Situation when LG refrigerator stops freezing and often takes you by surprise, threatening the safety of food. Owners of equipment with a No Frost or drip defrosting system may suddenly encounter this: the food in the freezer begins to melt, and condensation or, conversely, an ice crust appears on the walls. Understanding the nature of the malfunction is the first step to successfully restoring the operation of the unit without calling a technician.
There can be many reasons: from a banal sticking of the defrost sensor to a serious violation of the tightness of the circuit. It is important not to panic and consistently analyze the condition of the device. Modern LG refrigerators equipped with complex electronics, which themselves signal problems, but initial diagnostics can be carried out independently. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of action for different symptoms.
Primary diagnostics and visual inspection
Before disassembling the unit or looking for spare parts, it is necessary to carry out a basic check. Often the problem lies not in a breakdown, but in a violation of operating conditions. Make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged and defrosted if the “fur coat” is frozen. Check the tightness of the rubber sealing rubber to the body. If it is dirty or deformed, warm air constantly enters, causing the compressor to wear out without reaching the desired temperature.
Carefully inspect the back wall of the freezer. The presence of a thick layer of ice may indicate problems with the defrost system, while the complete absence of ice while the compressor is running often indicates a freon leak. It is also worth listening to sounds: humming, clicking or complete silence of the motor provide important clues.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice oily stains on the floor under the refrigerator or on the back grill, this is almost guaranteed to indicate a refrigerant leak due to corrosion or mechanical damage to the tubes.
Check the temperature settings mode. Some electronically controlled LG models may have crashed and the temperature may have switched to Eco or Holiday mode. For models with mechanical control, make sure that the regulator is not set to minimum.
Problems with the defrosting system and sensors
One of the most common reasons why The freezer does not freeze in LG models with the system No Frostis the failure of the automatic defrosting system. The evaporator, hidden behind a plastic panel, becomes overgrown with ice, which blocks the air circulation channels. As a result, the cold simply does not reach the food, although the compressor regularly circulates freon.
The key elements of this system are the defrost heating element, the timer (or electronic control module) and the defrost sensor. If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt. If the sensor is “stuck” in the “cold” position, it does not give a command to turn on the heating. As a result, the evaporator turns into an ice monolith.
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrost system
To check the heating element and sensors, you will need a multimeter. It is necessary to ring the circuits for breaks. The resistance of a working heating element is usually several hundred Ohms, and that of a sensor depends on temperature, but should not be infinite at room temperature. Replacing these elements is a standard repair procedure, available if you have the skills to work with the tool.
How to defrost a refrigerator correctly?
To completely defrost, leave the refrigerator turned off with the doors open for at least 24 hours. Using hair dryers or hot water to speed up the process can lead to damage to the plastic elements and swelling of the interior, which is unacceptable.
Faults in the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it does not start or works intermittently, there will be no cold anywhere. LG refrigerators often use inverter compressors, which are quiet and energy efficient, but require more complex diagnostics than conventional models.
If you hear a click, an attempt to start, and then a click again, after which the motor stops, the problem is most likely in start relay or the compressor itself. The relay is a small block that is mounted on the side of the motor. Replacing it is inexpensive and often solves the problem. However, if the compressor itself burns out, repairs become economically unfeasible.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor hums, but not starts | Motor jammed or relay broken | Replacing the start relay, checking the compressor |
| The motor runs constantly without shutdowns | Freon leakage or compression wear | Search leaks, refueling or replacing the unit |
| A knock is heard when starting up | Faulty valve group | Requires professional repair |
Inverter models may display error codes on the display or flash indicators. For example, certain lights blinking may indicate a communication error between the control board and the compressor inverter board. It is better to look for decoding of codes for your specific model LG GA-B or LG GC-B in the service manual.
Refrigerant leak and system blockage
If the compressor runs continuously, trying to gain temperature, but the chambers are warm, and the evaporator (if visible) is cold only partially or completely warm, high probability freon leaks. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, and a violation of its tightness leads to a loss of refrigeration performance.
Leaks often occur in places where tubes are sealed or in the foamed part of the housing (condenser built into the side walls). Finding a leak on your own without special equipment (leak detector) is almost impossible. In addition, simply “adding gas” is a temporary solution, since freon is not consumed during operation, it only circulates.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to refuel the refrigerator yourself without evacuating the system and replacing the filter-drier will lead to rapid failure of the compressor. There should be no moisture or air left in the system.
Another common problem is Clogged capillary tube. Oil circulates in the system, which over time can oxidize or clog narrow channels with wear products. Symptoms of a clog also include a hot condenser (at the back) and a cold or warm evaporator. Cleaning requires overhauling the system, replacing the filter and purging with nitrogen.
Failures in the electronic control module
Modern LG refrigerators 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. Power surges in the network can lead to failure of board elements or freezing of the software.
If the refrigerator behaves inappropriately (spontaneously turns on and off, does not respond to buttons, unnecessary indicators are on), there may be a problem in the module. In some cases, a full reset settings (Hard Reset) helps. To do this, you need to unplug the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes and then turn it on again.
If the reset does not help, you will need to have the board diagnosed by a technician. Often the power relays on the board that control the compressor burn out, or temperature sensors fail, transmitting incorrect data to the processor. Replacing the board is expensive, but sometimes the only way out.
When you need to call a professional technician
Not all breakdowns can be fixed with your own hands. If you have checked the seals, defrosted the unit, checked the settings, but the problem remains, most likely, professional intervention is required. This is especially true for work related to the violation of the tightness of the refrigeration circuit.
A professional technician has the necessary equipment: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station, a leak detector and a supply of original spare parts. Independent repair of complex components without experience can lead to higher repair costs in the future or complete loss of equipment.
Pay attention to the warranty. If the warranty period has not yet expired, any independent repair or even an attempt to break the seals will result in a refusal of free service. In this case, the only correct solution is to contact an authorized LG center.
Prevention and operating rules
To prevent the question “why the freezer is not freezing” from arising in the future, it is important to follow the operating rules. Do not place hot food in the chamber; this puts extra stress on the system and leads to freezing. Regularly check the cleanliness of the condenser at the back - dust and animal hair impair heat transfer.
Do not overload the shelves with products so that they block the ventilation holes. Air circulation in the system No Frost must be free. Also make sure that the door closes tightly, even if there is a lot of food in the chamber.
Regular defrosting and washing of the refrigerator (even No Frost systems) at least once a year will prolong its life. This allows you to clean the drainage channels and check the condition of the seals. Taking good care of equipment is the key to its longevity.
⚠️ Attention: The characteristics of refrigerators and control interfaces may vary depending on the year of manufacture and series. Always check the official user manual for your model.
Why does the LG refrigerator take a long time to gain temperature after defrosting?
After complete defrosting, the refrigerator takes time (from 2 to 12 hours) to reach operating mode. During this time, the compressor can operate without interruption. This is fine. Do not load the camera with food until the temperature has stabilized.
What does the flashing “Ice Plus” indicator or snowflake mean?
Indication may differ in different LG models. A rapidly flashing indicator indicates fast freezing mode or, conversely, signals defrosting. If the blinking is constant and is accompanied by a lack of cold, this is an error code.
Is it possible to replace an LG compressor with an analogue from another brand?
Technically it is possible if the fitting dimensions and characteristics (cooling capacity, type of refrigerant) are the same. However, LG inverter compressors often require coordination with the original control board, so replacement with an analogue one may not be possible without replacing the entire electronic board.
How often do you need to change the filter drier?
The filter drier is changed every time the tightness of the circuit is broken (if there is a freon leak or the compressor is replaced). It does not require scheduled replacement, since it is part of a sealed system.