The situation when a favorite brand refrigerator LG suddenly ceases to perform its main function can take any home cook by surprise. You open the door in the hope of getting food, but instead of the usual cold, you feel room temperature. This is an alarming signal that requires immediate attention, since delay can lead to spoilage of food supplies and complication of the breakdown itself. Equipment owners are often faced with the fact that the unit is running, the compressor is humming, but no cooling occurs, or, conversely, the motor is silent.
Why does this happen? The list of possible causes varies from trivial operating errors to complex technical malfunctions of the system No Frost or linear inverter compressor. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions when a problem is detected, we will help diagnose a failed unit, and we will explain in which cases independent repair is possible, and when it is better to call a specialist.
Do not panic ahead of time. Sometimes the problem is solved by simply defrosting or replacing a burnt out light bulb, which, oddly enough, affects the operation of the defrost system. However, if we are talking about loss of circuit tightness or failure of electronics, more serious measures will be required. Let's look at all the scenarios one by one.
Primary diagnostics: why the cooling does not work
Before grabbing the tools, it is necessary to conduct a visual inspection and primary diagnostics. Often users immediately begin to blame the compressor for failure, forgetting to check basic things. If your LG stops freezing, first of all evaluate the nature of the unit’s operation. Is it buzzing? Is the light on inside? Are there any extraneous sounds?
One of the most common reasons for the lack of cold is banal defrosting. If you haven't defrosted your refrigerator in a while, a layer of ice may have formed on the evaporator, blocking air circulation. In models with the system No Frost this leads to the fact that the fan simply cannot drive air through the channels clogged with ice.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the back wall of the refrigerator compartment is covered with a thick layer of ice or frost, and the temperature in the freezer is normal, this is a sure sign of a malfunction of the defrost system.
It is also worth checking the tightness of the door. If the rubber seal is worn out, dirty, or the door is warped, the cold will evaporate, and the compressor will work for wear, trying to compensate for the losses, but never reaching the set temperature. This is especially true for two-chamber models, where a violation of the tightness of one chamber affects the overall climate control.
Problems with the defrosting system and sensors
Modern refrigerators LG are equipped with complex electronics that control defrost cycles. If the refrigerator does not freeze, but the compressor works, often the culprit is Defrost heating element or the defrost sensor. These elements are responsible for the timely melting of ice on the evaporator. When they fail, ice builds up, blocking the access of cold air to the chambers.
The defrost sensor (defroster) is a small thermistor that reports to the control board the temperature of the evaporator. If it “lies” or shows incorrect data, the defrost cycle may not start at all or, on the contrary, it may start too often. You can check it with a multimeter by measuring the resistance at a certain temperature. A discrepancy between the readings and the table values indicates the need for replacement.
Another important element is evaporation fan. In models No Frost it is he who drives cold air. If the fan stops due to ice on the blades or a motor breakdown, the cold will remain in the freezer and will not enter the refrigerator compartment. You can hear the compressor humming, but silence inside the chamber will indicate a circulation problem.
Symptoms of a malfunctioning heating element
The defrosting heating element is a tubular heater. When it burns out, the circuit breaks. The test is carried out in dial mode: if the multimeter is silent, the heating element is dead. Also visually inspect it for mechanical damage or swelling.
It is important to understand that replacing these parts requires partial disassembly of the refrigerator. You will have to remove the back panel in the freezer to get to the hidden components. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the appliance from the network!
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is the compressor. In technology LG reliable linear inverter compressors are often installed, which are characterized by quiet operation and energy efficiency. However, nothing lasts forever. If the refrigerator has stopped freezing and is silent (there is no characteristic hum), the problem may lie in the start relay or the motor itself.
Start relay is a device that provides an impulse to start the compressor motor. If the relay is burned out, the compressor will not start, although it may receive electricity. Often a sign of a faulty relay is a clicking sound when trying to start, followed by silence. Replacing the relay is one of the simplest repair procedures that does not require special tools.
If the compressor hums but does not start, or starts for a couple of seconds and stalls with a click, this may indicate more serious problems:
- 🔌 Interturn short circuit of the motor winding.
- 🔧 Jamming of the mechanical part of the compressor.
- 📉 Critical voltage drop in the network.
In the case of inverter models, diagnostics are more complicated, since the start is controlled by an electronic module, and a simple continuity of the windings may not work full picture.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or see soot in the compressor area, stop trying to turn it on immediately! Operating such a refrigerator is a fire hazard.
Replacing a compressor is a complex process that requires a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station, and skills in working with refrigerants. It is impossible to perform this operation independently without equipment.
Freon leak: signs and consequences
One of the most unpleasant reasons why a refrigerator does not freeze LGis a refrigerant (freon) leak. Freon is a working fluid that circulates through the system, taking heat from the chambers and releasing it outside. If the circuit is depressurized, the gas escapes and cooling becomes impossible.
How to understand that a leak has occurred?
- ❄️ The compressor runs constantly, without turning off, trying to gain temperature.
- 🌡️ The condenser (grid at the back or on the sides) remains cold or barely warm, although it should be hot.
- 💨 At the leak site, you can sometimes hear a hissing sound or notice an oily spot (freon often comes out along with the oil).
Leaks most often occur in places where tubes are soldered, in a foamed circuit (due to corrosion) or through the evaporator, if it is pierced during defrosting with a knife. In the latest models LG with the system Multi Air Flow pipes are laid in the walls, which makes repairs more labor-intensive.
If you suspect a leak, no amount of dancing with a tambourine will help. It requires searching for the leak (often using nitrogen pressure), eliminating the fistula, and filling the system with freon. This work is exclusively for the service center.
Failures in the operation of the electronics and control module
A modern refrigerator is a computer with a motor. Responsible for all processes electronic control module. If the control board is “buggy”, it may not send a signal to turn on the compressor, may not start the fan, or incorrectly read the temperature sensors.
Signs of electronics failure may be different:
- 🔥 The indicators on the control panel are flashing.
- 📱 The refrigerator makes sound signals for no apparent reason.
- 🔄 The unit behaves chaotically: it either freezes too much, then turns off.
Often the reason failures become power surges in the network. In such cases, the fuse on the board may burn out or the power unit may fail. Sometimes a complete reset of settings helps by disconnecting from the network for 15-20 minutes. If this does not help, the board needs to be diagnosed by a specialist.
In some cases, the problem lies not in the board itself, but in the oxidized contacts of the cables going to the sensors or display. Humidity inside the chambers promotes corrosion of the contacts. Careful cleaning of the contacts with alcohol can restore the operation of the system.
Diagnostic table of main faults
For convenience, we systematize the main symptoms and possible causes in the table. This will help you quickly navigate the problem.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor does not hum, there is no light | No power, socket burnt out, wiring faulty | Low |
| Humming, but not freezing, no light | Faulty compressor, relay, freon leak | High |
| It freezes slightly, there is frost on the walls | Malfunction of the defrost system (heating element, sensor) | Average |
| Works without stopping | Freon leakage, wear of the seal, thermostat failure | High |
| Clicks when starting | The starting relay is faulty or the compressor is jammed | Medium |
Action plan: checklist for troubleshooting
If you decide to try to fix the problem yourself (where it is safe and possible), follow a clear algorithm. Do not skip steps so as not to aggravate the situation.
☑️ Refrigerator diagnostics
The first step should always be defrosting. Even if you don't see ice, leave the refrigerator turned off with the doors open for at least 24 hours. This will allow the ice in the hidden channels to completely melt. Often after such a procedure, the equipment LG begins to work like new.
After defrosting, turn on the unit and listen. If after 30-40 minutes the freezer is not cold and the compressor is running, the problem is deeper. Check if the fan is spinning. To do this, in some models you need to remove the back cover in the freezer (after turning off the refrigerator!).
⚠️ Attention: When removing the plastic panels inside the refrigerator, proceed with extreme caution. Plastic becomes brittle in the cold and breaks easily. Let the chamber warm up a little before disassembling.
If you find that the defrost heating element does not heat up (checked with a tester), it needs to be replaced. The same applies to sensors. However, if your skills do not allow you to delve into electrics, it is better to stop at the diagnostic stage and call a specialist.
When you need to call a technician
Despite the desire to save money and do everything yourself, there are situations when non-professional intervention is strictly prohibited. This applies to work related to a sealed circuit and complex electronics.
Call a specialist if:
- 🛠 Replacement or repair of the compressor is required.
- 💨 A freon leak is suspected (soldering and refilling is required).
- 🧩 The electronic control module is faulty (soldering or flashing is required).
- 🔊 There is a strong knock or vibration, indicating mechanical destruction of the components.
The technician will arrive with the necessary equipment: a vacuum pump, scales for freon, a leak detector. Self-filling with freon "by eye" will lead to either insufficient cooling or compressor failure due to water hammer with liquid refrigerant.
In addition, independent repairs may cause loss of warranty. If your refrigerator LG is less than 3-5 years old (depending on the region and the conditions of the compressor warranty), it is better not to open the seals.
Prevention of breakdowns and care of equipment
To prevent the question “why the refrigerator does not freeze” from suddenly arising, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular defrosting (even for the system No Frost once every year or two) prolongs the life of the defrosting system. Keep the condenser grille at the back clean: dust and animal hair impair heat transfer, causing the compressor to work with overload.
Do not place hot foods in the chamber. This creates excess moisture and stress on the unit. Also, do not overcrowd the refrigerator - air should circulate freely between the products. Following these simple rules will help your equipment LG to serve for many years without repairs.
Regularly check the condition of the seals. Wipe them with a soft cloth dampened with soapy water to remove grease and dirt. If the seal has lost its elasticity, you can try to restore it with a hot hairdryer or replace it.
How to check the door seal
Press a sheet of paper with the refrigerator door. If the paper is pulled out easily without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit tightly and requires replacement or adjustment of the hinges.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the LG refrigerator hum, but does not freeze?
Most likely, the problem lies in a freon leak or compressor malfunction (e.g. valves). It is also possible that the starting relay may fail, when the engine hums but cannot start. Diagnostics by a technician is required.
How long should it take to defrost an LG refrigerator?
For complete defrosting, especially if there is a suspicion of an ice plug in the channels, the refrigerator must be turned off with the doors open for at least 24 hours. A shorter defrosting may not produce results.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it does not freeze well?
For a short time, it is possible, but it is dangerous for the food (bacteria growth) and for the compressor itself, which wears out. It is better to eliminate the cause or defrost the unit.
What does the blinking indicator on an LG refrigerator mean?
Flashing often indicates an error in the system. The number of flashes or a combination of indicators (for example, a defrost and temperature button) indicates a specific error code, which can be deciphered in the instructions or service manual.
How often do you need to change the freon in the refrigerator?
Freon is not a consumable item. In a working, sealed refrigerator, it circulates for decades without replacement. If the freon is gone, then there is a leak that needs to be found and fixed before refilling again.