The situation when you open the door of your favorite LG refrigerator, and there is room temperature inside, always takes you by surprise. This is not just an inconvenience, it is a direct threat to the safety of food and the family’s financial budget. Modern models of the Korean brand, whether popular series Door-in-Door or classic two-chamber GA, are equipped with sophisticated electronics that instantly respond to any deviations in the operation of the system. However, even smart algorithms cannot always compensate for mechanical wear or a sudden power surge in the network.
Why did it stop freezing LG refrigerator? There can be a great variety of reasons: from a door that is simply not tightly closed to the failure of an expensive compressor. It is important not to panic, but to consistently carry out diagnostics to understand whether you can cope with the problem yourself or whether it’s time to call a specialist. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, explain what the flashing indicators mean, and help you save time on troubleshooting.
The first thing you need to do is listen to the unit. If you do not hear the usual hum of the motor or, on the contrary, it works continuously without stopping, these are already the first signals about the nature of the breakdown. Also pay attention to whether the indicator light Ice Plus or the temperature light is blinking. These details will be key in our investigation.
Primary diagnosis: sounds, lights and indications
Before grabbing the tools, it is necessary to conduct a visual and auditory inspection. Often the answer to the question why yours doesn't freeze lies in obvious things that we overlook in a hurry. Modern models are equipped with self-diagnosis, which displays error codes on the display or signals them through blinking indicators on the control panel. For example, a flashing temperature light in the freezer often indicates that the permissible temperature values have been exceeded. LG refrigerator, lies in the obvious things that we miss in our haste. Modern models are equipped with self-diagnosis, which displays error codes on the display or signals them through blinking indicators on the control panel. For example, a flashing temperature light in the freezer often indicates that the temperature limit has been exceeded.
Pay attention to the nature of the compressor operation. If the motor hums, but after a few seconds there is a click and it goes silent, this is a sign of problems with the start relay or the compressor itself. In some cases, the unit may operate completely silently, which indicates a lack of power or a failure in the control module. It is important to distinguish between normal cyclic switching and a complete stop.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or see sparking in the rear wall area, immediately unplug the device. Further operation may result in a fire.
Check whether the defrost indicator is on. On models with the system No Frost this process occurs automatically, but if it freezes or does not proceed correctly, the cold will stop flowing into the chambers. It is also worth checking the tightness of the seals: if the rubber is dry or dirty, the cold air will evaporate, and the sensors will constantly require the compressor to work for wear.
Problems with the No Frost system and freezing of the evaporator
One of the most common reasons for which The LG refrigerator does not coolis a malfunction of the automatic defrosting system. In models with No Frost moisture does not settle on the walls in the form of ice, but evaporates. However, if one of the elements of this system fails, the evaporator becomes overgrown with a “fur coat” that blocks the circulation of cold air. As a result, the chambers are warm, and behind the back panel there is an ice block.
A chain of components is responsible for the defrosting process: Evaporator heating element, a defrost sensor (thermostat) and a fuse. If the heating element burns out, the ice will not melt. If the sensor is stuck, it will not give a command to turn on the heating or, conversely, will not turn it off in time. The fuse serves as protection against overheating and burns out if the temperature in the evaporator zone becomes critical.
- 🧊 Defrosting heating element: Heating element that melts ice on the evaporator during the defrost cycle.
- 🌡️ Defrost sensor: Controls the temperature of the evaporator and turns off the heating element when the ice has completely melted.
- 🔥 Fuse: Disposable protection element that breaks the circuit when the defrost system overheats.
You can diagnose this problem by disassembling the back panel in the freezer. If you see a thick layer of ice blocking the ventilation openings, then the defrost system has not worked. In this case, it is necessary to “check” each element of the circuit with a multimeter for an open or short circuit.
The hidden danger of ice
An ice plug can damage the fan blades. If the fan jams, cold air will stop flowing into the refrigerator compartment, even if the freezer is working normally.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is the compressor. If The LG refrigerator has stopped freezing, and the motor is silent or makes alarming sounds, the problem most likely lies here. The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the pipe system. Without freon pressure, heat exchange is impossible, and the temperature inside the chambers will begin to rise.
Often the culprit of the failure is the start relay. This is a small device that provides an impulse to start the engine. Over time, the relay contacts oxidize or burn out, and it ceases to perform its function. In this case, the compressor tries to start, hums for a few seconds, then a click is heard and there is silence. Replacing the relay is a simple and inexpensive procedure.
A more serious situation is a breakdown of the compressor itself. This may be an interturn short circuit of the winding or mechanical wear of the piston group. If the engine hums, but does not start, and at the same time gets very hot, and the relay is working properly, most likely the compressor needs to be replaced. It is also worth checking the capacitor if the refrigerator model is equipped with a starting capacitor to facilitate starting.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzing for 5-10 seconds, clicking, silence | Faulty starting relay | Replacing the relay |
| Humming constantly without turning off | Freon leak or compressor wear | Searching for leaks, refueling or replacing the motor |
| Complete silence, there is light | Electronics failure or open circuit | Diagnostics of the control module |
| Extreme heating of the motor housing | Interturn short circuit | Replacing the compressor |
Freon leakage and clogged capillary system
If the compressor works without interruption, hums as usual, but there is no cold in the chambers, or it is very weak, there is a high probability of a refrigerant leak. Freon is the working fluid of the refrigerator, and without it heat exchange is impossible. Leaks in modern LG refrigerators are rare, but are possible in places where tubes are soldered or due to corrosion of the evaporator, especially if it is made of aluminum (the so-called “crying” evaporator).
Another common problem is clogged capillary tube. Not only freon circulates in the system, but also oil to lubricate the compressor. Over time, the oil may thicken or mix with breakdown products, forming a plug in the narrow capillary tube. The pressure in the system is disrupted, and freon stops flowing into the evaporator in the required volume.
It is difficult to diagnose a leak or blockage at home. This is usually indicated by:
- ❄️ Warm condenser: The side walls or rear grille should heat up, but remain cold.
- 🔊 Change sound: Gurgling or hissing appears in the tubes.
- 📉 No cold: When the engine is running, the temperature does not drop even after a long time.
In both cases, the intervention of a specialist with professional equipment is required: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and a supply of refrigerant. It is impossible to independently find a leak or break through a blockage without tools.
⚠️ Attention: Puncture of pipes to “check the presence of gas” is strictly prohibited. This will lead to complete failure of the system and will require expensive refilling.
Failures in the operation of the electronics and control module
Modern LG refrigerators are complex computerized devices. The entire cooling process is monitored control module. If the electronics are faulty, they may not signal the compressor to start, may not turn on the fan, or may not read temperature sensors correctly. Often such failures occur after power surges.
Error codes may light up on the display, which will help localize the problem. For example, the code Er FF indicates a malfunction of the freezer fan motor, and the code Er FS indicates problems with the freezer temperature sensor. Ignoring these signals can lead to product damage.
Sometimes a simple error reset (Hard Reset) helps. To do this, you need to unplug the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes and then turn it on again. This action reboots the control board, and if the failure was software, the operation of the device will be restored. If the error returns, the sensor needs to be replaced or the board repaired.
☑️ Actions in case of electronics failure
Mechanical damage and wear of seals
The reason for the lack of cold does not always lie in a deep technical malfunction. Sometimes the culprit is simple inattention or wear and tear of consumables. Sealing rubber on the door is the first line of defense against the cold. Over time, it loses elasticity, cracks or deforms, no longer fitting tightly to the body.
If the door does not close tightly, warm air constantly enters the chamber. The compressor tries to compensate for heat loss and works without rest, but does not have time to cool the volume. As a result, food spoils and electricity bills rise. You can check the seal using a sheet of paper: clamp it around the perimeter of the closed door - it should be pulled out with force.
It is also worth checking whether the door is warped. If the refrigerator is not level or the hinges were damaged during transportation, the geometry is disrupted. In this case, adjusting the hinges or re-hanging the door helps, if the design allows it. Don't forget that overloading the shelves can also prevent them from closing tightly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the LG refrigerator hum but not freeze?
This may indicate a freon leak, a clogged capillary system or a breakdown. compressor (valve wear). It is also possible that the evaporator blower fan does not start.
What to do if the Er FF error comes on?
The error Er FF means a malfunction of the freezer fan. You need to check if it is frozen, if its engine is running and if the connection wires are intact. The fan often needs to be replaced.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it does not freeze well?
For a short time - yes, but this is harmful for the compressor, which wears out. Products may deteriorate under such conditions. It is better to find and eliminate the cause.
How to defrost an LG refrigerator correctly?
Unplug the appliance, open the doors and leave for at least 24 hours. Do not use a hairdryer or hot water to speed up the process - this can damage the plastic and evaporator tubes.