The situation when a household unit makes the usual hum, the light is on inside, and food begins to rapidly deteriorate causes panic in any owner. Owners of equipment LG often encounter the fact that the device turns on, the compressor starts, but there is no proper cold either in the main chamber or in the freezer. This may indicate a whole range of problems, from a banal blockage to a serious violation of the tightness of the system.
It is important to immediately differentiate the concepts of “does not work” and “does not freeze.” If the motor does not make sounds or vibrate, the problem lies in the electrical circuit or the starter relay. However, when the compressor is hummingbut heat exchange does not occur, we are talking about a violation of the refrigerant circulation or failures in the control system. Modern models No Frost and drip systems have their own diagnostic features that require a careful approach.
You should not immediately call a technician if you have not checked the basic things. Sometimes the reason lies in incorrectly set temperature conditions or blocking of air dampers with food. However, the problem cannot be ignored, since running the engine idling can lead to its complete failure and costly repairs.
Diagnostics of the operation of the compressor and start relay
First of all, it is necessary to assess the nature of the operation of the motor. If you hear a humming noise that ends abruptly with a click, followed by a pause and repetition of the cycle, this is a sure sign of a malfunction starting relay or the compressor itself. The relay is responsible for starting the engine, and if it does not open the starting winding, the motor cannot enter operating mode.
In some cases, the compressor runs continuously, without turning off for hours, trying to gain temperature. This indicates that the control system receives a signal about high temperature and is trying to compensate for the lack of cold by constant operation. In such a situation heat exchanger it may be barely warm or cold, which indicates a lack of freon circulation.
Checking the start relay is a procedure that can be done with your own hands if you have basic skills. It is necessary to disconnect the device from the mains, remove the back panel and carefully remove the plastic box from the side of the compressor. Inside there is a starting coil and a posistor, which often fail due to voltage surges.
⚠️ Attention: Before removing the relay, be sure to take a photo of connecting the wires or mark them with a marker. Incorrect connection of contacts can lead to a short circuit and combustion of the compressor windings.
If after replacing the relay the situation has not changed, it may have occurred turn-to-turn short circuit in the motor windings. In this case, the engine may hum, but not start, or start with severe overheating. Diagnostics of the windings requires the use of a multimeter to measure the resistance between the contacts.
Refrigerant problems: freon leaks and blockages
The most common reason that the refrigerator LG stopped freeze, there is a refrigerant leak. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and if the seal is broken, the pressure drops and the boiling of the liquid in the evaporator stops. Leaks often occur at welds, in the foamed part of the body or through the evaporator.
The second option is clogged capillary tube. An ice or oil plug may have formed in the system, which physically blocks the movement of gas. In this case, the compressor will work with increased load, trying to push freon, but there will be no cold. A characteristic sign is a hot condenser and a cold evaporator.
To diagnose leaks, technicians use leak detectors or a soap solution, applying it to suspicious areas of the tubes. The appearance of bubbles will indicate the location of depressurization. It is almost impossible to independently eliminate a leak in the foamed part of the case without special equipment for foaming and vacuuming.
Is it possible to refuel a refrigerator yourself?
Independent refueling is impossible without a vacuum pump and scales. Residual air in the system will lead to the formation of an ice plug and failure of the compressor in a short time.
It is worth noting that in modern models with inverter compressors, leak diagnosis is complicated. The system can operate in economical mode, and the lack of cold will not be immediately noticeable. If you notice that condenser grid on the back wall remains cold when the motor is running, this is an almost guaranteed leak or blockage.
Malfunctions of the defrost system in No Frost models
In refrigerators LG No Frost circulation of cold air is carried out forcibly using a fan. If you hear the compressor running but no cold air is blowing from inside, the problem may lie in the evaporator defrost system. Over time, a “fur coat” grows on the evaporator, which blocks the channels for air flow.
Three main elements are responsible for the defrosting process: Defrost heating element, a defrost sensor (defrost thermostat) and a timer (or electronic control module). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt. If the sensor is faulty, it does not give a command to turn on the heating. If the timer burns out, the defrost cycle simply does not start.
Visually this is manifested by the fact that the back wall in the freezer is covered with ice, and the fan may begin to hum or jam from an ice crust. As a result, the cold does not enter the main chamber, and the temperature there rises, although the freezer may still remain below zero for some time.
☑️ Checking the No Frost system
A common mistake is trying to break off the ice with a knife. This may damage the plastic ducts or the evaporator itself. It is best to defrost the refrigerator completely, leaving the doors open for 24 hours, and check whether the cold appears after turning it on.
Failures in the operation of the electronic control module
Modern refrigerators LG are controlled by complex electronics. The control board receives signals from temperature sensors and decides whether to turn on the compressor, fan or heating element. If the “brains” of the device malfunction, they may not supply voltage to the actuators, even if the sensors themselves are working.
Signs of a module malfunction may include chaotic switching on and off, lack of response to control panel buttons, or illuminated error indicators. For example, a flashing “Alarm” indicator or a specific combination of light bulbs may indicate a specific error, the code of which can be found in the instructions.
The power switches on the board that are responsible for switching high currents often fail. Visually, this may manifest itself as blackening of the contacts or swelling of the capacitors. Repairing a module requires soldering skills and knowledge of circuit design, so most often the board is replaced entirely or sent to a specialized service.
⚠️ Attention: Power surges in the network are the main cause of failure of electronic modules. Use surge protectors or voltage stabilizers to protect expensive equipment.
Sometimes the failure is software in nature. In such cases, a full reset (Hard Reset) helps. To do this, you need to unplug the refrigerator from the outlet for 15–20 minutes and then turn it on again. This allows you to buffer errors and restart the controller.
Mechanical damage and leakage
Even if all components are working properly, the refrigerator will not freeze if the door seal is broken. Over time, the rubber edging dries out, cracks, or simply becomes dirty, causing the door to not fit tightly. Warm, humid air constantly enters the chamber, which the cooling system does not have time to cool.
You can check the seal with a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the paper is removed without effort or falls out on its own, it means that in this place seal does not provide tightness. It is also worth inspecting the door hinges - if they are skewed, the door will be skewed.
Another mechanical reason is damage to the body. Dents, especially on the back wall or in the corners, may indicate pinched tubes or poor insulation. If the dent is deep, it could damage the capillary tube, causing a freon leak.
It is also important to check whether the back wall of the refrigerator is too close to the wall or furniture. For normal operation of the condenser, a gap of at least 5–7 cm is required for free air circulation. Overheating of the rear part reduces the cooling efficiency.
Table of main faults and symptoms
For ease of diagnosis, the main symptoms and probable causes can be summarized in a single table. This will help you quickly understand the nature of the breakdown before the technician arrives.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor hums and clicks, does not start | The starting relay or compressor wedge is faulty | Medium / High |
| The motor runs without stopping, there is no cold | Freon leakage or capillary system clogged | High (requires a technician) |
| There is ice in the freezer, heat in the refrigerator compartment | Malfunction of the defrosting system (heating element, sensor) | Medium |
| The refrigerator turns on for 1-2 minutes and turns off | Problems with the thermostat or control module | Medium |
| Strong ice on the back wall | Faulty defrost sensor or timer | Low / Average |
Analysis of the table shows that most problems associated with a lack of cold when the engine is running require the intervention of a specialist with equipment for working with refrigerants. You can only replace sensors, heating elements or starting relays yourself if you have access to spare parts.
When you need to call a specialist
Despite the desire to save money, there are situations when independent repairs are not only useless, but also dangerous. If the diagnostics indicated a freon leak, professional sealing of the tubes, evacuation of the system and refilling with the exact amount of refrigerant with the addition of oil is required.
A master is also needed if the service itself fails compressor. Replacing it requires resoldering copper tubes, which is impossible without a gas burner and skills in working with copper. In addition, new compressors often require replacing the filter drier, which is also a task for the pros.
⚠️ Attention: Freon used in refrigerators can be flammable (for example, R600a). Work to replace the circuit should be carried out in a well-ventilated area away from open fire.
Contacting an authorized service LG guarantees the use of original spare parts and maintaining the warranty if it is still valid. Repair attempts by unqualified persons often lead to an increase in the cost of the final restoration of equipment.
Prevention and proper care of equipment
To extend the life of the refrigerator and avoid situations when it stops freezing, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular defrosting (for drip systems) or cleaning the drainage hole helps avoid the formation of ice plugs. You should not load hot foods into the chamber, as this creates excess load on the compressor.
Keep the condenser grill at the back of the refrigerator clean. Dust and animal hair, accumulating there, impair heat transfer, causing the motor to wear out. It is recommended to vacuum the grille once every six months.
How often should you defrost the refrigerator?
Models with the No Frost system do not require manual defrosting, but a preventive shutdown once a year for washing and checking the seals will benefit them. Drip systems need to be defrosted when a layer of ice of more than 5 mm forms.
Compliance with the temperature regime and uniform distribution of products inside the chambers will ensure proper air circulation. Do not overcrowd the refrigerator; leave space at the back wall for cold flows to pass through. These simple measures will allow the equipment to serve for many years without serious breakdowns. LG serve for many years without serious breakdowns.
Why does the LG refrigerator freeze only after defrosting?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system in No Frost models. Ice builds up on the evaporator, blocking the air passages. After manual defrosting, the ice melts, the channels are freed, and the cold begins to flow into the chamber again. It is necessary to replace the defrosting heating element, sensor or timer.
Can the refrigerator not freeze due to incorrect installation?
Yes. If the refrigerator is placed close to the wall, the condenser overheats and cooling efficiency decreases. It is also important that the equipment is strictly level. A misalignment can disrupt the oil circulation in the compressor or cause the doors to close incorrectly.
What to do if the compressor is hot but there is no cold?
A hot compressor in the absence of cold usually indicates that it is idling due to a lack of freon (leakage) or (clogging). Prolonged operation in this mode is dangerous for the engine. It is recommended to turn off the device and call a technician to look for a leak.
How to understand that the control module has burned out?
Signs of module combustion: lack of response to buttons, random blinking of indicators, burning smell from the rear, absence of a characteristic click of the relay when turned on. Often, a burnt-out module can be seen visually - blackened tracks or swollen capacitors.
How long does it take the refrigerator to gain temperature after turning on?
Usually, an empty refrigerator takes from 2 to 6 hours to reach operating temperature. If, after 6-8 hours of compressor operation, the temperature in the chambers has not dropped below +10°C, then the cooling system is faulty.