on the sunny side, the temperature sensor detects constant overheating and causes the compressor to work harder. Norm for LG: no higher +32°C around the body.
• 🚪 Frequent opening of the door. In families with children or during active use (for example, during feasts), the refrigerator may not have time to restore the temperature. Check if food remains close to the door, blocking it from closing tightly.
• ❄️ Super Freeze or Quick Cooling mode. These functions (Power Freeze, Express Cool) are disabled manually! The instructions do not always clearly indicate that the mode does not reset automatically. LG It is not always clearly stated that the mode does not reset automatically.
• 📦 Overload with products. If you fill the refrigerator with warm food (for example, after shopping), the compressor will need up to 24 hoursto stabilize the temperature. During this period, it may not turn off.

You can check most items in 10 minutes. If, after eliminating external factors, the refrigerator still does not turn off, proceed to diagnosing internal faults.

2. Thermostat or temperature sensor: how to check without instruments

The thermostat (or thermistor in modern models) is the “brain” that tells the compressor when it’s time to turn on or rest. If it fails, the refrigerator LG either never turns offor, conversely, turns on too rarely. In models with electronic control (Smart ThinQ), a sensor malfunction is often accompanied by an error on the display (codes Er IF, Er FF).

How to check the thermostat at home:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 10-15 minutes, then turn it on again. If after rebooting the compressor immediately starts working without pauses, this is an indirect sign of a thermostat failure.
2. Look at temperature in the chambers. If the refrigerator freezes too much (the food is covered with ice, and a snow “coat” grows on the back wall), the thermostat “lies” and does not give a signal to turn off.
3. In models with mechanical control (rotary controls), try set the thermostat to the minimum value (turn the knob counterclockwise). If the compressor continues to work, the sensor is faulty.

In inverter refrigerators LG (series GR-, GB-, GC-*) the thermostat is integrated into the board control. Independent replacement here is almost impossible - soldering equipment and experience with electronics are required.

3. Freon leak: signs and why it is dangerous

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and provides cooling. When it leaks, the compressor starts working continuously, but without result: the temperature in the chambers rises and the motor overheats. In refrigerators. data-i="118">leakage often occurs in places where tubes are soldered or due to microcracks in the evaporator (especially in models with LG leakage often occurs in places where tubes are soldered or due to microcracks in the evaporator (especially in models with No Frost).

Signs of a freon leak:

• 🔊 The compressor hums incessantly, but the refrigerator does not freeze (or freezes slightly).
• 🧊 On the back wall of the refrigerator compartment there is no frost (in models without No Frost).
• 🔥 The refrigerator body hot to the touch (especially at the bottom where the compressor is located).
• 💧 There are puddles under the refrigerator, but this not condensation is possibly oil leaking from compressor (an indirect sign of system depressurization).

A freon leak is not a case where you can do it yourself.. Repair requires:

1. Detect the location of the leak (using a leak detector or foam).
2. Eliminate the damage (solder, replace the evaporator).
3. Evacuate the system and charge new freon (usually used LG usually used R-600a or R-134a).

What is the danger of a freon leak?

Freon is non-toxic, but with large leaks it can cause suffocation (displaces oxygen). In addition, without refrigerant, the compressor runs “idle”, which leads to its overheating and failure. In 90% of cases, a leak requires. professional repair with replacement of the filter-drier and complete recharge of the system.

4. Compressor failure: how to distinguish it from other faults

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. Models LG use two types of compressors:

• Conventional (piston) — in budget series (GA-, GL-). When broken, they either do not turn on or work without stopping, but with sounds (knocking, grinding).
• Inverter (Linear Compressor) —in premium models (GR-, GC-) They break down less often, but their malfunctions are often disguised as other problems (for example, control board failures).

Signs of a compressor malfunction:

If the compressor burns out, replacing it will cost 50-70% of the cost of a new refrigerator. In the case of inverter models LG sometimes it is cheaper to buy new equipment - original compressors are expensive, and analogues may not be suitable.

5. Capillary tube clogged: diagnostics and risks

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. Over time, it can become clogged. As a result, freon does not circulate normally, and the compressor works without stopping, trying to “push” the refrigerant. with oil, moisture or products. refrigerant decomposition. As a result, freon does not circulate normally, and the compressor runs non-stop, trying to “push” the refrigerant.

Signs of blockage:

• 🔄 Refrigerator freezes slightly, but the compressor does not turn off.
• 🧊 B freezer uneven ice (thick layer at the entrance, thin layer in the depths).
• 🔥 Condenser (grid at the back) does not heat up or only partially heated.

You can check the blockage like this:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 12-24 hours.
2. After turning on, touch the condenser (grid on the back wall). it remains cold more 30 minutes is a sign of blockage.
3. Listen to the compressor: when clogged it works quieter than usual, but without pauses.

Remove the blockage at home impossible - special equipment is required for purging the system. In the service, this procedure is often combined with replacing the freon and filter-drier.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network|Defreeze both chambers|Get access to the back wall|Prepare the model and serial number (on the sticker inside)

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6. Control board failures: when the electronics are to blame

In refrigerators LG with electronic control (Smart ThinQ, models with a display), the control board is responsible for the compressor operation cycle. If it fails, the compressor can receive incorrect signals. data-i="210">⚡ Voltage surges (even if a stabilizer is used). and work without stopping:

• ⚡ Voltage surges (even if a stabilizer is used).
• 💧 Moisture ingress (for example, during defrosting).
• 🕷️ Short circuit due to insects (ants, cockroaches).
• 🔄 Firmware failures (in models with Wi-Fi and Smart Diagnosis).

Symptoms of board malfunction:

• 📛 Flashing on the display unclear symbols or errors (Er HE, Er CE).
• 🔄 The refrigerator reboots on its own or resets the settings.
• 🔊 The compressor turns on and off chaotic (without connection with the temperature).

In some cases, the board can be "reanimated":

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 5-10 minutes (full reset).
2. If the model supports Smart Diagnosis, run the test (see instructions above).
3. Check fuse on the board (in some models it is available without disassembling).

If the board is burned out, it will have to be replaced. Electronics are often integrated with the display, so repairs can cost 15-30 thousand rubles. Before replacing the control board in an LG refrigerator, unlink it from your account in the application! Otherwise, the new board may not connect to Wi-Fi. LG The electronics are often integrated with the display, so repairs can cost 15-30 thousand rubles.

7. When to call a technician: a checklist for making a decision

If you have checked all the points from the article, but the refrigerator LG still does not turn off, it’s time to evaluate whether it is worth repairing the equipment:

If you decide to repair, choose LG certified service centers. and a guarantee for work will reduce the risk of repeated breakdowns. For models older than 7 years, repair is usually impractical - modern refrigerators consume less electricity and are quieter.

⚠️ Attention: If the LG refrigerator with an inverter compressor does not turn off, but the temperature in the chambers is stable, do not rush to change the compressor! The control board settings may have gone wrong. In this case, flashing will help, which costs 5-10 times less than replacing parts.

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

Is it possible to use the refrigerator if it does not turn off, but freezes normally?

Short-term (1-2 days) - yes, but this leads to increased wear on the compressor. the risk of overheating. If the problem is not resolved within a week, the compressor may burn out. In addition, electricity consumption will increase due to 30-50%.

The LG No Frost refrigerator does not turn off and ice builds up. freezer. What to do?

This is a sign defrost system malfunctions (the heating element has burned out, the timer or defrost sensor has broken). In 70% of cases, you can defrost the refrigerator yourself and check if the problem continues. If the ice builds up again, call a technician. data-i="274">malfunction of the defrost system

After the move, the LG refrigerator began to work without stopping. What's wrong?

Probably, during transportation freon tube is damaged Do not turn on the refrigerator! data-i="278">the freon tube is damaged

• The integrity of the tubes (are there any kinks or cracks).
• Correct installation (the refrigerator should stand level, without distortions).
• Are the temperature settings lost (sometimes when shaking they are reset to maximum).

If everything looks fine, but the problem remains, call a technician to check the tightness of the system.

The LG refrigerator with an inverter compressor does not turn off, but there are no errors. What to check?

In inverter models (Linear Compressor) often get lost calibration settings. Try:

1. Turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on.
2. Start the mode Smart Diagnosis (if any).
3. Check whether the function is activated Door Alarm (sometimes it blocks the compressor from turning off).

If this does not help, you need to diagnose the control board.

How much does it cost to repair an LG refrigerator that does not turn off?

The cost depends on the reason:

• Replacing the thermostat: 2 500–5 000 ₽.
• Eliminating freon leaks + refilling: 6 000–12 000 ₽.
• Replacement of the compressor: 8 000–20 000 ₽ (in inverter models - to 25 000 ₽).
• Repair of the control board: 5 000–15 000 ₽.

LG service centers have fixed prices - check them by phone before the technician’s visit.