LG refrigerator works, but does not freeze: reasons and what to do

Have you noticed that the refrigerator LG is humming, the light inside is on, but the freezer has stopped freezing food? Or has the temperature in the main compartment risen to room temperature, although the motor is running non-stop? This problem occurs even in reliable models LG No Frost (for example, GA-B489, GB-B399 or GR-B429) and requires urgent diagnosis. In 70% of cases, problems in the cooling system are to blame, but sometimes it is a simple user error.

In this article we will look all possible reasonswhy the refrigerator LG works, but does not freeze - from a freon leak to a failure of the electronic module. You will learn how to check the thermostat, sensors and fan yourself, when you can do without a technician, and in what cases do-it-yourself repair will only worsen the breakdown. They also provided step-by-step instructions on defrosting and restarting the system for models with Smart Inverter Compressor.

We'll warn you right away: if the refrigerator LG s one compressor (for example, GA-B409 or GR-B379), then a malfunction of the freezer automatically means problems in the entire unit. In two-compressor models (series GC-B247), a breakdown can affect only one of the chambers.

1. Why the LG refrigerator works, but does not freeze: top 7 reasons

When the refrigerator LG turns on but does not cool, the problem lies in one of the key components of the system. Listed below the most likely malfunctionssorted by frequency of occurrence (data from service centers for 2023–2026).

• 🔧 Freon leakage - the most common cause (35% of cases). Refrigerant leaks through microcracks in the tubes or after mechanical damage to the evaporator. The refrigerator LG will work, but not freeze, since the compressor drives air instead of freon.
• ❄️ Capillary tube freezing (20%). Moisture or oil particles clog the thin passage, blocking refrigerant circulation. Often occurs after improper defrosting.
• 🌡️ Failure of the thermostat or temperature sensor (15%). The electronics mistakenly “think” that the chamber is already cold enough and turns off the compressor ahead of time.
• 🌀 No Frost fan malfunction (10%). In models with a system No Frost (for example, LG GA-B489), the blades may ice up or the motor may burn out. Without airflow, the evaporator becomes covered with ice, and cold does not enter the chamber.
• ⚡ Electronic module failure (8%). After a power surge or a firmware error, the control board stops controlling the compressor correctly.
• 🔄 Clogged filter drier (7%). The filter becomes clogged with oil decomposition products or moisture, which blocks the circulation of freon.
• ❓ User error (5%). For example, the Vacation (vacation) mode is accidentally turned on or the air duct between the chambers is blocked.

If your refrigerator LG belongs to the series InstaView Door-in-Door (for example, LRMVC2306S), check if the ice dispenser is blocking the ventilation holes. In models with DoorCooling+ (for example, GC-B247), the problem may lie in a malfunction of the additional fan on the door.

2. How to diagnose the problem: step-by-step instructions

Before disassembling the refrigerator or calling service, follow primary diagnostics. This will help narrow down the range of possible faults and save on repairs.

Step 1: Check the obvious points

• 🔌 Make sure that the refrigerator LG is connected to the outlet and the power indicator is on. Sometimes the plug falls out or the RCD protection is triggered.
• 📛 Look at the display (if any): whether an error is on (for example, Er FF - fan malfunction, Er dH - problem with the sensor).
• 🧊 Check whether it is turned on mode Vacation (vacation) or Eco. In these modes, the freezer may turn off.
• 🚪 Make sure the freezer door is tightly closed. In models LG c Door-in-Door the inner door may not fit tightly due to ice.

Step 2: Evaluate the operation of the compressor

Put your hand on the back wall of the refrigerator LG at the bottom where the compressor is located. If it:

• 🔥 It is hotbut does not vibrate, the winding is most likely burned out or the motor is jammed.
• ❄️ Cold and does not turn on - the problem is in the start relay, thermostat or control board.
• 🔄 Works without stopping, but does not freeze - freon leak, capillary tube clogged or sensor malfunction.

Step 3: Check the fan No Frost

On models c No Frost (for example, LG GA-B489) open the freezer and listen. If the fan:

• 🔇 Does not make noise —it may have iced up or the motor has burned out.
• 🎵 It hums, but weakly —the blades could have frozen or jammed.

To check the fan, unplug the refrigerator, defrost it for 12-24 hours, then turn it on again. If the fan started working after defrosting, the problem was icing.

Checking the network connection|Inspecting the display for errors|Testing the compressor (heating, vibration)|Listening to the No Frost fan|Checking the door seals-->

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

Freon leak is the most insidious malfunction, since externally the refrigerator LG looks operational: the compressor is humming, the light is on, but there is no cooling. The refrigerant leaks through microcracks in the circuit, often after:

• 🔨 Mechanical damage (for example, during transportation or careless defrosting of the ice maker).
• 🕳️ Corrosion of tubes (in older models or with high humidity).
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor (if the refrigerator has been operating at maximum load for a long time).

A critical sign of a freon leak in LG: the compressor works without stopping, but the condenser (grid on the back wall) remains cold. Normally, the condenser should heat up when the motor is running.

How to check the leak yourself

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it for 24 hours.
2. Inspect the back wall and tubes for oil stains (freon leaks out along with the oil).
3. Check the soldering joints tubes - microcracks often form there.
4. If you have access to a pressure gauge, connect it to the service port (only for experienced users!). Pressure below 0.5 atm indicates a leak.

⚠️ Attention: Refilling freon into the refrigerator yourself LG is strictly not recommended! This requires special equipment, a vacuum pump and precise calculation of the refrigerant dose. An error in refueling will lead to a repeated leak or breakdown of the compressor.

4. Clogged capillary tube: symptoms and solutions

The capillary tube is a thin channel (~0.6–0.8 mm in diameter) through which freon enters the evaporator. If it becomes clogged, the refrigerant does not circulate, and the refrigerator LG stops freezing, although the compressor is running. Causes of clogging:

• 💧 Moisture entering the system (for example, when freon is charged incorrectly).
• 🛢️ Oil decomposition in the compressor (in old models or during overheating).
• 🧊 Metal shavings or scale after soldering tubes.

Signs of a blockage:

• The compressor runs non-stop, but the freezer does not cool.
• The condenser (grid at the back) only partially heats up.
• After turning off the refrigerator, a characteristic sound is heard “gurgling” sound in the tubes (freon is trying to pass through the blockage).

How to clean a capillary tube

To clean it you will need:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and bleed off the freon (only in the service!).
2. Unsolder capillary tube from the filter drier.
3. Blow the tube with nitrogen under a pressure of 15–20 atm (impossible at home!).
4. If blowing does not help, replace the tube or filter drier.
5. Fill the system with new freon.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to clean the capillary tube with wire or a needle! This will damage the inner coating and cause re-clogging. The only safe way is to blow with nitrogen at a service center.

5. Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors

In refrigerators LG the following are responsible for temperature regulation:

• 🌡️ Thermostat (in mechanical models, for example, LG GR-B379).
• 📡 Temperature sensors (in electronic models with a display, for example, LG GA-B489).

If the thermostat or sensor fails, the compressor either does not turn on or does not work correctly. Symptoms of malfunction:

• Refrigerator LG turns on at 5–10 seconds and immediately turns off.
• The temperature in the chambers does not correspond to the set one (for example, at +5°C the display actually shows +15°C).
• An error flashes on the display Er FS (faulty freezer compartment sensor) or Er rS (refrigerator compartment sensor).

How to check the thermostat

For mechanical models:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the thermostat knob and protective cover.
3. Find the thermostat (usually attached to the evaporator).
4. Ring the contacts with a tester in circuit test mode. At room temperature, the contacts should be closed.
5. Place the thermostat in ice water - the contacts should open. If this does not happen, the part is faulty.

For electronic models (eg LG GC-B247), you will need to diagnose the sensors through the service menu. To enter it:

1. Press and hold the "Freezer" button for 5 seconds.
2 Then press "Fridge" 3. times.
3. An error code or current sensor readings will appear on the display.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators LG with a system Smart Diagnosis (for example, LRMVC2306S), you can use a mobile application to read errors. LG Smart ThinQ. Hold the phone to a special hole on the front panel - the program will decipher the sound signal and show the fault code.

6. Problems with the No Frost fan: diagnostics and repair

In models LG with a system No Frost (for example, GA-B489, GB-B399) the fan is responsible for circulating cold air. If it breaks, the freezer stops cooling, although the compressor works. Causes of fan failure:

• 🧊 Icing of the blades (due to a malfunction of the defrost heating element).
• 🔌 Motor burnout (often after a power surge).
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage (for example, the blades touch the ice).

How to check the fan

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the shelves from the freezer.
3. Remove the back panel of the freezer (usually secured with latches or screws).
4. Check that it rotates Is the fan free? If not, remove the ice or replace the motor.
5. Connect the refrigerator to the power supply and listen: if the fan does not make noise, check it with a multimeter (winding resistance should be 200–500 Ohms).

If the fan is frozen, defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours, then check the operation of the defrost heating element B. models LG it should turn on every 8-12 hours and heat the evaporator for 20-30 minutes.

How to replace the fan in LG No Frost

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it.

2. freezer.

3. Disconnect the fan power connector.

4. Unscrew the mounting screws and remove the fan.

5. Install a new fan (for example, original LG 6601JJ1006A for models GA-B489).

6. Reassemble everything in the reverse order.

7. When to call a technician: 5 cases when doing it on your own is dangerous

Some refrigerator breakdowns can be repaired yourself (for example, replacing the seal or defrosting the fan). data-i="247">or even a fire. Contact the service if: LG You can fix it yourself (for example, replace the seal or defrost the fan). However, there are situations when do-it-yourself repair will worsen the problem or even a fire. Contact the service if:

• ⚡ You suspect a leak. Freon - without special equipment it is impossible to charge the refrigerant, and an error in dosage will lead to a repeat breakdown.
• 🔥 The compressor overheats or smokes is a sign of an interturn short circuit, which can cause a fire.
• 💻 The display shows an error associated with the electronic module (for example, Er HE, Er CEIndependent soldering of the board can lead to failure of the entire unit). controls.
• 🔧 Soldering of tubes is required —without argon welding and a vacuum pump, the soldering area will quickly leak.
• 🛠️ The compressor needs to be replaced —this is a complex operation that requires re-soldering tubes and evacuation of the system.

Average cost of repairing refrigerators LG in service centers (data for 2026):

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator LG is under warranty, do not open it yourself! The warranty card is void if the seals are broken. Contact an authorized service center LG —repair will be free.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about LG refrigerators that do not. freezing

❓ The LG refrigerator is humming, but not freezing - what to do first?

First check:

1. Is the freezer door closed (sometimes the seal freezes to the body).
2. Is the mode turned on Vacation or Eco.
3. Is the fan running (in models with No Frost).
4. Is the compressor hot (if not, the problem is in the start relay or thermostat).

If everything is in order, but the refrigerator does not freeze - turn it off for 12 hours to completely defrost, then turn it on again. If it doesn’t help, call a technician.

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

No, it’s dangerous! To fill freon you need:

• A vacuum pump (to remove) moisture from the system).
• Manometric manifold (for pressure control).
• A cylinder with freon (for LG usually used R-134a or R-600a).
• Experience in soldering copper tubes (to do not damage the circuit).

An error in the dosage of freon or moisture entering the system will lead to repeated breakdown in 1-2 months.

❓ Why does the LG refrigerator with No Frost not freeze after defrosting?

Probable reasons:

• 🧊 The fan is iced up and does not spin (it needs to be defrosted longer - 24 hours).
• 🔥 The defrost heating element has burned out (the evaporator is covered with ice, blocking the cold).
• 🌡️ The defrost sensor has failed (does not give a command to turn on the heating element).
• 💧 Water got on the electronic module (for example, when defrosting with a steam generator).

Try to turn off the refrigerator for a day, then turn it on. If it doesn’t help, check the fan and defrost heating element.

❓ LG two-chamber refrigerator - only the freezer does not freeze, but the refrigerator compartment works. What's the matter?

In two-chamber models LG (for example, GC-B247), the freezer and refrigerator compartments may have:

• 🔄 One compressor and two evaporators —if only the freezer does not freeze, it is to blame clogged capillary tube of the freezing circuit or freon leak in the freezer evaporator.
• 🔧 Two compressors - check if the motor is working freezer compartment (put your hand to the back wall at the bottom).

Also inspect the freezer fan - it could have iced up or burned out.

❓ The Er FF error appears on the display of the LG refrigerator. What does this mean?

Error Er FF indicates a malfunction freezer fan. Possible reasons:

• 🧊 The fan blades are frozen (defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours).
• 🔌 The fan motor is burnt out (needs replacement).
• 📡 The fan sensor is faulty (checked with a multimeter).

If the error remains after defrosting, check the resistance of the fan winding (should be 200–500 Ohms).