The situation when LG refrigerator stops freezing in the freezer always takes you by surprise, threatening the safety of food. Equipment owners are often faced with the fact that the indicators are on, the compressor is humming, but the temperature inside does not drop below zero. This can be caused by either a simple overload of products or a serious technical failure in the No Frost system.
The first thing that needs to be done is to carry out a visual inspection and exclude external factors. LG Refrigerators are famous for their reliability, but even they are susceptible to wear of seals or contamination of ventilation channels. If you notice that an ice crust has formed on the back wall and the food has begun to deteriorate, it means that the cold air circulation system is broken.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main causes of malfunctions, methods for eliminating them yourself and cases when you cannot do without calling a technician. You will learn how to properly defrost, check the sensors and understand why compressor it is running in vain. It is important to act consistently so as not to aggravate the situation.
Violation of operating rules and overload
The most common reason why freezer compartment ceases to maintain the desired temperature lies in the actions of the user himself. Often, owners load too much warm food into the compartment or pack the shelves tightly, blocking the air flow. The system No Frost requires free space for flow circulation.
⚠️ Attention: Never cover the ventilation holes on the back wall of the chamber with food or packaging. This leads to an instant disruption of heat exchange and overheating of the motor.
If you notice that the products are lying close to the back wall, move them away. Cold air should freely wash the contents. Also check to see if soft dough or meat packages are leaning against the air duct outlets.
Another factor is frequent opening of doors. When you keep the door open for a long time, warm, moist air flows in. The compressor does not have time to compensate for heat loss, and the temperature in the chamber rises. In models LG with electronic control, this can be signaled by an audible timer.
Check the tightness of the door. Rubber seal over time it dries out or gets dirty, which is why the camera is not airtight. Perform a simple test: press a piece of paper between the door and the frame around the entire perimeter. If the paper comes out too easily, the seal needs to be replaced or cleaned.
- 🧊 Move food away from the back wall at least 3-5 cm for free circulation.
- 🚪 Do not keep the door open for more than 1-2 minutes while loading.
- 🧼 Wipe the rubber seal with a soft cloth and soapy water once a month.
- 🌡️ Do not put hot or warm foods directly into the freezer.
Problems with the No Frost defrosting system
If the refrigerator LG buzzes, the light is on, but the freezer does not freeze, most likely the automatic defrosting system has failed. In modern models, this process occurs unnoticed by the user, but if one of the elements breaks down, a “fur coat” grows on the evaporator, blocking the fan.
The main elements of the system are Evaporator heating element, a defrost sensor and a timer (or control board). If the heating element burns out, the ice will not melt during the defrost cycle. Over time, the ice lump becomes so large that it blocks the cold air supply channels into the chamber.
For diagnostics, it is necessary to completely defrost the unit. Unplug the appliance, open the doors and leave for at least 24 hours. If after turning on the refrigerator began to freeze, but after 5-7 days the problem returned, the diagnosis is confirmed: the defrosting system does not work.
Symptoms of heating element failure
If after defrosting the refrigerator works for a week, and then stops freezing again, and you hear that the fan is humming, but does not spin (it is jammed with ice), this is a sure sign of a malfunction Heating element or defrost sensor.
Replacing the heating element requires partial disassembly of the freezer. In some models LG access to the evaporator is behind a plastic panel on the back wall inside the chamber. Be careful, plastic latches can be fragile.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
Faults in the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is compressor. If it does not start or works intermittently, there will be no cold anywhere. Refrigerators LG often use inverter compressors, which are quiet, but require more complex diagnostics.
Pay attention to the sounds that the unit makes. If you hear a clicking sound, then a humming sound that stops abruptly, and then a clicking sound again, these are signs that the start relay or the compressor itself is faulty. The relay may “stick” without starting the motor.
In inverter models, the start is controlled by an electronic unit. If the power switches on the control board are burned out, the compressor will not receive a start command. Repairing an inverter board on your own without experience and equipment is extremely difficult.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to forcibly start the compressor bypassing the relay or board can lead to its complete combustion and costly repairs. Be careful with electrics.
Check the temperature of the compressor housing. If it is hot but does not start, the piston group may be stuck. If it is cold and silent, the problem may be in the electrical circuit or thermostat.
Freon leak and clogged capillary system
One of the most unpleasant reasons why LG refrigerator does not freeze is a refrigerant (freon) leak. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and if a fistula has formed somewhere, the gas escapes and the cooling capacity drops to zero.
Signs of a leak often appear gradually. First, the freezer starts to freeze worse, then the temperature rises. On the back wall inside the chamber, the “snow coat” may disappear (in models without No Frost) or swelling may appear.
Clogged capillary tube is another mechanical problem. A blockage of moisture or oil oxidation products may form in the circulation system. This prevents the normal flow of freon. The symptoms are similar to a leak: the compressor works constantly, but there is no cold.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Nature of the failure |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor is hot, does not start | Motor jammed | Mechanical |
| The refrigerator works, but does not freeze | Freon leakage | Tightness |
| Ice only on entrance to the evaporator | Clogged capillary tube | Hydraulic |
| Frost along the entire rear wall | Normal operation (for Direct Cool) | Norm |
To eliminate a leak or blockage, you need to call a technician with special equipment: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and a supply of freon. It is almost impossible to independently find the location of a leak in a foamed housing.
Failures in electronics and temperature sensors
Modern ones LG refrigerators are stuffed with electronics. Temperature is monitored by sensors that transmit data to the main control module. If the sensor is “lying,” the brain of the refrigerator may think that the chamber is already -30°C and turn off the compressor, although in reality it is +5°C.
The evaporator defrost sensor often fails. It must detect the moment when the ice has melted and turn off the heating element. If it shows incorrect data, the system may not start defrosting at all or, conversely, heat the evaporator constantly.
You can check the sensors with a multimeter by measuring their resistance at different temperatures. However, to do this you need to know the exact ratings for your model LG. An error in diagnostics can lead to replacement of a working part.
It is also worth paying attention to the surge protector and wiring. Power surges could damage the control board. If errors appear on the display or indicators flash, check the instructions for fault codes.
When professional repairs are needed
Despite the desire to save money, there are situations when DIY repairs are impossible or dangerous. If the diagnostics indicated a freon leak, a jammed compressor or a burnt-out inverter board, it is better to contact the service.
Specialists have access to original spare parts LG and can provide a guarantee for the work. Replacing complex components on your own without experience often leads to the fact that a simple breakdown develops new problems.
In addition, a violation of the tightness of the system due to inept intervention requires a complete refill, which costs money. If you are not confident in your abilities, entrust complex equipment to professionals.
⚠️ Attention: Work related to breaking the tightness of the refrigeration circuit (soldering tubes, replacing a compressor) requires a license and special equipment. Do not try to solder pipes at home.
Remember that timely contacting a specialist can save food and extend the life of your refrigerator. Do not ignore the first signs of malfunction.
Is it worth repairing an old refrigerator?
If the refrigerator is more than 10-12 years old and the compressor needs to be replaced, the cost of repair can be up to 70% of the price of a new device. In such cases, it is often more advisable to buy a new model with a guarantee and energy efficiency class A++.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the LG refrigerator hum, but does not freeze after defrosting?
This may indicate a malfunction of the evaporator fan. If it does not spin, the cold does not enter the chamber, although the compressor is running. The capillary system may also become clogged.
How long should it take to defrost an LG refrigerator?
For complete and high-quality defrosting, especially if an ice “coat” has formed, it takes from 12 to 24 hours. Quick defrosting with a hairdryer is not recommended, as it can damage the plastic or seals.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it does not freeze?
You cannot use it to store food - they will spoil. However, short-term switching on for diagnostic purposes is acceptable. Long-term operation of a faulty unit can lead to combustion of the compressor.
What does the flashing indicator on the LG control panel mean?
A flashing indicator often signals that the temperature in the chamber is above normal. If after defrosting and rebooting it continues to blink, then the malfunction is of a technical nature.
How often do you need to change the seal on the door?
The seal is changed as it wears out: if it is cracked, becomes hard, or no longer holds the magnet. Typically, the service life is 5-7 years, but depends on the operating and maintenance conditions.