The situation when the upper chamber of an LG refrigerator continues to cool food, but the lower one freezer compartment ceases to perform its functions is one of the most common problems in household appliances. The owner notices that the ice crust on the walls disappears, the food begins to thaw, and the compressor may work without stopping or, conversely, not turn on at all. This is a critical moment that requires immediate intervention, since long-term storage of products at above-zero temperatures in the freezer is impossible.
Modern models, such as LG GA-B409 or LG GC-B419, are equipped with a complex system No Frost, which eliminates the formation of ice, but makes the unit sensitive to sensor failures and channel blockages. Often the reason lies not in a fatal breakdown of the motor, but in a simple electronics failure or a violation of the tightness of the circuit. Understanding the principle of operation of the refrigeration circuit will help you quickly identify the malfunction and make a decision: call a technician or try to fix the problem yourself.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main components responsible for the cold and methods for checking them. You will learn how to distinguish a breakdown compressor from a malfunction Defrost heating element and why it is important not to ignore the first signs of defrosting. Competent diagnostics will save time and budget, allowing you to avoid unnecessary expenses for the services of service centers in simple cases.
Main signs of a freezer compartment failure
The first signal that What refrigeration circuit does not work correctly is a change in the consistency of the products. The ice cream becomes soft, and the meat loses its elasticity, becoming covered with condensation. In models with the system No Frost you may notice the absence of the characteristic hum of the fan or, conversely, its constant operation at high speeds, which indicates an attempt by the system to compensate for the lack of cold.
Another important indicator is the behavior of the compressor itself. If it works continuously, without turning off for rest, but the temperature in the chamber does not drop below -5°C, this is a sure sign refrigerant leaks or clogging of the capillary tube. In some cases, the back wall of the freezer may develop a “coat of snow” in one corner, while the rest of the space remains warm. This indicates a local violation of air circulation or refrigerant.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a sharp click and smell burning wiring, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Continued use may lead to a fire or complete failure of the control unit control unit.
You should also pay attention to the indicators on the front panel if your model is equipped with a digital display. The appearance of error codes, such as LG equipped with a digital display. Error codes such as Er FF (fan error) or Er SF (defrost sensor error), immediately narrows the search range. Ignoring these signals often leads to more expensive repairs, as the system goes into emergency mode.
Checking the defrosting system and heating element
The most common reason why the freezer in an LG refrigerator with the system does not freeze No Frostis a system malfunction defrost. The operating principle is to periodically heat the evaporator to remove ice. If defrost heating element burns out or fails defrost sensor, the evaporator becomes overgrown with ice, which blocks the cold air supply channels into the chamber.
For diagnostics you need to get to evaporator by removing the back panel in the freezer compartment. A visual inspection will show if there is an ice blockage. If the evaporator is completely or partially covered with ice, and the fan cannot blow air through this mass, the cold simply does not reach the products. In this case, you need to check the integrity of the heating element with a multimeter.
The verification process is as follows:
- 🔌 Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply and defrost it for 24 hours.
- 🔧 Remove the back wall of the freezer, gaining access to Heating element and sensors.
- 📏 Test the heating element with a multimeter: lack of resistance indicates an open circuit.
- 🔍 Check defrost sensor: its resistance should change depending on the temperature.
If the heating element is intact, the problem may lie in defrost relay or the control board, which does not supply voltage to the heater. Frequent on and off cycles can cause the relay contacts to burn. In models LG with electronic control, failures in the operation of the relay are often accompanied by a characteristic crackling noise inside the housing.
Nuances of the operation of the defrost sensor
The defrost sensor (defroster) is a thermistor that changes its resistance when the temperature changes. In a cold state (below -5°C) it has a high resistance, closing the heating element circuit. As the ice melts and the temperature rises, the resistance drops and the relay opens the circuit. If the sensor “lies” and shows that there is no ice, the heating element will never turn on, which will lead to fouling of the evaporator with a “fur coat” and the cooling of the chamber will stop.
Diagnostics of the compressor and start relay
Compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, ensuring the circulation of the refrigerant. If it does not start, the freezer stops freezing instantly. A sign of a malfunction may be silence (the compressor does not respond to commands) or a characteristic hum followed by a click and stop. In the second case, most often the fault is starting relay or the windings of the motor itself.
The starting relay is responsible for starting the compressor motor. Over time, the contacts inside the relay oxidize or burn out, especially if there are power surges in the network. Refrigerators LG use both electromagnetic and posistor relays. You can check them visually (for carbon deposits) and using a device by measuring the resistance.
If the relay is working properly, but the compressor only hums and does not start, the piston group may be jammed or an interturn short circuit in the windings. In this case, the unit needs to be replaced. It is also worth checking the capacitor, if it is provided for in the design: swelling or leakage of the electrolyte indicates its malfunction.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
Freon leak and capillary tube clogged
If the compressor is working properly, the fan is spinning, The defrosting system is normal, but there is no cold, probably refrigerant leak or clogging. Freon is a working fluid that transfers heat. If there is a lack of it, the pressure in the system drops and the refrigerant boils ahead of time, not having time to cool the evaporator of the freezer to the required temperature.
Leaks often occur in solder areas, in foamed parts of the body or through microcracks in the evaporator (especially if you carelessly cleaned the chamber of ice with a knife). Signs of a leak are: a hot condenser (grid at the back), a running compressor, but cold tubes inside the chamber. Swelling of the side walls of the refrigerator may also be observed.
Clogging of the capillary tube occurs due to moisture or oil breakdown products entering the system. At the point where the tube narrows, an ice or mud plug forms, blocking circulation. A characteristic sign is that only the first part of the evaporator is cold, and then the tubes are warm. To eliminate this, you need to flush the system with nitrogen and replace the filter-drier.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Nature of compressor operation | Condenser temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice on the evaporator | Defrost system malfunction | Works cyclically | Warm/Hot |
| Complete absence of cold | Freon leak | Works without stopping | Barely warm |
| Freezes only at the wall | Clogged capillary tube | Works without stops | Hot |
| Clicks and silence | Faulty start relay | Trying to start | Cold |
Problems with electronics and temperature sensors
Modern refrigerators LG are controlled by complex electronics. If control module receives incorrect data from the sensors, it may not turn on the compressor or fan. There are usually two main temperature sensors: one in the refrigerator compartment, the other in the freezer. The failure of one of them leads to chaotic operation of the entire system.
The temperature sensor is a thermistor. When the temperature changes, its resistance changes, and the board “understands” how much cold it needs to produce. If the sensor shows that it is already -20°C in the chamber, although it is +5°C, the compressor simply will not turn on. The test is carried out by dialing at different temperatures.
It is also worth mentioning door opening sensor. If it is stuck or faulty, the refrigerator “thinks” the door is open and blocks active cooling or turns on the backlight, which warms the chamber. In models with a display, this is often indicated by the corresponding symbol.
Mechanical damage and leakage
Even a working refrigerator will stop freezing if the seal of the chamber is broken. Sealing rubber band the door dries out over time, cracks or simply becomes dirty, ceasing to fit tightly to the body. Warm, humid air constantly enters the chamber, which the cooling system does not have time to cool.
You can check the tightness with a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter: if it pulls out without resistance, it means there is a gap in that place. The reason may also be that the door is skewed due to loose hinges or improper installation of the refrigerator (the legs are not adjusted).
Mechanical damage can also occur inside: cracks in the plastic box, broken air duct dampers. In the system No Frost air is pumped by a fan through special channels. If the damper that regulates the air flow into the freezer is stuck in the closed position, the cold simply will not get there, remaining in the upper chamber.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of components may vary depending on the specific model and year of manufacture. Always check the official instructions LG for your series of refrigerators before starting disassembly.
Algorithm of actions when a problem is detected
If you find that the freezer is not freezing, do not panic and act consistently. First, rule out simple reasons: check if the door is tightly closed, if the temperature setting in the menu has gone wrong (perhaps someone accidentally turned on the “Vacation” or “Super Freeze” mode with a timer).
Then conduct an initial diagnosis by ear and touch. Is the compressor running? Is the capacitor at the back getting hot? Is there ice on the back wall? These observations will help you understand which direction to move: check the electrical system, defrost system, or look for a leak.
If self-diagnosis indicates a complex breakdown (freon leak, compressor replacement), it is better to turn to professionals. Repairs associated with a violation of the tightness of the circuit require special equipment: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and refrigerant reserves.
Why Is your LG freezer working and then stops working after a couple of days?
This is a classic sign of a malfunctioning defrost system. The refrigerator operates normally until the entire evaporator volume is filled with ice. As soon as the ice plug blocks the channels, air circulation stops and the temperature in the chamber begins to rise. After complete defrosting (turning off for a day), the refrigerator begins to freeze again, but the cycle repeats.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the freezer does not freeze?
For a short time - yes, if the refrigerator compartment is working. However, prolonged operation in this mode is dangerous for the compressor, which will work non-stop, trying to gain temperature. This will lead to overheating of the windings and eventual failure of the motor.
How to reset errors on an LG refrigerator?
A reboot often helps: unplug the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. If the error was caused by a power surge or temporary sensor failure, it will disappear. If the malfunction is physical (the heating element is burned out), the error will return immediately after the operation cycle.
What does the Er FF error code on the display mean?
The code Er FF indicates an error in the freezer fan (Freezer Fan). The fan may become jammed due to ice or become electrically damaged. Without a working fan, the cold does not spread throughout the chamber, even if the evaporator is ice-cold.