The situation when an LG refrigerator No Frost stops freezing, but continues to work, often takes you by surprise. It may become warm inside, food begins to spoil, and alarm indicators light up on the control panel. Unlike older models with a crying evaporator, the systems No Frost are more complex, and the causes of failures may be hidden in electronics, mechanics or circuit tightness.
The first thing to do is not to panic. Modern units of the Korean brand are equipped with self-diagnosis, which often suggests the direction of troubleshooting. If the screen is silent, you will have to conduct a visual inspection and listen to the operation of the motor. Ignoring the primary symptoms can lead to complete defrosting of the chamber and failure of an expensive compressor.
In this article we will analyze the main failure scenarios, from a banal overload of the thermostat to complex technical malfunctions. You will learn how to decipher error codes and in which cases repairs are possible with your own hands, and when it is better to call a technician.
Primary diagnostics and checking settings
Before disassembling the unit or calling a technician, make sure that the problem does not lie in basic things. Often, users accidentally change the temperature settings or overload the chamber with warm foods. Check whether the door closes tightly and whether the seal has come loose, since even a small gap disrupts the circulation of cold air.
Pay attention to the control panel. If the indicator Ice Plus or the fast freezing mode is on, the equipment could go into emergency mode due to a power surge. Try performing a full reset by unplugging the device for 15–20 minutes. This action will reboot the electronic control module and eliminate software failures.
It is also worth checking whether the air ducts inside the chamber are closed. In models LG with a system Multi Air Flow cold air should circulate freely. If you place the pan directly at the air outlet, the circulation will be disrupted, and the temperature sensors will detect overheating, even if the evaporator is working properly.
Problems with defrosting evaporator and fan
One of the most common reasons why LG refrigerator poor freezing is the fouling of the evaporator with ice. Ice should not accumulate in the system; it is removed during the defrost cycle. If this process is disrupted, the ice coat blocks the operation of the fan, and the cold simply does not enter the main chamber. No Frost Ice should not accumulate; it is removed during the defrost cycle. If this process is disrupted, the ice coat blocks the fan, and the cold simply does not enter the main chamber.
To test this hypothesis, a complete defrost will be required. Unplug the equipment, open the doors and leave for at least 24 hours (preferably two days). If after turning on the refrigerator worked normally, but after 1-2 weeks the problem returned, it means that the defrosting system has failed. It includes three main elements that need to be checked with a multimeter:
- 🧊 Defrost heating element —a heating element that should melt the ice on the evaporator.
- ⏱️ Timer or defrost sensor —controls the time and temperature of turning on the heater.
- 💨 Fan —may jam due to ice or burn electrically.
⚠️ Attention: If you find a thick layer of ice on the back wall inside the freezer (under the plastic panel), under no circumstances try to break it off with a knife or sharp objects. Damage to the evaporator tubes will lead to immediate release of freon and costly repairs.
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrost system
Often in models LG the defrost sensor (defroster) fails. It may “stick” in the “heating” or “cooling” position. Replacing this component is usually inexpensive and quick, but requires partial disassembly of the freezer.
Faulty compressor and starting relay
If you hear the motor trying to start, making a click, humming for a couple of seconds and stopping, but there is no cold, the problem is in the starting mechanism. Start relay responsible for supplying an impulse to start the motor windings. Over time, the contacts oxidize or melt, especially if the voltage in the network often fluctuates.
In more serious cases, it may itself be faulty compressor. If the motor is hot, but does not start, or runs continuously without shutting down, without creating the required pressure in the system, these are signs of mechanical wear or an interturn short circuit. In such cases, replacing the compressor requires calling a specialist with a vacuum pump and a filling station.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Clicking and silence | Faulty start relay | Low (do-it-yourself replacement) |
| Humming, but not freezing | Stuck compressor | High (need master) |
| Works without stopping | Freon leakage or motor wear | Medium/High |
You can replace the start relay yourself if you have basic electrical skills. It is enough to remove the old unit, photograph the connection diagram and install a similar one with markings. However, if after replacing the relay the situation has not changed, the problem is deeper and concerns the engine itself.
How to check the relay without a multimeter?
Shake the relay next to your ear. If a clear ringing or knocking of the ball is heard inside, it means that the mechanism is damaged and requires replacement. If the sound is dull, the relay may be working properly, but the problem is in the compressor.
Refrigerant (freon) leak
The most unpleasant technical malfunction is depressurization of the circuit. If freon has evaporated, the cold simply has nowhere to go, even if the compressor is working properly. In modern models LG with the system No Frost leaks often occur in the foamed part of the case or in the places where the capacitor is soldered.
An indirect sign of a leak is that the condenser (grid at the back or on the sides) remains cold or barely warm even though the engine is running. Swelling of the side walls of the refrigerator may also occur. In some cases, oily spots appear on the floor under the appliances - this is oil from the compressor coming out along with the gas.
⚠️ Attention: Refilling the refrigerator yourself is impossible without specialized equipment. Attempts to “pump” gas through the Schrader valve without evacuation of the system will lead to rapid failure of the compressor due to the presence of moisture and air in the circuit.
Leak repair includes finding the location of the damage, sealing and completely recharging the system. This is a labor-intensive process, the cost of which can be up to 50-70% of the price of a new refrigerator. If your unit is more than 10 years old, sometimes it makes more economic sense to purchase a new model.
Failures in the operation of the electronic control module
Modern refrigerators LG are stuffed with electronics. Main control module (the board) receives signals from temperature sensors and controls all components. If moisture gets on the board (for example, when washing the floor or condensation) or a power surge occurs, it may begin to issue erroneous commands.
Symptoms of module failure are varied: chaotic turning on and off of the compressor, incorrect temperature display on the display, failure to respond to buttons. Sometimes flashing helps, but more often it is necessary to replace the board or its individual elements (capacitors, relays).
It is also worth checking the temperature sensors (thermistors). There are several of them in the refrigerator: in the freezer, in the refrigerator compartment, on the evaporator. If one of them is lying, the control module will think that there is already cold and will not turn on the compressor, or vice versa - it will freeze until an ice block forms.
Error codes on the LG display and their interpretation
If your refrigerator is equipped with a digital display, it can report a problem with an error code. This greatly simplifies diagnosis. Typically the code consists of a letter and a number (for example, rF, Er FF). The letter indicates the unit, and the numbers indicate the type of error.
The most common codes for the “not freezing” problem:
- ❄️ Er FF — freezer fan error (frozen or burned out).
- 🌡️ Er rF —defrost sensor error.
- 🔌 Er CF —communication error between main module and fan control module.
- 💨 Er SF —freezer temperature sensor error.
To reset the error, it is often enough to press and hold the button Freeze (or the combination of buttons specified in the instructions) for 3-5 seconds. If the error returns after a reboot, repair of a specific unit is required.
What to do if the display does not light up?
If the display does not work, but the refrigerator is humming, try pressing the "Eco Save" or "Lock" button. The control panel lock may be activated. If this does not help, the problem is in the wiring or the display itself.
When you need to call a technician
Not all breakdowns should be repaired yourself. If you have checked the settings, defrosted, checked the outlet, but the refrigerator LG still does not freeze, it most likely requires professional intervention. Especially if we are talking about breaking the tightness of the circuit or replacing the compressor.
Call a specialist if:
- 🛠️ Soldering of tubes and working with freon is required.
- ⚡ There is a suspicion of a short circuit in the wiring or module controls.
- 🔊 The compressor makes unnatural sounds (knocking, clanging, howling).
- 📉 The temperature does not drop below +10°C after a day of operation.
Remember that independent repair of complex components can lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid) and an increase in the final the cost of restoring equipment.
Why does the refrigerator freeze, but does not reach the desired temperature?
This may be a sign of wear on the compressor (it does not create enough pressure), a blockage in the capillary tube, or an insufficient amount of refrigerant. Also check if you have loaded too many products at once - they need time to cool down.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not freeze?
For a short time - yes, for diagnostics. But long-term operation in this mode (especially if the freezer is not freezing) will lead to damage to the compressor, as it will work for wear, trying to reach a non-existent temperature.
How often do you need to defrost an LG No Frost refrigerator?
The system No Frost does not require regular defrosting to remove ice. However, at least once a year it is recommended to unplug the refrigerator, wash it and let it rest for 12–24 hours. This will extend the life of the seals and electronics.
What does the flashing "Lock" indicator or key mean?
This is the mode of locking the control panel from children or accidental pressing. To unlock, you usually need to press and hold the button with the image of a key or the inscription "Lock" for 3 seconds.