The LG refrigerator works constantly and does not turn off: reasons and what to do

Have you noticed that the refrigerator LG began to work without interruptions, and the electricity bill has increased significantly? The constant hum of the compressor is not just an annoying noise, but a signal of a possible malfunction. Normally, the unit should turn off for 10–20 minutes every hour, but if this does not happen, the problem cannot be ignored: overheating of the motor, increased wear of parts and even the risk of breakdown after a few days.

In this article we will analyze 7 main reasonswhy the refrigerator LG works constantly - from the banal not tightly closed seal until serious damage such as freon leakage or failure of the control board. For each reason, we will give step-by-step diagnostic instructions and indicate whether you can fix the problem yourself. And at the end - an FAQ with answers to frequently asked questions from owners of models LG No Frost, Inverter Linear Compressor and classic systems.

1. The seal is broken: the seal or the door

The most common reason for continuous operation is warm air penetrates into the chamber due to a loose door. The refrigerator tries to compensate for the loss of cold, but does not have time. Check:

• 🔍 Sealing rubber: cracks, dirt or deformation. Carry out a test with a sheet of paper - if it easily pulls out when the door is closed, the seal is broken.
• 🧲 Magnetic fit: in models LG DoorCooling+ magnets are built into the seal. They weaken over time.
• 📏 Door misalignment: Check the gaps around the perimeter. If on one side the gap is wider than 2 mm, adjustment of the hinges is required.

How to fix:

• ✅ Wipe the seal warm soap solution (without abrasives!). In models LG InstaView the elastic band often becomes dirty from touching.
• ✅ Warm up the deformed areas hairdryer at minimum power (keep at a distance of 20 cm) - this will restore elasticity.
• ✅ Adjust the hinges with a 5 mm hex key (instructions are in the manual for the model).

Check the seal for cracks and dirt|

Test with a sheet of paper around the entire perimeter|

Inspect the hinges for play|

Try to rehang the door (for models with reversible fastening)-->

Attention! If the seal is torn or lost its shape, it needs to be replaced. For models LG original rubber bands are marked with a code that can be found on a sticker inside the camera (for example, ADQ72916901 for series GA-B489).

2. Incorrect temperature settings

The refrigerator LG can work without stopping due to excessive cooling requirements. For example, if the freezer is set -24°C at room temperature +30°C, the compressor will physically not be able to reach the set value and will run idle.

Optimal settings for most models:

How to reset settings:

1. Press Smart Cooling (or Temp) on the control panel.
2. Hold Freezer and Fridge at the same time for 5 seconds - this will reset the parameters to factory settings.
3. For models with Wi-Fi (series ThinQ), the reset can be done via application: Settings → Temperature reset.

3. Overload with products or disruption of air circulation

If the refrigerator LG No Frost is filled to capacity with food, the fan cannot distribute the cold evenlythe compressor is forced to work longer to cool the overloaded areas. This is especially critical for models with DoorCooling+ . the system supplies air through the door, and if it is blocked, the efficiency drops by 40%.

What to check:

• 🥦 The distance between products: there must be at least 2 cm for air circulation.
• 🍗 Hot dishes: even warm soup in a pan increases the temperature in the chamber by 3-5°C.
• 🧊 Ice on the back wall: in models without No Frost a thick layer of ice (from 1 cm) worsens heat exchange.

How to properly place food in the LG refrigerator

Top shelves: ready-made dishes, dairy products (here is the most stable temperature).

Middle shelves: eggs, cheeses, sausages.

Lower shelves (above vegetable boxes): meat, fish (the coldest zone).

Door: only sauces, drinks, oil - here the temperature is 2-3°C higher than in the chamber.

Attention! In refrigerators LG InstaView Door-in-Door the inner door often blocks the air flow if it is not closed tightly. Check if there are any packages or bottles left in the opening.

4. Damage to the temperature sensor or thermostat

If the refrigerator LG does not turn off, but freezes normally, the problem may lie in a faulty sensor. In modern models there are several of them:

• 🌡️ Evaporator sensor (in the freezer) - responsible for turning the compressor on/off.
• 🌡️ Air sensor (in the refrigerator compartment) - regulates the operation of the fan No Frost.
• 🌡️ Condenser sensor - monitors the temperature on the rear wall.

Symptoms of sensor malfunction:

• The compressor is running more than 1 hour without pauses.
• The display shows error (codes ER, FF, dH).
• In the freezer ice has formed on the back wallalthough No Frost this should be prevented.

How to check the sensor with a multimeter:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back panel in the freezer (in models No Frost it is secured with latches).
3. Disconnect the sensor connector (usually a white or black plastic box with two wires).
4. Measure the resistance:
   • At +20°C: ~5–7 kOhm.
   • At 0°C: ~27–30 kOhm.

No Frost (automatic defrost)|

Drip system (ice on the back wall)|

Inverter Linear Compressor (silent compressor)|

I don’t know/other-->

Attention! In models LG Smart ThinQ with electronic control, a faulty sensor may block all functions, including the display. If after a reboot (shutdown for 10 minutes) the problem remains, the sensor needs to be replaced.

5. Freon leak or clogged capillary tube

If the refrigerator LG works without stopping, but does not freeze (or freezes weakly), the reason may be refrigerant leak or a clogged system. This is a serious breakdown that cannot be repaired on your own.

Signs of a freon leak:

• ❄️ Condenser (grid on the rear wall) does not heat up.
• 🔊 Compressor hums louder than usual, but there is no cold.
• 💧 On the floor under the refrigerator oily stains (freon is mixed with oil).

What to do:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 12 hours.
2. Check if there is no data-i="191">on the circuit tubes (especially in solder areas). swellings or cracks on the circuit tubes (especially at soldering points).
3. If suspicions are confirmed - do not turn on the refrigerator before repair! Working without freon leads to overheating of the compressor.

In refrigerators LG s Inverter Linear Compressor a freon leak is especially dangerous: a compressor of this type not designed to run dry and can fail in 1–2 days.

6. Failure of the compressor or control board

If all previous causes are excluded, but the refrigerator LG still does not turn off, the problem may be:

• 🔧 Compressor: wear of the piston group, inter-turn short circuit of the windings.
• 📱 Control board: circuit elements burned out, contacts oxidized.
• ⚡ Start relay: does not turn off the compressor after reaching temperature.

How to diagnose:

• Listen to the compressor: knocking or grinding indicates mechanical wear.
• Check the relay: when turned on there should be clicking. If it is not there, the relay is faulty.
• Inspect the board: darkened or swollen elements (capacitors, resistors) - a sign of failure.

Attention! In models LG ThinQ with a Wi-Fi module, the control board often fails due to power surges. If the refrigerator is connected to a smart outlet, use voltage stabilizer (recommended range: 200–240 V).

7. External factors: voltage, ventilation, climate

Sometimes the refrigerator LG works without stopping due to external conditionsrather than breakdowns. Check:

• ⚡ Network voltage: when low (less than 190 V), the compressor cannot develop the required power and runs longer.
• 🌡️ Room temperature: if above +30°C, the refrigerator loses up to 50% efficiency.
• 🪟 Ventilation: the back wall should be 5–10 cm away from the wall, otherwise the condenser will overheat.

How to fix:

• Connect the refrigerator via voltage relay (for example, ZUBR R116y).
• Install external fan on the back wall if the room is hot.
• Check whether the refrigerator is next to the stove or battery.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the continuous operation of the LG refrigerator

❓ The LG No Frost refrigerator works without stopping, but it freezes normally?

Most likely there is a problem. in defrost sensor or evaporator heater. In the No Frost mode, the fan blows on the evaporator, and if ice builds up on it, the compressor is forced to work longer. If this does not help, you need to replace the sensor or heater.

❓ After moving, the LG refrigerator began to work constantly. What should I do?

Probably during transportation the circuit tube is damaged or the compressor has moved data-i="262">❓ An LG refrigerator with an inverter compressor hums and does not turn off. Is this normal?. Do not turn on the refrigerator! Turn it off, let it stand for 6-8 hours (to level the oil in the compressor), then check the tightness. If the problem persists, call a technician to check for a freon leak.

❓ LG refrigerator with inverter compressor hums and does not turn off. Is this the norm?

Inverter compressors (Linear Compressor) operate almost silently and can do not turn off for 4-6 hoursif the room temperature is high. But if the hum. became louder than usual or vibration appeared - this is a sign of a malfunction. Check the compressor fastening (should be rigid, without play).

❓ On the display of the LG refrigerator Error ER FF is on. What does this mean?

Code ER FF indicates fan malfunction (in models No Frost) or sensor circuit breakTry:

1. Turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
2. Check whether the fan blades are blocked by ice or foreign objects.
3. If the error remains, it is required replacing a fan or sensor.

❓ Is it possible to replace the thermostat in an LG refrigerator yourself?

In models with mechanical thermostat (for example, LG GA-B429) you can replace it yourself: it is attached to 2 screws, and two wires go to it. But in refrigerators. with electronic control (series ThinQ) the thermostat is integrated into the board - here you can’t do without a wizard.