The LG refrigerator works, but does not cool: a complete analysis of the reasons and solutions

Why did the LG refrigerator stop cooling, although it works?

Is your refrigerator LG humming, the light inside is on, but the temperature in the chambers is far from normal? This is a classic situation when the equipment “works, but doesn’t freeze.” There can be more than a dozen reasons for this behavior - from banal icing to serious compressor breakdowns. In this article we will analyze all possible faultsspecific models LG (including series No Frost, Inverter Linear and DoorCooling+), and also give step-by-step instructions for diagnostics and repair.

It is important to understand: if the refrigerator turns on, but does not cool, the problem is almost always associated with one of three components: refrigerant circulation system (compressor, capillary tube), electronically controlled (sensors, board, thermostat) or air flow (fans, evaporator). We will start with the simplest and cheapest causes to eliminate - perhaps your case will not require calling a specialist.

Before starting repairs unplug the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, then turn it on again - sometimes this resets errors in the electronic control unit (ECU), especially in models with a display (for example, LG GB-B509SLQZ or LG GR-B429JVQA). If the problem remains after rebooting, read on.

1. Clogged No Frost system: why the LG refrigerator does not it freezes, but it works. data-i="77">around the evaporator. If the fan cannot blow out the ice “coat”, the refrigerator compartment stops cooling, although the freezer can still work.

Models LG with the system No Frost (For example, LG GA-B489YGQL or LG GC-B247JLDV) are particularly susceptible to this problem. The fact is that not only the drainage hole can become clogged, but also air circulation channels around the evaporator. If the fan cannot blow through the ice “coat,” the refrigerator compartment stops cooling, although the freezer can still work.

How to check:

• 🔍 Open the freezer and shine a flashlight on the back wall. If there is a thick layer of ice (more than 1-2 cm), this is a sure sign of blockage.
• 🌀 Check whether the fan is spinning (in models with No Frost it can be heard when the door is open. If not, the blades are most likely blocked by ice.
• 💧 Inspect it). drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment (usually at the bottom of the back wall). If it is clogged with debris, condensation does not drain, and moisture freezes on the evaporator.

What to do:

1. Defrost the refrigerator for 12–24 hours (in models with Total No Frost it may take up to 36 hours).
2. After defrosting, clean the drainage hole with a cotton swab or a special brush (included with some models).
3. Check the door seals - if they are damaged, moisture enters the chamber and ice forms faster.

⚠️ Attention: Never try to break off the ice with a knife or other sharp objects! In models LG the evaporator is made of thin aluminum - it can be easily damaged, which will lead to freon leakage.

2. Fan malfunction: why the refrigerator hums but does not cool

Fan in refrigerators LG responsible for the circulation of cold air between the chambers. If it breaks, the compressor will work (you will hear its hum), but the cold will not flow into the refrigerator compartment. Most often, the fan fails due to:

• 🧊 Icing of the blades (see the previous section).
• 🔌 Problems with power supply (broken wire, oxidation of contacts).
• 🛠 Bearing wear (the fan makes a creaking sound or does not spin even when cranked manually).

How to diagnose:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
2. Remove the back panel in the freezer (in most models LG it is secured with latches or screws).
3. Try turning the fan blades by hand. If they do not rotate or rotate with difficulty, the problem is in the bearings or icing.
4. Connect the refrigerator to the network and listen: if the fan does not start at all, its motor may have burned out.

Solution:

• If the blades are blocked by ice, defrost the refrigerator (see section 1).
• If the fan does not work even after defrosting, check it multimeter (winding resistance should be 200–500 Ohms). If there is a break or short circuit, a replacement will be required.
• In models LG with a warranty of up to 10 years (for example, LG Inverter Linear), the fan is often replaced under warranty - check the conditions in your case.

3. Problems with the compressor: why the LG refrigerator does not freeze, but works

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it is faulty, the refrigerator may. humming, but not cooling. In models LG most often there are three types of problems with the compressor:

1. Interturn short circuit - the compressor heats up, but does not create the required pressure.
2. Wear of the piston group —the compressor works, but does not pump freon (typical for old models over 10 years old).
3. Malfunction start relay —the compressor tries to start, but immediately turns off (clicks are heard).

How to check the compressor:

• 🔧 Turn off the refrigerator and remove the back cover (in most models LG the compressor is located at the bottom).
• 📊 Check the winding resistance with a multimeter:
  • Between contacts C-S (common-start) - should be 20-40 Ohms.
  • Between C-R (common-run) - 10-20 Ohms.
  • Between S-R —the sum of the two previous values (30–60 Ohms).
• 🔊 If there is no resistance (open) or too low (short), the compressor is faulty.

Solution:

• If the problem is start relay (clicks, but does not start) - it can be replaced separately (cost 1,500–3,000 ₽).
• If the compressor itself is faulty, replacement will be required (from 8,000 ₽) or purchasing a new refrigerator (relevant for models older than 10 years).
• In inverter models LG Inverter Linear the compressor is often subject to warranty repair (warranty period up to 10 years for the compressor).

⚠️ Attention: Replacing a compressor is a complex procedure that requires evacuation of the system and charging with freon. Do not try to do this yourself without experience!

4. Freon leak: why the LG refrigerator stopped freezing

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and provides cooling. If it leaks (for example, due to corrosion of tubes or mechanical damage), the refrigerator stops freezingalthough the compressor may work. Signs of a leak:

• 🕳 The refrigerator runs nonstop, but the temperature does not drop.
• 🔥 The compressor gets very hot (you can get burned if you touch it).
• 🧊 On There may be oily stains on the back wall of the refrigerator (bottom) - this is a sign of damage to the circuit.

How to diagnose:

It is difficult to independently determine a freon leak - for this you need leak detector or a soap solution (there will be bubbles in places of leakage). However, you can inspect:

• 🔍 Condenser tubes (black grille at the back of the refrigerator) for corrosion or cracks.
• 🛠 Connections of tubes to the compressor - sometimes microcracks appear there.
• 🧊 The evaporator in the freezer - if it is covered with rust, most likely freon is leaking there.

Solution:

• A freon leak is 100% case for the master. You will need:
1. Find the leak (sometimes you have to cut the system for this).
2. Eliminate the damage (soldering, replacing the tube).
3. Vacuum the system (remove moisture and air).
4. Refill new freon (in modern models LG used R600a or R134a).

Repair cost: from 5,000 to 15,000 ₽ depending on the complexity.

What will happen if you do not eliminate the freon leak?

If you ignore the leak, the compressor will wear out, which will lead to its breakdown. In addition, without freon, the refrigerator not only does not freeze, but can also become a source of unpleasant odor due to the growth of bacteria in the warm chamber.

5. Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor

In refrigerators LG the following are responsible for temperature regulation:

• 🌡 Thermostat (in mechanical models, for example, LG GA-B389SQPL).
• 📱 Temperature sensor (in electronic models with a display, for example, LG GC-B247SLUV).
• 🧠 Control board (processes signals from sensors).

If any of these elements fails, the refrigerator can:

• Do not turn on the compressor in general.
• Work without stopping (the compressor does not turn off).
• Show the wrong temperature on the display.

How to check:

• 🔧 In mechanical models, the thermostat is located inside the chamber (usually next to the light bulb). with a multimeter:
  1. Remove the protective casing.
  2. Close the thermostat contacts directly (with a jumper). If the refrigerator works, the thermostat is faulty.

📊 In electronic models, the temperature sensor is checked by measuring the resistance:

• At room temperature (~20°C) the resistance should be ~5–7 kOhm.
• If you lower the sensor into ice, the resistance should increase to ~27–30 kOhm.

Solution:

• Replacing the thermostat costs 1,500–3,000 ₽.
• Replacement of the temperature sensor - 2,000–4,000 ₽.
• If the problem is in the control board, it can be reflashed (3,000–5,000 ₽) or replaced (8,000–15,000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: In models LG with the function Smart Diagnosis (for example, LG GB-B509SLQZ), you can hear a voice error message Code ER FF indicates a sensor malfunction, and ER dH —to a problem with the board.

6. Clogged capillary tube: why the LG refrigerator does not work. cools

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. If it becomes clogged (for example, due to moisture or oil), the refrigerant cannot circulate, and the refrigerator stops. freezesigns of blockage:

• 🔥 The compressor works non-stop and gets very hot.
• ❄️ The freezer compartment may freeze slightly, and the refrigerator does not cool at all.
• 💧 The condenser (grid at the back) remains cold (normally it should heat up).

How to diagnose:

It is difficult to check the capillary tube yourself, but you can pay attention to:

• 🔍 Filter drier (small cylinder on the tube in front of the capillary). If it turns black, this is a sign of clogging.
• 🛠 Condenser temperature. Normally, it should be hot throughout. If part of the tube is cold, there is a blockage.

Solution:

• Cleaning the capillary tubes is possible, but this is a temporary measure. Usually the technician recommends:
1. Replace the filter drier (1,000–2,000 ₽).
2. Purge the system with nitrogen under pressure.
3. Fill in new freon.

If The blockage is severe, the capillary tube may need to be replaced (RUB 3,000–6,000).

7. LG turns on, but does not freeze

Modern refrigerators LG (especially models with Wi-Fi and Smart ThinQ, for example LG InstaView) are equipped with complex electronics. If the control board fails, the refrigerator. can:

• 🔄 Turn on and turn off immediately.
• 📛 Show errors on the display (for example, ER DH, ER CH).
• 🔌 Do not respond to button presses.

Frequent causes of electronics malfunctions:

• 🌩 Voltage surges (especially important for houses with old wiring).
• 💦 Moisture on the board (for example, during defrosting).
• 🛠 Wear of capacitors (swelling, electrolyte leakage).

How to check:

• 🔍 Inspect the board for bloated capacitors (they look like small barrels with a convex lid).
• 📊 Check the fuses on the board (they can burn during a power surge).
• 🔌 Make sure that power is supplied to the board (220V at the input).

Solution:

• If the capacitors are swollen, they can be re-soldered (cost 2,000–4,000 ₽).
• If the fuse is blown - replace it (500–1,000 ₽).
• If the board cannot be repaired, a replacement will be required (8,000–15,000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: Refrigerator electronics parts LG are often protected from moisture by a special compound. Do not try to clean the board with alcohol or other liquids - this may damage the tracks!

8. Other possible reasons: from the seal to improper installation

Sometimes the refrigerator LG does not cool not because of a breakdown, but for external reasons:

• 🚪 Wear of the door sealIf it is rubber. is torn or has lost elasticity, warm air penetrates into the chamber. Check the seal with a sheet of paper: if it falls out when the door is closed, a replacement is needed (cost 1,500–3,000 rubles).
• ☀️ Incorrect installationIf the refrigerator is located next to the radiator, stove or under straight lines. sunlight, the compressor cannot cope with the load. The optimal distance to heat sources is 50 cm. Incorrect installation. Refrigerators are sensitive to changes. If the voltage is below 190V, the compressor may not start. stabilizer.
• 🔌 Low voltage in the network. Refrigerators LG sensitive to changes. If the voltage is below 190V, the compressor may not start. Use stabilizer.
• 🧊 Overload with foodIf the refrigerator is filled to capacity, air does not circulate. In models with No Frost this leads to icing of the fan.

Solution:

• Check the seal and replace if necessary.
• Move the refrigerator away from heat sources.
• Connect a voltage stabilizer (especially important for rural areas).
• Unload the refrigerator and defrost it.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

LG refrigerator hums, but does not freeze - what to do first?

First defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. If it started working after that, the problem was icing on the fan or drainage. If not, check the compressor, thermostat and control board.

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

No. Refilling freon requires special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauges) and certification. Incorrect refueling can lead to an explosion or poisoning.

The LG refrigerator shows the ER FF error - what does this mean?

The error ER FF indicates a malfunction of the temperature sensor. Try defrosting the refrigerator. If the error remains, the sensor needs to be replaced.

How much does it cost to repair an LG refrigerator if it does not cool?

The cost depends on the reason:

• Replacement of a thermostat or sensor - 1,500–4,000 ₽.
• Repair of the control board — 3,000–10,000 ₽.
• Replacement of the compressor — 8,000–15,000 ₽.
• Elimination of freon leaks — 5,000–12,000 ₽.

How often do you need to defrost an LG No Frost refrigerator?

Even models with No Frost require defrosting 1-2 times a year. This prevents the accumulation of ice on the evaporator and prolongs the life of the fan.