The situation when an LG refrigerator No Frost stops freezing in the freezer always takes you by surprise. Food begins to defrost and there is a risk of spoilage, which requires immediate attention. In modern models with the system No Frost ice should not form on the walls, so the lack of cold often indicates a hidden malfunction that is not visible from the outside.
Owners often panic when they notice that the temperature in the chamber rises above normal, and the indicators on the control panel may flash or show an error. However, before calling a specialist, it is worth carrying out an initial diagnosis, since in some cases the problem is solved on its own in a short time. Understanding the operating principles of of the refrigeration circuit will help you quickly identify the root of the problem.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons why the freezer does not freeze, from banal operating errors to serious technical breakdowns. You will learn how to check evaporator, fan other key components without special equipment. A competent approach will save time and, possibly, money on expensive repairs.
Primary diagnosis and simple causes
Before looking for complex breakdowns, it is necessary to eliminate basic errors. It often happens that the refrigerator is working properly, but its operating conditions are violated. For example, if you have just loaded a large amount of warm food into the chamber, compressor it may not be able to handle the sudden temperature increase. In No Frost mode, air circulation takes time to stabilize the climate throughout the entire volume.
Check the tightness of the door. If seal is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber. The system No Frost will try to cool this incoming stream, which will lead to the formation of ice on the evaporator and, as a result, the cooling of the products will stop. Make sure that the door closes tightly around the entire perimeter.
Pay attention to the location of the refrigerator. If it is too close to the wall or heating devices, the heat exchange in the condenser is disrupted. The minimum distance to the rear wall should be 5-7 centimeters for free air circulation. Overheating of the compressor due to poor ventilation can lead to its emergency shutdown.
It's also worth checking the temperature settings. Perhaps one of the household members accidentally switched the regulator to the minimum cooling mode or activated the “vacation” function. In LG models, the control may be electronic, and a malfunction of the panel could change the parameters. Return the settings to the standard values recommended by the manufacturer.
Problems with the defrost system and ice
One of the most common reasons why the freezer in an LG refrigerator does not freeze No Frost is a failure in the automatic defrosting system. The ice that forms on the evaporator during operation must be periodically melted Heating element (ten-ohm). If this process is disrupted, the ice coat grows and blocks the operation of the fan, blocking the access of cold air to the chamber.
- ❄️ Faulty heating element defrost: The heating element burns out and stops melting the ice, which is why the evaporator becomes overgrown with a “cocoon.”
- 🌡️ Failure of the defrost sensor: The thermostat does not send a signal to turn on the heating, and the system “thinks” that there is no ice, although it is already blocking the channels.
- ⏱️ Failure of the defrost timer: The mechanical or electronic module does not switch the refrigerator from cooling mode to defrosting mode.
To confirm this hypothesis, a complete defrost of the refrigerator is often required. Unplug the appliance for at least 12-24 hours, leaving the doors open. If, after turning on and setting the temperature, the freezer started working normally, but a week later the situation repeated itself, the problem lies precisely in the defrost unit. This is a classic symptom for equipment No Frost.
☑️ Actions during defrosting
It is important to understand that simple defrosting does not eliminate the breakdown, but only temporarily restores functionality. Defrost sensor or the heating element will still require replacement. Ignoring the problem will cause ice to reach the fan, and it may jam or burn, which will result in more expensive repairs.
⚠️ Attention: If ice blocks re-form on the evaporator, do not try to pick off the ice with a knife or sharp objects. You risk breaking the aluminum channel of the evaporator or damaging the wiring, which will lead to freon leakage or a short circuit.
Fan and air circulation malfunctions
In LG refrigerators with the No Frost system, the fan located in the freezer is responsible for the distribution of cold. If it stops rotating, cold air does not enter the main compartment, and the temperature in the freezer itself may rise due to lack of circulation and the compressor running idle. This is a common reason for complaints that “the refrigerator is humming, but not freezing.”
The reasons for the fan stopping may be different. Most often, its blades are blocked by the same ice crust mentioned above. In this case, a characteristic cracking or buzzing sound is heard as the blades try to rotate through the ice. The second option is the failure of the electric motor fan itself or an open circuit of its power supply.
To check, you need to dismantle the back panel in the freezer (usually it is plastic and secured with latches or screws). Visually inspect the fan: does it spin freely by hand? Is there ice on its axle? If there are no mechanical obstacles, but when you turn on the refrigerator it does not start, you will need to test it with a multimeter.
How to check the fan with a multimeter?
To check, disconnect the fan connector and switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (Ohms). Attach the probes to the motor contacts. If the resistance is infinite or close to zero (short circuit), the fan is faulty and needs to be replaced. Normal resistance is usually several hundred Ohms.
Replacing a fan is not a complicated procedure, but requires careful disassembly. New parts for LG models are widely available at service centers. Remember that the operation of the system No Frost is impossible without forced circulation, so fan failure cannot be ignored.
Refrigerant leakage and problems with the compressor
If defrosting did not help and the fan is spinning properly, the situation may be more serious. There may be a leak Freon (refrigerant). In the No Frost system, even a small amount of lost gas causes the refrigerator to stop reaching the desired temperature. In this case, the compressor can work continuously, trying to compensate for the loss, but not produce cold.
Signs of a freon leak:
- 🔇 The compressor works constantly, without turning off, but the refrigerator is warm.
- 🧊 Ice may appear in the freezer only in one corner or at the entrance, and the main chamber warm.
- 🌡️ The condenser (grid at the back) is only partially warm or cold.
Another reason is a malfunction of itself compressor. In modern LG inverter models, the compressor control boards often fail or the motor-compressor itself loses performance. If upon startup you hear a click, a beep, and then silence, or the compressor immediately overheats and turns off, this is an alarming signal.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Complexity repair |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator is warm, compressor is hot | Clogged capillary system | High |
| Compressor does not start, silence | Malfunction of the start relay or board | Medium |
| Frost only at the entrance to the freezer | Leakage freon | High |
| Continuous operation without shutdown | Loss of tightness or wear of the compressor | High |
Repairs related to freon and compressor, requires special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station) and a license to work with refrigerants. It is almost impossible to refill the system on your own with high quality.
Electronic faults and sensors
Modern LG refrigerators are crammed with electronics. Several sensorsresponsible for the temperature: in the freezer compartment, in the refrigerator compartment, evaporator defrost sensor. If one of them “lies” or shows an open circuit, the control module may make incorrect decisions, for example, not turning on the compressor or prematurely stopping the refrigeration cycle.
The temperature sensor in the freezer often fails. It may show that the temperature has already been reached (for example, -18°C), although in reality it is +5°C. As a result, the compressor stops and the food melts. Replacing the sensor usually solves the problem, but to do this you need to know its resistance at different temperatures.
It is also worth mentioning the control module. Power surges in the network can damage the electronic board. In this case, the refrigerator may behave chaotically: turn on and off spontaneously, not respond to buttons, or show non-existent errors. Diagnosing the board requires professional knowledge in electronics.
⚠️ Attention: If you do not have experience working with electronic components and a soldering iron, do not try to repair the control board yourself. Unqualified intervention can lead to a short circuit and complete failure of the refrigerator.
Algorithm of actions when a problem is detected
If you find that the LG freezer No Frost does not freeze, act consistently. First, rule out simple causes: check the settings, how tightly the door is closed, the presence of products blocking the air outlet. If this does not help, move on to deeper checks.
The next step is complete defrosting. This is a universal test that allows you to eliminate problems with ice on the evaporator. If after 24 hours of defrosting and turning on the refrigerator started working, but after a week or two the problem returned, get ready to replace the elements of the defrosting system (heating element, sensor, timer).
In the case when defrosting does not help, or the compressor works without interruption, or extraneous sounds are heard, professional diagnostics are necessary. Do not delay contacting service, as the operation of a faulty compressor or lack of refrigeration can lead to spoilage of a large number of products and increased repair costs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does ice freeze in the LG No Frost freezer, although there should be dry cold?
Ice in the system No Frost forms on a hidden evaporator. If ice appears on the food or walls, it means that the defrosting system is broken (the heating element or sensor is burnt out) or the door seal that allows moist air to pass through is damaged. Ice may also appear when the door is frequently opened in conditions of high humidity in the room.
How long should defrosting last to remove the ice plug?
For the ice inside the case to completely melt, especially if the fur coat has been frozen for a long time, it takes from 12 to 24 hours. The minimum time of 2-3 hours is often not enough to melt ice in hard-to-reach ductwork. It is recommended to keep the refrigerator turned off with the doors open for a day.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it has stopped freezing, but the compressor is working?
You cannot use such a refrigerator to store perishable foods. Temperatures in the “danger zone” promote the growth of bacteria. In addition, long-term operation of the compressor without turning off (if it tries to gain temperature) can lead to its overheating and final breakdown.
What does the flashing indicator on the LG panel mean?
A flashing indicator usually signals that the temperature in the chamber is rising above normal. This can be either a consequence of loading warm food or a sign of a malfunction. If the flashing does not stop after several hours of operation, diagnostics are required.
How often should you defrost a No Frost refrigerator?
Technically, the system No Frost does not require regular defrosting to remove ice. However, manufacturers recommend preventive defrosting and washing 1-2 times a year to maintain hygiene and check the condition of the seals. This extends the service life of the equipment.