The freezer in an LG refrigerator does not work: 12 reasons and what to do

2.1. Clogged drainage or drain hole

If there is accumulation in the freezer. water, and there are puddles under the refrigerator - most likely, the drainage hole is clogged. In models with No Frost it is located behind the back wall (you will have to remove the panel), in drip models - at the bottom of the chamber.

• 🔧 How to clean:
  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Take out all the food and shelves.
  3. Locate the drainage hole (usually in the center of the back wall) and clean it with a cotton swab or wire.
  4. Wash the hole with warm water and soap.

Unplug the refrigerator|Remove all food and shelves|Locate the drainage hole (at the bottom or behind the back panel)|Clean the hole with a wire or a stick|Rinse with warm water-->

⚠️ Attention: if after cleaning water continues to accumulate, the problem may be frozen drain tube (you need to defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours) or a faulty defrost heater (replacement is required).

2.2. Malfunction of the temperature sensor

The sensor (thermistor) transmits temperature data to the electronic module. If it is broken, the freezer either freezes or does not cool at all. models LG sensors often fail due to condensation or mechanical damage.

How to check:

1. Turn off the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back panel of the freezer (in No Frost) or find the sensor on evaporator.
3. Test the sensor with a multimeter (resistance should be ~5–7 kOhm at room temperature).

If there is no resistance or is very different from the norm, the sensor needs to be replaced. The cost of a new one: from 800 to 2,500 rubles, depending on the model.

2.3. Fan failure (for No Frost models)

The fan distributes cold air throughout the chamber. If it stops, the freezer will freeze weakly, and the refrigerator compartment will overheat. Signs:

• 🔇 The freezer is quiet (you can usually hear the fan blades).
• 🧊 Ice is growing on the back wall (the fan does not blow, the moisture does not evaporate).

Reasons for stopping the fan:

• 🛑 Icing of the blades (you need to defrost the refrigerator).
• 🔌 Fan motor malfunction (replacement required, price ~3,000 ₽).
• 🔌 Power supply problems (check contacts and control board).

2.4. Freon leak

If the freezer does not cool and the compressor runs without stopping - possible refrigerant leak. This is a serious breakdown that requires the intervention of a technician. Signs:

• 🔥 The compressor is hot to the touch.
• ❄️ Condenser (grid on the back wall) does not heat up.
• 💨 The freezer is warm, but the fan is working.

⚠️ Attention: Freon leakage often occurs due to corrosion of tubes (especially in older models) or mechanical damage when moving the refrigerator. You cannot refill freon yourself - it is dangerous to health and requires special equipment.

2.5. Compressor malfunction

If the compressor does not start or runs jerkily, the problem may be:

• 🔌 Start relay (replacement cost ~2,000 ₽).
• 🔋 Condenser (replacement ~1,500 ₽).
• 🛠️ The compressor itself (replacement ~10,000–15,000 ₽).

How to check compressor:

1. Turn off the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back cover.
3. Test the compressor windings with a multimeter (the resistance between the contacts should be ~20–50 Ohms).
4. Check the starting relay for presence smell of burning or melted contacts.

3. Problems with the electronic module: when you need to reflash or replace the board.

Modern refrigerators LG are controlled by electronic boards, which can also fail. If the freezer does not work, but all mechanical parts (compressor, fan, sensors) are working, the problem is in the “brains” of the unit.

Signs of a faulty electronic module:

• 📛 Errors flash on the display (for example, ER IF —a problem with the connection between the boards).
• 🔄 The refrigerator turns on/off spontaneously.
• 🎛️ Does not respond to temperature settings.
• 🔌 After a power surge, the freezer stopped working (but the light inside is on).

What to do:

1. Reset settings: turn off the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then turn it on again. In some models LG reset is performed by holding the buttons Freezer + Fridge 10 seconds.
2. Check the power supply: if there were power surges in the house, the fuse on the board may have blown (diagnostics is needed).
3. Reflash the board: at a service center (cost ~3,500 ₽).
4. Replace the module: if the board is burned out (new price ~8,000–12,000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: If you do not understand electronics, do not try to repair the board yourself! A short circuit can damage the entire refrigerator.

How to reset an error on the LG display?

In most models LG resetting errors is done as follows:

1. Press and hold the button Freezer (Freezer) for 5-10 seconds.

2. If there is a button Ice Off (Turn off the ice maker), try the combination Freezer + Ice Off.

3. In refrigerators with a touch screen, hold the area with the freezer temperature for 10 seconds.

If the error does not reset, the problem is more serious than a software failure.

4. Features of repair of freezers in popular LG models

The design of the freezer depends on series and year of manufacture the refrigerator. We have collected typical problems for the most common lines LG:

Model/series	Typical freezer problems	Repair method	Cost (₽)
LG GA-B489, GA-B429 (No Frost)	Fan freezing, error ER FF	Defrost + cleaning the drainage or replacing the defrost heater	1 500–4 000
LG GB-B579, GB-B539 (two-compressor)	The freezer does not work, the compressor does not start	Replacing the start relay or compressor	2 000–12 000
LG GR-N309, GR-B229 (Inverter Linear)	Temperature fluctuates, error ER DH	Replacing the temperature sensor or flashing the board	1 000–5 000
LG GC-B247 (Side-by-Side)	Ice plug in the drain, water in the freezer	Cleaning the drainage system + replacing the seal	1 200–3 500

💡 Advice: if your model is not in the table, find it in official catalog LG (section “Support”) and check the list of typical faults. Some series (for example Inverter Linear) have unique “diseases” associated with inverter compressors.

5. When to call a technician: 3 cases when amateur activity is dangerous

Some breakdowns seem simple, but in fact require professional equipment or knowledge. Never try to fix these problems yourself:

• ⚗️ Freon leak: the refrigerant is toxic, and refilling requires a vacuum pump and a pressure gauge collector.
• ⚡ Electronic board repair: without a circuit and soldering equipment, you risk burning the entire module.
• 🔧 Replacing the compressor: evacuation of the system and an exact dose of freon are required.

⚠️ Attention: if your refrigerator LG is still under warranty, any independent intervention (even replacing a light bulb!) will void it. First, contact an authorized service center - repairs under warranty are free (except for consumables).

How to choose a technician:

• 🔍 Check the reviews on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS.
• 📄 Check if the work is guaranteed (at least 6 months).
• 💰 Compare prices: average bill for freezer repair LG — 3,000–8,000 rubles (excluding spare parts).

6. Prevention: how to extend the life of an LG freezer

Most freezer breakdowns LG can be prevented if you follow simple rules:

• ❄️ Defrost: even if you have No Frostdefrost the refrigerator once every 6 months (turn off 12 hours). solution).
• 🔌 Voltage stabilizer: Power surges are the main cause of failure of circuit boards and compressors.
• 🧹 Cleaning: Wipe the seals and drainage hole once a month (use soda solution).
• 📦 Loading: do not put hot foods in the freezer and do not overload it (optimal fullness is 70%).
• 🌡️ Temperature: maintain −18°C in the freezer (in hot weather you can lower to −20°C).

💡 Useful life hack: if your model LG has a mode Vacation (Vacation), turn it on when you leave for a long time. The refrigerator will maintain a minimum temperature, and the freezer will operate in economical mode.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about LG freezers

🔹 The LG freezer does not freeze, but the refrigerator compartment works fine. What's the matter?

This is a typical problem for two-compressor models (for example, LG GB-B579). Possible reasons:

1. The freezer compressor has failed (needs replacement).
2. The starting relay is faulty (repair cost ~2,000 ₽).
3. Freon leak in the freezer circuit.

In single-compressor refrigerators, this problem is less common - usually the culprit is clogged drainage or faulty fan.

🔹 The error ER FF is on the display. What does this mean?

Error ER FF in refrigerators LG means Malfunction of the freezer fan. Reasons:

• Icing of the blades (needs defrosting).
• Failure of the fan motor (replacement ~3,000 ₽).
• Problems with power (check the control board).

Try defrosting the refrigerator for 12 hours. If the error persists, call a technician.

🔹 Is it possible to repair an LG freezer yourself if it does not cool?

Yes, but only in some cases:

• ✅ You can: clean the drainage, replace the seal, defrost the refrigerator.
• ❌ You can't: refill freon, repair the board, change the compressor.

If the problem is temperature sensor or start relay, replacement can be done yourself (if you have the tools). For other breakdowns, it is better to call a specialist.

🔹 How much does it cost to repair an LG freezer?

The cost depends on the breakdown and model:

Type of repair	Cost (₽)
Replacement of temperature sensor	1 000–2 500
Cleaning drainage + defrosting	1 500–3 000
Replacement of fan (No Frost)	3 000–4 500
Repair of the control board	3 500–8 000
Replacement of the compressor	10 000–15 000

💡 Tip: if the refrigerator is more than 7 years old, compare the cost of repair and a new unit. Sometimes it is more profitable to buy a new model.

🔹 How to reset an error on an LG refrigerator?

Reset methods depend on the model:

• For most refrigerators: hold the button Freezer 5–10 seconds.
• In models with a display: press and hold the area with the freezer temperature.
• For LG Inverter Linear: unplug for 5 minutes.

If the error does not reset, the problem is more serious - you need to diagnostics.