Situation when LG refrigerator continues to cool the main chamber, but completely stops freezing in the freezer compartment, this is one of the most common and alarming problems for owners of household appliances. In modern models with the system No Frost this often indicates a violation of the defrost cycle or problems with air circulation, while in older units with a drip system the culprit may be a refrigerant leak. There is no need to panic right away, since in half of the cases the malfunction can be localized on your own without calling a technician.
The first thing you need to do when you discover a lack of ice or defrosted food is to listen to the operation of the unit. If the engine hums continuously, but there is no cold, or, on the contrary, there is deathly silence, the algorithm of actions will be radically different. Diagnostics starts with checking the simplest things: the tightness of the doors, the position of the temperature regulator and the presence of extraneous noise, which may indicate the compressor is running idle.
It is important to understand that modern refrigerators LG are equipped with complex electronics that control all processes. A malfunction of one sensor can block the start of a compressor or fan, creating the illusion of a breakdown of the engine itself. Below we will analyze in detail the main failure scenarios, methods for identifying them and ways to eliminate them, so that you can make an informed decision on further actions.
Checking the operating mode and temperature settings
Before looking for technical faults, you should exclude the human factor and software failures. Often, users accidentally touch the control panel when switching the refrigerator to “Vacation” or “Eco” mode, in which the temperature in the freezer rises to -5...-9°C, which is not enough for deep freezing. In models with electronic control, you need to check the indication on the display.
If you have a mechanical control, make sure that the regulator is not at the minimum value. It is also worth checking whether the function quick freezing (Super Freeze) has not been enabled for a long time, as some models may overheat and go into protective mode. To reset possible electronics errors, try completely disconnecting the device.
How to properly reset the electronics?
Unplug the refrigerator, wait 10-15 minutes for the capacitors to discharge, then turn it on again. This will reset the controller errors if they were not critical.
Pay attention to the tightness of the freezer door. Even a microscopic gap or damaged seal will lead to a constant flow of warm air. Moisture will settle on the walls, turning into an ice coat, which will eventually block the cold supply channels. Check the cleanliness of the seal and the absence of frost around the perimeter of the door.
☑️ Primary diagnostics of settings
No Frost defrost system malfunctions
B refrigerators LG with a system No Frost the most common reason for the lack of cold in the freezer when the compressor is running is a failure in the evaporator defrost system. The ice that constantly accumulates on the evaporator radiator must be periodically melted by the heating element. If this process is disrupted, the ice cocoon blocks the fan, and cold air simply does not enter the chamber.
The main culprits here are three elements: a defrost heating element, a defrost sensor or a fuse. If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt. If the sensor is faulty, it does not give a command to turn on the heating or, conversely, does not turn it off. As a result, the evaporator becomes overgrown with ice, and operating efficiency drops to zero.
⚠️ Attention: If you observe that the back wall of the freezer is swollen or covered with an uneven layer of ice, and there is water underneath, this is an almost guaranteed sign of problems with defrosting.
To diagnose, you need to get to the evaporator by removing back panel in the freezer compartment. A visual inspection will indicate the presence of ice. If there is ice, check the integrity of the heating element with a multimeter. The resistance of a working heating element is usually from 200 to 300 Ohms. An open circuit indicates the need to replace the element.
Problems with the fan and air circulation
Another critical component that ensures frost in chamber is a fan. It is he who forcibly drives cold air from the evaporator to the shelves. If fan stops, the cold remains in the evaporator zone, and the temperature in the chamber rises. Models LG often use fans with a plastic sleeve, which wears out over time.
Signs of a fan malfunction may include extraneous noise, crackling or complete absence of sound when the compressor is turned on. Sometimes the impeller simply freezes to the housing or becomes covered in ice due to the defrosting problems discussed above. In this case, the mechanical blocking prevents the motor from rotating.
The fan is checked manually (with the refrigerator turned off) for free rotation and by electrically ringing the windings. If the shaft is tight or there is play, the part requires replacement. It is also worth checking the contacts going to the motor for oxidation or breakage.
In some cases, the fan may operate intermittently (periodically) if the fan operation sensor or control board is faulty. However, most often the problem lies in mechanical wear of bearings or bushings, especially in devices that have been in operation for more than 5-7 years.
Freon leakage and compressor malfunctions
If the compressor runs endlessly, trying to gain temperature, but the freezer remains warm, and the evaporator is clean and not evenly covered with frost, high probability refrigerant leaks. Freon is the working fluid of the refrigerator, and without it heat exchange is impossible. Leaks often occur in the foamed part of the housing or in the solder joints of the circuit.
Another option is a breakdown of the compressor itself. It may hum, but not create the necessary pressure in the system. This happens when the windings are shorted between turns or the piston group is mechanically jammed. In such cases, the refrigerator usually gets very hot in the area of the motor, and the current consumption may be higher or lower than the rated one.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Nature of compressor operation | Evaporator condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat in the freezer | Freon leak | Works continuously | Clean, no frost |
| Heat in the freezer | Clogged capillary | Works with overload | Frost only at the beginning |
| Heat in the freezer | Compressor malfunction | Humming or silent | Ambient temperature |
| Heat in the freezer | Defrosting failure | Works jerkily | Clogged with ice |
| Diagnostics | Requires a master | Measurement of current and pressure | Visual inspection |
It is extremely difficult to fix a leak or replace a compressor on your own: special equipment is required for evacuation of the system, refueling freon and soldering copper pipes. Attempts to “add freon” without eliminating the leak give only a short-term effect.
Failures in the control module
The "brain" of the refrigerator LG is an electronic control module. It is he who reads the sensor readings and makes the decision to turn on the compressor, heating element or fan. If tracks, relays or other elements burn out on the board, commands simply do not reach the execution mechanisms.
Often the problem lies in a stuck compressor relay. Visually, this can be noticed by the absence of a characteristic click when trying to start or, conversely, by a continuous hum when the relay does not open the circuit. Failures in the firmware are also possible, especially after power surges in the network.
⚠️ Attention: Voltage surges are a common cause of failure of control modules. Use surge protectors or stabilizers to protect expensive equipment.
Diagnostics of the board requires knowledge in electronics and the availability of a circuit. At home, you can check the integrity of the fuse on the board and the presence of voltage at the input. If traces of burning or swollen capacitors are visually visible, the module requires replacement or professional repair at the service.
Procedure for action when a malfunction is detected
If you realize that the refrigerator LG has really stopped freezing, follow the algorithm. First defrost the chamber completely (at least 24 hours) if you suspect an ice problem. This will eliminate false diagnoses associated with blocked air channels.
After defrosting, turn on the device and monitor its operation. If cold appears, but disappears again after a few days, the problem is in the defrosting system. If there is no cold even after complete defrosting and a clean start, a leak or breakdown of the compressor is likely.
Do not try to pick at the ice with a knife or sharp objects, trying to free the channels. Damage to the evaporator will lead to an immediate leak of freon and expensive repairs, which may not be economically feasible.
When it is necessary to call a specialist
There are a number of situations when self-repair is not only useless, but also dangerous. If you need to replace the compressor, fix a leak in the foamed part of the case, or complex repair of an electronic board with re-soldering of chips, it is better to turn to professionals.
A master is also needed if you do not have the skills to work with a multimeter and do not understand the principles of operation of electrical circuits. Inept intervention can aggravate the situation, turning a simple repair into a replacement of the entire unit.
Please note that original spare parts LGsuch as inverter compressors or specific sensors often require calibration or installation through the service menu, which is only possible with the help of special equipment.
Why a freezer works, but the refrigerator does not?
This is a classic symptom of poor air circulation or problems with the damper, which regulates the flow of cold from the freezer to the main compartment. It is also possible that the air supply duct may freeze.
How long should the LG refrigerator cool down after turning it on?
The refrigerator may require from 4 to 12 hours to first enter the mode after complete defrosting or loading with food. Do not load the chamber with warm foods.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it does not freeze well?
For a short time - yes, but this is dangerous for the compressor, which will wear out. In addition, bacteria can grow in the camera if the temperature is above -12°C.
What does a flashing indicator on the LG panel mean?
Flashing indicators often indicate a specific error (for example, a sensor or fan malfunction). The error code can be deciphered using instructions or a combination of flashes.