The situation when LG refrigerator stops turning off and works non-stop frightens many owners. This is not just an annoying noise that prevents you from sleeping at night, but also a direct signal of serious problems with the cooling system. If the unit hums constantly, without entering the planned rest cycle, this indicates that it is trying to compensate for the loss of cold or does not receive correct data about the temperature inside the chambers.
Ignoring the problem can lead to failure compressorwhich is the heart of the refrigeration unit. Constant wear and tear reduces the service life of equipment significantly. In some cases, the cause is simple inattention, but often technical malfunctions are to blame, requiring the intervention of specialists or competent self-diagnosis.
In this article we will analyze in detail why your LG refrigerator does not turn off, how to distinguish a software failure from a mechanical failure and what steps need to be taken to eliminate the malfunction. Understanding the principles of operation of the system No Frost and linear inverter compressors will help you quickly find the root of the problem.
Checking external factors and operating modes
Before you panic and look for breakdowns in the “internals” of the unit, you should exclude influence of external factors. Often, users accidentally activate special operating modes that force the refrigerator to function without interruption. For example, the "Super Freeze" (Super Freeze) mode is designed for quick freezing of a large volume of food and disables the compressor rest cycle for a long time.
It is also worth checking the tightness of the door. If the rubber seal is dirty, damaged or simply not completely closed, warm air enters the chamber. Sensors detect the temperature increase and instruct the compressor to operate continuously to compensate for the heat gain. This is the most common and easily fixable reason.
Pay attention to the temperature in the room. If the refrigerator is installed next to a radiator, stove, or in direct sunlight, heat transfer efficiency decreases. The unit is forced to work harder to maintain the set parameters. In hot weather, the load on the system also naturally increases.
Malfunctions of the defrost system and sensors
One of the most common technical reasons why LG refrigerator does not turn off is the failure of elements of the defrost system. In models with No Frost the evaporator is hidden behind the back wall of the freezer. If the defrost heating element burns out or the timer breaks, a “coat of ice” builds up on the evaporator.
Ice blocks air circulation, and cold stops flowing into the main chamber. The temperature sensor “sees” that there is not enough cold and keeps the compressor on. Visually, the chamber may be warm, but the unit itself will hum non-stop, trying to cool the volume that is blocked by ice.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice ice freezing on the back wall or in the corner of the freezer while the compressor is continuously operating, most likely the problem lies in the defrost system. Operation in this mode can lead to jamming of the fan.
Another important element is the thermostat or thermostat. In older models this is a mechanical device, in new ones it is an electronic sensor. If its contacts are stuck in the "on" position or it is transmitting incorrect data to the control module, the refrigerator will not receive a command to stop. Replacing this element often solves the problem of round-the-clock buzzing.
How to check the defrost heating element?
To check the defrosting heating element, you need to “ring” it with a multimeter for resistance. If the device shows a break (one or infinity), it means that the heating element has burned out and requires replacement. It is also worth checking the integrity of the wires going to it, as they often burn out at the bends.
Refrigerant leakage and problems with the compressor
If the refrigerator works constantly, but it cools weakly or does not cool at all, there is a high probability freon leaks. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, and if a microcrack appears in the tubes or radiator, the gas gradually evaporates. The compressor tries to compensate for the lack of pressure and works without stopping, but does not achieve the desired effect.
In LG models with linear inverter compressors, diagnosis is more difficult. They can operate quietly and continuously at low speeds, creating the illusion of normal operation until complete loss of cold occurs. Signs of a leak may also include swelling of the rear wall or lack of heating of the condenser (grids on the back or sides).
The compressor can also be the culprit. If its valves or piston group are worn out, it cannot create sufficient pressure in the system. The unit hums and vibrates, but does not turn off because it cannot reach the target temperature. In such cases, an expensive replacement of the compressor is often required.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Required actions |
|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator is humming, but not cold | Freon leak or compressor malfunction | Call a technician to find a leak |
| Ice build-up in the freezer | Faulty defrost system (heating element, sensor) | Degradation and replacement of elements |
| The compressor is hot, the operating cycle is long | Clogged capillary tube or dirty condenser | Cleaning or purging the system |
| The refrigerator turns on immediately after stops | Malfunction of the starting relay or thermostat | Replacement of the starting-protective relay |
Clogged capillary tube and filter-drier
There is a bottleneck in the freon circulation system - capillary tube. It regulates the pressure and flow of refrigerant. Over time, oil oxidation products may form in the system or moisture may enter, which leads to the formation of an ice plug or a blockage of solid particles.
When the tube is clogged, freon cannot circulate normally. The pressure at the compressor outlet increases, but there is not enough pressure in the evaporator. The temperature sensors “scream” about the lack of cold, and the motor runs without interruption. A characteristic sign of a blockage is that the condenser (grid at the back) is only partially hot or, conversely, cold, and the compressor itself overheats greatly.
To eliminate this problem, a professional nitrogen system and replacement of the filter-drier are required. It is impossible to perform this operation independently without special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station). Attempts to break through the blockage using improvised means can lead to rupture of the tubes. cleaning nitrogen systems and replacing the filter drier. It is impossible to perform this operation independently without special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station). Attempts to break through the blockage using improvised means can lead to rupture of the pipes.
⚠️ Attention: If after defrosting the refrigerator for 10-12 hours the problem does not disappear and the unit stops turning off again, the reason lies in a technical malfunction, and not in ice freezing.
Failures in the electronic control module
Modern refrigerators LG are controlled by complex electronics. The control board receives signals from all sensors and decides whether to turn the compressor on or off. If the control triac on the board burns out or a software failure occurs, the shutdown command may simply not be received.
Often the cause is a power surge in the network. The electronics may freeze and the refrigerator will operate in emergency mode. In some cases, a complete reset or restarting the device helps. However, if the problem is in the hardware of the board, it will need to be re-soldered or replaced.
☑️ Primary diagnostics before calling a technician
Diagnostics of the module requires special knowledge and tools. The master connects the tester to the board and checks for the presence of control signals. If the board is “silent” or gives a constant signal, it is repaired. It is important to use original spare parts or high-quality analogues, since cheap boards often do not work correctly.
Influence of the environment and correct installation
Do not forget that LG refrigerator is a heat pump that transfers heat from the inside to the outside. To operate effectively, it requires heat exchange with the environment. If the unit is installed in a niche without gaps, moved close to the wall or covered with a decorative panel, it begins to suffocate.
Heat is not removed from the condenser, efficiency drops, and the compressor is forced to work longer and more often to reach the desired temperature. In critical cases it can work almost non-stop. The operating instructions clearly regulate the required distances from walls and furniture.
It is also worth considering the seasonal factor. In the summer, when the apartment is +28...+30°C, it is physically more difficult for the refrigerator to remove heat. Increasing the operating time during this period is acceptable, but it should still be turned off periodically. If it does not turn off at all in the summer, but works normally in winter, it may be worth reconsidering the installation location or improving the ventilation of the kitchen.
Is it possible to place a refrigerator near a radiator?
It is strictly not recommended to install the refrigerator closer than 50 cm from heating appliances. The heat flow from the battery creates a “thermal curtain” that interferes with the cooling of the condenser, which leads to overload of the compressor and increased energy consumption.
When you need to call a specialist
Independent repair is possible only in cases of replacing the seal, defrosting or checking the settings. If the problem lies in the freon circulation system, electronics or mechanics of the compressor, it is better to trust the professionals. Refrigerator has equipment for diagnosing pressure, searching for leaks and checking electrical parameters.
It is especially important to contact the service if you hear unusual sounds: metallic knocking, hissing or whistling. This may indicate that the compressor is running dry or there is a breakdown in the system. Further operation in this condition will completely kill the unit.
Regular maintenance, cleaning the condenser from dust and proper operation will extend the life of your LG. Remember that timely elimination of minor faults, such as a loose door or a dirty seal, prevents serious breakdowns in the future.
Why does the LG refrigerator work constantly after defrosting?
If after complete defrosting (more than 12 hours) the refrigerator continues to work without interruption and does not freeze, this indicates a freon leak or a clogged capillary system. The ice plug could have melted, but the problem remained in the violation of the tightness of the circuit.
How long should an LG refrigerator work in normal mode?
Under normal conditions, the operating cycle is approximately 15-20 minutes of work and 30-40 minutes of rest. The ratio of work time to rest time should be approximately 1:2 or 1:3. If the refrigerator works for 40 minutes and rests for 10, this is a cause for concern.
Can an old refrigerator work without interruption?
Yes, old models with a worn out compressor or those that have lost freon can work constantly. However, the resource of such units is exhausted, and they consume significantly more electricity than new models with inverter motors.
What to do if the compressor is hot and does not turn off?
If the compressor is hot to the point that it is impossible to touch it, and it does not turn off, immediately unplug the refrigerator. This can lead to a fire or permanent engine failure. Diagnostics of the cooling system is required.