Situation when fridge compartment stops performing its function, but the freezer continues to operate normally, often putting equipment owners LG into a dead end. It seems illogical that one part of the unit cools food to sub-zero temperatures, while the other barely retains room heat. However, for modern systems No Frost and static cooling, such asymmetry is a classic symptom of a number of specific malfunctions.
In most cases, the problem lies not in a complete breakdown of the compressor, otherwise none of the chambers would work, but in a violation of the circulation of the refrigerant or a malfunction in the system management. The owner may notice that the food in the upper compartment begins to deteriorate, condensation appears or, conversely, excessive dryness, while even things that should not freeze freeze in the freezer. Diagnostics requires consistent elimination of simple causes before calling a technician.
Not worth it panic ahead of time, because sometimes it’s enough just to change the settings or defrost. However, ignoring the symptoms can lead to failure of an expensive one, the repair of which will cost much more. Let's look at the main reasons why the refrigerator compressor, the repair of which will cost much more. Let's look at the main reasons why a refrigerator LG does not cool, and determine the procedure for restoring the functionality of the device.
Failure of the No Frost system and defrosting problem
The most common reason why a refrigerator LG stops cooling the upper chamber when the freezer is running, due to a malfunction of the automatic defrosting system. In units with technology No Frost the cold is distributed by a fan, and the evaporator is hidden behind the rear wall. Over time, an ice “coat” builds up on the evaporator, which blocks the air channels.
If the defrosting system fails, the ice completely blocks the path of cold air into the refrigerator compartment. As a result, the fan circulates air inside the freezer (so it’s cold there), but the cold does not enter the upper part. This is often accompanied by a characteristic hum or complete absence of sound from the fan.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the back wall in the refrigerator compartment is covered with a layer of frost or ice, and there is water below, this is a sure sign of problems with defrosting. Do not try to chip the ice with a knife - you can damage the evaporator.
Several key elements are responsible for the defrosting process: Defrost heating element, defrost sensor and timer (or electronic control module). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt. If the sensor “lies” and does not give a command to turn on the heating, the result is the same. In models LG there is also often a break in the contacts in the defrost circuit due to corrosion or manufacturing defects.
To check, you must completely defrost the refrigerator (unplug it for at least 24 hours). If after turning on the device worked normally, but after 1-2 weeks the situation repeated itself, it means that one of the elements of the defrosting system is faulty and requires replacement.
Compressor malfunctions and problems with refrigerant
Modern refrigerators LG often have inverter compressors installed that can operate at different speeds. If the compressor loses power or operates only at minimum speed, the pressure created may not be enough to pump freon through the entire circuit. As a result, there is only enough cold for the first circuit (freezer compartment), and the refrigerant does not reach the refrigeration chamber in the required volume.
Another serious reason is freon leak. Since the freezer is closer to the refrigerant outlet of the compressor, if there is a partial leak, the gas will cool it first. The circulation simply does not reach the refrigerator compartment. It is difficult to determine a leak visually, since freon is colorless and odorless, but an indirect sign can be a hot housing on the side or back (the compressor works non-stop, trying to gain temperature).
It is also worth considering the possibility of a blockage capillary tube. A “plug” could have formed in the system from oil or moisture oxidation products. This physically prevents the movement of freon. The symptoms are similar to a leak: the freezer is freezing, the refrigerator is warm, the compressor runs continuously or turns off due to overheating.
Repair in this case requires the intervention of a specialist with a pressure gauge manifold. It is impossible to refill the system yourself or find a micro-crack in a sealed circuit without equipment.
How does a technician determine a leak?
A specialist uses nitrogen to pressurize the circuit. If the pressure drops, the leak is looked for using a leak detector or by immersion in water (for removed capacitors).
Problems with the damper and air distribution
In two-chamber refrigerators LG, especially with a system Multi Air Flowfor supplying cold air to the refrigeration The separation is controlled by a special air damper (damper). It opens based on a signal from the temperature sensor when the chamber becomes warmer than the established norm.
If the damper is stuck in the closed position or the motor that drives it burns out, cold air from the freezer simply does not enter the upper chamber. At the same time, the freezer itself continues to work properly, since the circulation inside it is not impaired. Often such a malfunction can be diagnosed by sound: if you do not hear a characteristic click or buzz when the door opens (when the damper should respond), the problem is most likely there.
Also the cause may be freezing of the damper itself. If there is increased humidity in the system or the tightness of the seals is broken, moisture enters the channels and freezes, mechanically blocking the sash. In this case, defrosting helps, but to eliminate the root of the problem, replace the door seal.
Checking the damper requires partial disassembly of the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment. It is necessary to make sure that the sash moves freely and that voltage is applied to it.
The influence of the “Super Freeze” mode and thermostat settings
Sometimes the reason is trivial and lies in the human factor. On the control panels of refrigerators LG there is a function Super Freeze (Super Freeze). When this mode is activated, the compressor runs continuously, cooling the freezer as much as possible. In some models, the operating logic is designed so that priority is given to the freezer, and circulation to the refrigerator compartment is temporarily stopped or minimized.
If you accidentally turn on this mode (often by double-pressing or long-holding the button), the refrigerator may not cool in the upper compartment until the mode is manually turned off or the timer expires (usually 24-48 hours).
It is also worth checking the temperature settings. If the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is set too high (for example, +8...+10 °C), and the room is hot, the unit may simply not cope, creating the illusion of a breakdown. The normal value is considered to be from +3 to +5 °C.
Diagnostic table of symptoms
To more accurately determine the problem, it is recommended to compare the observed symptoms with typical symptoms of malfunctions. Below is a table that will help narrow down your search.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Nature of compressor operation | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator compartment is warm, there is ice in the freezer, frost on the back wall of the upper compartment | Malfunction of the defrost system (heating element, sensor) | Works with frequent stops or continuously | Defrost for 24 hours, call a technician |
| Refrigerator not freezing, freezer is working, compressor is hot | Freon leak or capillary clogged | Works without stopping | Urgent call for a technician (refueling) |
| The temperature in the upper chamber is above normal, there is no frost | The air damper or fan is faulty | Operating normally | Checking the damper, replacing the motor |
| Food in the refrigerator freezes, the freezer is also colder than usual | Thermostat contacts stick or reset settings | Works without interruption | Reset settings, replacing the thermostat |
Checking the electrical part and 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, fan or defrost heating element. If the control board is “buggy” or the triac that controls the heating element is burned out, the defrosting system will not work, which will lead to freezing, described in the first section.
Often in refrigerators LG there is a problem with oxidation of the contacts on the connectors going to the temperature sensors. Moisture condenses, the contacts become coated with oxide, the resistance changes, and the module receives incorrect data. It “thinks” that the chamber is cold and does not turn on the cooling.
To diagnose the module, a multimeter and knowledge of electronics are required. It is necessary to ring the power supply circuits of the heating element and the fan. If there is voltage, but the elements do not work, they are faulty. If there is no voltage, the problem is in the board.
⚠️ Attention: Before any check of electrical circuits, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the network! Working under voltage is life-threatening and can permanently damage electronics.
Sometimes a simple restart of the system helps: unplug the refrigerator from the outlet for 15-20 minutes. This will clear errors in the controller memory. If after turning on the problem disappeared, there may have been a temporary power surge.
Action plan: what you can do yourself
Before filing a request for expensive repairs, try to follow a number of simple steps that often help solve the problem without calling a technician. Many owners overlook basic things, focusing on complex breakdowns.
First of all, make sure that the refrigerator is installed correctly. The gap between the back wall and the kitchen wall must be at least 5-7 cm for normal ventilation of the condenser. If the unit stands close together, it overheats and stops cooling effectively.
Next, follow the primary diagnostic algorithm. It will help to weed out 30% of “faults” that are not.
☑️ Primary check algorithm
If after defrosting and checking the settings the problem returned after a couple of weeks, then parts need to be replaced. Most often in refrigerators LG they change the defrost heating element, defrost sensor or restore the tightness of the circuit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the LG refrigerator hum, but does not cool the upper chamber?
A hum may indicate the compressor is running or an attempt to start the fan. If the hum is coming from the bottom of the rear and the compressor is hot but not cold, there is likely a freon leak or a blockage. If it hums in the upper part, the fan may be jammed by icing.
How long does it take to defrost an LG refrigerator to check?
To completely defrost the hidden channels of the No Frost system, it takes at least 24 hours, and it is better to leave it turned off for two days with the doors open. A shorter defrosting may not eliminate the ice plug deep in the system.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if one chamber does not work?
Short-term - yes, but you can’t do this for a long time. The compressor will work hard, trying to reach an impossible temperature, which will lead to its combustion. In addition, food in a warm chamber will spoil.
What does a flashing temperature 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 a breakdown or a reaction to a recent load of warm food or prolonged defrosting. If the blinking does not stop after 2-3 hours of operation, this is an error.