LG refrigerator works, but does not freeze: reasons and what to do

Is your refrigerator LG humming, the light inside is on, and the food in the freezer is melting? The situation when the equipment “works, but does not freeze” is one of the most insidious. On the one hand, it seems that the breakdown is not serious: the compressor turns on, the fans spin, but on the other hand, the food spoils, and inaction is expensive. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved without calling a technician, but to do this, you need to correctly diagnose the cause.

In this article we will analyze 7 main reasonswhy the refrigerator LG stopped freezing, although outwardly it is functioning. You will learn how to distinguish a thermostat failure from a freon leak, why in models with No Frost the fan fails more often, and what to do if the freezer refuses to work after defrosting. And also - list of error codes LGthat directly indicate a malfunction of the freezer.

We warn you right away: some malfunctions (for example, a refrigerant leak) require professional equipment. But in half the cases, the settings, a clogged filter or an electronics failure are to blame - and you can fix this yourself.

1. Checking the obvious: settings and power

Before disassembling the refrigerator, eliminate the “human factor”. In 30% of calls to service centers, the problem is solved by simply adjusting the temperature or resetting errors.

Start with the control panel. In models LG with an electronic display (for example, series GB-B or GR-B), check:

• 🔹 Temperature mode: perhaps someone accidentally set 0°C instead of standard -18°C for freezers. Press Freezer and set the value from -16°C to -24°C.
• 🔹 Active functions: disable Holiday Mode (if available) or Eco Mode —they reduce the cooling power.
• 🔹 Door sensor: in refrigerators LG s Door Alarm check that the door open indicator is not on. Sometimes the contacts become dirty, and the system “thinks” that the door is slightly open.

If an error code is flashing on the display (for example, Er IF or Er dH), check the table below. Some errors (for example Er FF) indicate a malfunction of the freezer fan and require urgent intervention.

2. LG error codes: what they mean and how to reset

Refrigerators LG with electronic control (series GR, GC, GB) display fault codes. If your model is equipped with a display and the freezer does not work, decipher the error.

To reset the error, unplug the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes, then turn it on again. If the code appears again, the problem is not an electronics failure, but a real breakdown.

⚠️ Attention: In models LG with the system Smart Diagnosis (for example, LG GC-B247SLQV), errors can be deciphered through a mobile application. However, the function only works when connected to Wi-Fi - without the Internet, you will have to search for codes manually.

3. Fan freezing: why No Frost stops freezing

If you have a refrigerator LG with a system No Frost (series GR-N, GB-N), and the freezer stops working, the fan may be to blame. Unlike drip models, here cooling occurs due to forced air circulation. If the fan is blocked by ice or broken, the freezer stops functioning, although the compressor is working.

Symptoms of the problem:

• 🔊 The refrigerator hums louder than usual, but the cold does not flow.
• ❄️ There is a thick layer on the back wall of the freezer ice (more than 1–2 cm).
• 💨 It’s warm in the refrigerator compartment, although the compressor does not turn off.

How to fix:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove all food from the freezer.
3. Leave the door open for 12-24 hours for complete defrosting.
4. After defrosting, check if the fan is spinning (you may hear a slight noise when turned on).

Unplug the refrigerator|Defrost the freezer for 12+ hours|Check the fan blades for ice|Make sure that nothing is blocking the rotation|Turn on the refrigerator and listen to the sound of the fan -->

If the fan does not work after defrosting, most likely its motor has burned out. In this case, the part will need to be replaced (the cost of spare parts for LG is from 2,500 to 5,000 rubles).

4. Freon leak: how to recognize and what to do

One ​​of the most serious breakdowns is a refrigerant (freon) leak. In this case, the compressor runs “idle”: it hums, heats up, but does not produce cold. The reason is a violation of the tightness of the evaporator or condenser tubes.

Signs of a freon leak:

• 🕒 The compressor runs non-stop, but the freezer does not cool.
• 🔥 The refrigerator body is hot (especially at the back, near the compressor).
• 💧 There are oily stains on the floor under the refrigerator (freon is mixed with oil).

It is impossible to eliminate the leak on your own - it is required special equipment to vacuum the system and refill with freon. However, you can check the assumption:

1. Turn off the refrigerator.
2. Gently touch condenser (the grill at the back of the refrigerator). If it is at room temperature, although the compressor was running, this is an indirect sign of a leak.
3. Shine a flashlight on evaporator (in the freezer). If oil stains are visible on the tubes, the freon is definitely leaving.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to “top up” the freon yourself! Modern refrigerators LG use refrigerant R600a (isobutane) or R134a —they are fire hazards. You can work with them only in a well-ventilated area in compliance with safety precautions.

5. Failure of the thermostat or temperature sensor

If the compressor turns on, but runs in short cycles (5-10 minutes and turns off), the culprit may be thermostat or temperature sensor. These parts “deceive” the system, reporting that the freezer is already quite cold, although in fact the temperature is far from normal.

How to check the thermostat:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the protective casing from the thermostat (usually located next to the light bulb or on the back wall).
3. Ring the contacts with a tester in resistance testing mode. At room temperature the resistance should be 0 Ohm (closed), opens when cooling.

In refrigerators LG with electronic control (for example, LG GC-B247) instead of a mechanical thermostat, thermistor —resistance sensor. It is checked with a multimeter:

• 🔹 At 25°C the resistance should be about 5–10 kOhm.
• 🔹 At 0°C — 15–20 kOhm.
• 🔹 At -18°C — 30–50 kOhm.

If the readings do not correspond to the norm, the sensor must be replaced. The cost of a thermistor for LG is from 800 to 2,000 rubles.

6. Problems with the start relay or compressor If the refrigerator turns on, but after a few seconds it turns off with a loud click, the problem is with the refrigerator itself. The relay is responsible for starting the motor, and if it breaks down, the compressor cannot work normally.

If the refrigerator LG turns on, but after a few seconds turns off with a loud click - the problem is start relay or yourself compressor. The relay is responsible for starting the motor, and if it breaks down, the compressor cannot work normally.

How to diagnose:

• 🔊 Listen to the sound: if after clicking the compressor does not hum - the relay does not transmit current.
• 🔥 Touch the relay (black box next to the compressor). If it is hot, it burned out.
• 💡 Check the relay capacitor with a multimeter: the resistance between the contacts should be 20–40 Ohm.

Replacing the relay will cost 1,500–3,000 rubles, the compressor - from 8,000 rubles (depending on the model). If the refrigerator is more than 10 years old, it is more advisable to consider buying a new one.

⚠️ Attention: In models LG with an inverter compressor (series GR-Q) there is no starting relay - its functions are performed by an electronic unit. In the event of a breakdown, diagnostics of the control board is required.

7. Capillary tube clogged: why the cold does not flow

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. If it becomes clogged (for example, due to moisture or oil), the refrigerant does not circulate and the freezer stops working, although the compressor hums.

Signs of a clog:

• ⏳ The compressor runs non-stop, but the freezer does not cool.
• 🔥 The condenser (grid at the back) is hot only in one place.
• ❄️ The evaporator in the freezer is not covered with frost.

The blockage can only be removed flush the system using special equipment. It is impossible to do this on your own - you need to:

1. Pump out the freon.
2. Purge the tube with nitrogen under pressure.
3. Fill the system with new refrigerant.

The cost of the service is from 5,000 rubles. If the refrigerator is more than 8–10 years old, it is more advisable to consider replacing it with a new model.

Frequently asked questions about LG refrigerators that do not freeze

The freezer does not work and the refrigerator compartment is cold. What is the reason?

Most likely, the problem is in fan No Frost (if the model has such a system) or clogged drain hole between the compartments. In the first case, defrosting or replacing the fan is required, in the second, cleaning the drainage with a thin wire.

The LG refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting. What to do?

If after defrosting the freezer does not turn on:

1. Check if anything is blocking the fan (ice, food).
2. Make sure the door seal fits tightly.
3. Turn off the refrigerator at 10 minutes, then turn it on again - the settings may have gone wrong.

If this does not help, there is likely a freon leak or sensor failure.

The compressor is working, but the freezer is not freezing, and the refrigerator is warm. Is this a freon leak?

Not necessarily. When there is a freon leak, the compressor usually works Continuously, and the housing becomes very hot. If the compressor turns on periodically, but no cold is supplied, check:

• Thermostat or temperature sensor.
• Fan (in models No Frost).
• Start relay (clicks when turned on).

Is it possible to fill freon into an LG refrigerator yourself?

No. To fill freon you need:

• Vacuum pump.
• Gauge manifold.
• Cylinder with refrigerant (for LG usually R600a or R134a).
• Experience in working with refrigeration equipment.

Independent refilling without skills can lead to fire (isobutane is highly flammable) or compressor breakdown.

How much does it cost to repair an LG refrigerator if it does not freeze?

The cost depends on the breakdown:

Breakage	Cost (rub.)
Replacement of fan No Frost	2 500–5 000
Replacement of thermostat/sensor	1 500–3 000
Replacement of start relay	1 500–3 000
Repairing leaks freon + refill	5 000–10 000
Replacement of the compressor	8 000–15 000

Prices do not include the technician's visit (from 1,000 rubles depending on the region).