The situation when an LG refrigerator stops turning off often takes the owner by surprise. You may notice that the compressor is humming continuously without entering its normal rest cycle, or the unit is making operating sounds but is not cooling properly inside. This not only increases energy bills, but also creates a risk of food spoilage, since the temperature in the chambers may not reach the set values.
Modern models of refrigerators, including ranges LG DoorCooling+ and classic two-chamber systems, are equipped with complex control electronics. However, even the most reliable systems can fail due to external factors or natural wear and tear of components. Understanding why your LG refrigerator works non-stopwill help you make the right decision: call a technician or try to fix the problem yourself.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical reasons for the continuous operation of the motor. We will look at problems with circuit tightness, sensor malfunctions and errors in the operation of the inverter compressor. It is important to act consistently so as not to aggravate the breakdown of expensive household appliances.
Seal failure and refrigerant leak
One of the most common reasons why an LG refrigerator does not turn off is loss of refrigerant. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, taking heat from the chambers and releasing it into the environment. If a microcrack appears in the system, the gas begins to evaporate and the pressure drops. The electronics detect insufficient cooling and command the compressor to work harder, trying to compensate for the lack of cold.
Often a leak occurs at the soldering points of the tubes or in the evaporator hidden behind the back wall. It is impossible to visually notice a gas leak, since it is colorless and odorless. However, an indirect sign is weak cold or its complete absence with a continuously running engine. In some cases, oily spots can be seen on the condenser tubes, which indicate the location of depressurization.
⚠️ Attention: Self-refilling the refrigerator with freon without finding and eliminating the leak is a temporary measure that will lead to repeated breakdowns in a short time. A full repair of the system is required.
If you encounter similar symptoms, you need to check the integrity of the pipelines. Sometimes the cause is metal corrosion, especially in models operated in damp areas. Restoring the tightness requires special equipment and skills, so it is better to entrust such work to professionals.
Prolonged operation of the compressor at low freon levels leads to its overheating and eventual failure. Therefore, if you notice that The LG refrigerator hums, but does not cool, it is better to disconnect the device from the network until the technician arrives.
Faults of the thermostat and temperature sensors
In classic models of LG refrigerators, the mechanical one is responsible for temperature control thermostat. It is a device with a capillary tube that responds to changes in temperature inside the chamber. If the thermostat contacts “stick” in the closed position, the compressor power circuit does not open, and the motor runs without interruption.
In more modern models with a system No Frost and electronic control, the control function is performed by air sensors. These elements transmit signals to the main control module. If one of the sensors fails, the board may receive erroneous data indicating that the chamber is too warm. In response to this, the “smart” system does not allow the compressor to go into standby mode.
Thermostat diagnostics are often carried out by elimination. To test the mechanical regulator, it can be temporarily shorted directly. If after this procedure the refrigerator begins to operate cyclically (turning on and off), then the problem is in the regulator.
Replacing temperature sensors is a less labor-intensive procedure than repairing the circuit, but requires precision. An incorrectly installed sensor may produce errors, which will again lead to system malfunctions.
Problems with the door seal and heat loss
It would seem that a simple rubber gasket around the perimeter of the door plays a critical role in the energy efficiency of the device. If the seal is worn out, lost elasticity or becomes dirty, warm air from the room constantly penetrates into the chamber. Sensors detect an increase in temperature and force the compressor to work in increased mode to maintain the desired climate.
You can check the tightness of the door in a simple way. Place a piece of paper between the door and the body of the refrigerator and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out easily and without resistance, the seal is broken. It is also worth inspecting the rubber for cracks, tears or deformations.
Often the cause of a poor fit is not the seal itself, but a misaligned door or loose hinges. In this case, it is enough to adjust the fasteners. Dirt and sticky traces from food also interfere with tight contact, so regular washing of the seal with warm water and soap is a mandatory maintenance procedure.
The constant flow of warm air not only forces the motor to work without stopping, but also leads to the formation of excess ice in the freezer. This creates additional stress on the defrosting system.
Failure of the defrost system (No Frost)
In LG refrigerators with technology No Frost the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel. Periodically, the system automatically starts the heating element (heater) to melt frozen frost. If this process is disrupted, the evaporator becomes overgrown with an ice crust, which blocks the circulation of cold air.
As a result, the temperature sensor in the chamber does not detect cooling, although the compressor continues to operate at full power. Ice acts as a heat insulator, preventing cold from penetrating into the useful volume. The main culprits for this situation are: a burnt heating element, a faulty defrost relay or a clogged drain hole.
Symptoms of the problem are often whistling or gurgling sounds when the fan is running, as well as ice build-ups on the back wall of the freezer. In some cases, the fan may even jam due to ice, which will lead to additional noise.
To eliminate the problem, you need to completely defrost the refrigerator within 24 hours and check the elements of the defrost system with a multimeter. Often it is necessary to replace the heating element or defrost sensor.
How to properly defrost a refrigerator for testing?
Disconnect the device from the mains, open all doors and leave for at least 24 hours. Do not use a hairdryer or hot water to speed up the process, as this may damage the plastic and evaporator tubes. Make sure that the water drains into the pan and not onto the floor.
Compressor wear and problems with the start relay
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator. LG models often use reliable inverter motors, which should operate quietly and smoothly. However, over time, mechanical wear of the piston group or windings can lead to loss of performance. The motor is trying to build up pressure, but due to wear it cannot cope, so the electronics does not give the command to stop.
Another important element is the starting relay. It is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay is faulty, the compressor may hum but not start, or may not operate correctly. In older models with conventional compressors, the relay clicks every time it starts. In inverter systems, the control unit is built directly into the compressor.
Signs of a compressor malfunction can be:
- 🔥 Strong heating of the motor housing (up to 80-90 degrees and above).
- 🔊 Uncharacteristic knocking, clanging or loud buzzing when work.
- ⚡ Frequent attempts to start followed by a click and stop.
Repairing the compressor at home is practically impossible and economically impractical. Usually, it is necessary to replace the entire unit, which is an expensive procedure.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
The influence of external factors and improper operation
The reason for continuous operation does not always lie in a breakdown. Often, users themselves create conditions in which the LG refrigerator is forced to work non-stop. For example, installing the device too close to a wall, a heating radiator, or in direct sunlight disrupts the heat transfer of the condenser.
The condenser (grid at the back or on the sides) must freely release heat into the air. If it is clogged with dust or pet hair, cooling efficiency decreases and the compressor runs longer. Loading hot foods into the chamber or frequently opening the door also has a negative effect.
In the summer, when the room temperature is high, it is more difficult for the refrigerator to cool down. This is normal and the work cycle may increase. However, if the device is placed in an unheated room in winter, the oil in the compressor may thicken, which will also lead to problems with starting and operation.
Compliance with operating rules significantly extends the life of the equipment. Make sure that there are gaps around the refrigerator for ventilation specified in the instructions.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Humming, warm inside | Freon leak | High |
| Works without stopping, freezes slightly | Thermostat/sensor is faulty | Medium |
| Ice on the rear wall, fan noise | Defrost system failure | Medium |
| Buzzes, but does not start (clicks) | Faulty start relay | Low |
| Gets very hot, hums continuously | Compressor wear | High |
Diagnostics and when to call a technician
Before sounding the alarm, conduct an initial diagnosis. Check if the door is closed tightly, if there are any gaps in the seal, and if the room is too hot. Try defrosting the refrigerator within 24 hours. If after turning on the problem returns, it means there is a technical malfunction.
A call to the technician is necessary if:
- ❄️ The refrigerator does not freeze at all, although the compressor is working.
- 🛠️ You do not have the skills to work with a multimeter and electrical diagrams.
- 🔧 The compressor needs to be replaced or refilled with freon.
The specialist will check the pressure in the system, test for leaks and diagnose the electronics. This will allow you to accurately determine the cause and avoid unnecessary costs for replacing faulty parts.
Do not ignore the problem of continuous operation. In addition to the risk of being left without food, this can lead to a fire in the wiring or melting of the insulation due to network overload.
Why can a new LG refrigerator work for a long time without turning off?
After the first load or defrosting, the refrigerator can work up to 12-24 hours without stopping. This is the normal mode of entering the work cycle. Long-term operation is also possible when loading a large amount of warm products or in a very hot room.
Is it possible to repair a freon leak yourself?
No. To search for leaks, you need special devices (leak detectors), and for refilling, you need a vacuum pump and a pressure gauge station. In addition, skills in soldering copper tubes are required in conditions of access to the system.
What does a flashing indicator on the LG control panel mean?
Flashing indicators often indicate a malfunction of the sensors or defrost system. The exact error code varies by model. For example, flashing may indicate an error in the freezer sensor or a problem with the fan.
Is it dangerous if the refrigerator hums but does not turn off for several hours?
Short-term operation (several hours) after loading or defrosting is acceptable. However, if the motor runs for days on end, this leads to its overheating and reduced service life. In this case, it is better to turn off the device.