The situation when in the refrigerator LG the freezer continues to work properly, and in the main compartment the temperature rises to room temperature, is one of the most common and alarming for owners.
Such asymmetry in the operation of the unit often indicates a violation of the circulation of the refrigerant or a failure in the cold air flow control system, which requires immediate diagnosis.
Unlike a complete failure of the compressor, when it does not cool anywhere, here the problem is local in nature, which narrows the range of possible faults, but requires a careful study of the device of your models.
The principle of operation of the No Frost system and the distribution of cold
To understand why it is warm, you need to understand the physics of the cooling process of modern models. LG refrigerator heat, it is necessary to understand the physics of the cooling process of modern models.
In most units LG uses technology No Frostwhere cold is generated in an evaporator, located, as a rule, in the freezer chamber or in a hidden technical compartment.
Then a special fan drives cooled air through a system of channels (air ducts) into the main chamber.
⚠️ Attention: In models with one compressor and one cooling circuit, a violation of the air supply to the upper chamber is often associated with icing of the channels, and not with a freon leak.
If the freezer freezes, it means that the compressor and refrigerant are working properly, but the cold flow does not reach its destination in the required volume.
This may occur due to mechanical shutdown of the damper, failure of the temperature sensor, or simple ice accumulation on the internal fan.
How exactly does air circulate in the LG?
Air is sucked in by the fan through the evaporator, cooled and supplied under pressure to the refrigeration compartment through the deflector. The exhaust air is returned back to the evaporator area through the lower openings. If this cycle is disrupted, the cold remains in the “source”, that is, in the freezer.
Checking the temperature settings and dampers
The first step is to exclude the human factor and software failures, which are often perceived as a breakdown.
In refrigerators LG responsible for regulating the amount of cold air flowing from the freezer into the main chamber is adjustable damper (deflector).
If it is closed or stuck in the closed position, air simply does not enter the upper compartment.
Check the settings on the control panel: it may have been accidentally activated mode Express Freeze or the temperature values have been reset.
The normal temperature for the refrigerator compartment is considered to be from +3 to +5 degrees Celsius.
Try to perform a full reset to factory settings by unplugging the appliance for 15-20 minutes.
☑️ Diagnostics of settings
Sometimes the damper works properly, but its drive (motor) is out of order, and it physically cannot open at the command of the electronics.
Fan malfunctions and icing of the evaporator
One of the most common technical reasons, why the freezer is freezing, and the refrigerator is warm, is the fan stops.
This unit is responsible for forced air circulation, and without it the cold remains localized in the evaporator area.
The fan may stop due to the outlet failure of the electric motor or mechanical blocking of the blades by ice.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Check method |
|---|---|---|
| Noises, but does not blow | Icing blades | Visual inspection after defrosting |
| Complete silence | Fan motor burnt out | Test with a multimeter |
| Crackling noise at startup | Foreign object | Disassembly and cleaning |
| Colds intermittently | Defrost sensor failure | Error code analysis |
If the fan is blocked by ice, this indicates problems in the evaporator defrost system.
The defrost heating element, thermal fuse or defrost sensor could have failed, causing a “fur coat” to grow on the evaporator, blocking the channels.
⚠️ Attention: Trying to break the ice with a knife or sharp objects can lead to breakdown evaporator and immediate leakage of freon, which will make repairs extremely expensive.
For diagnostics, you will need to remove the back panel of the freezer and inspect the condition of the evaporator and fan.
Problems with temperature sensors and electronics
Modern refrigerators LG stuffed with electronics that control all processes.
If sensor temperature in the refrigerator compartment it transmits incorrect data (for example, it shows that it is already -5 degrees, although in fact it is +15), the module will not give the command to open the damper.
As a result, the compressor will work on the freezer, ignoring the needs of the main compartment.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the air channels.
In some models, they may become clogged with foreign objects (packages, bags), which users accidentally push towards the back wall.
Check whether the cold air outlet is blocked by storage products.
The electronic control module may also malfunction, especially if there have been power surges in the network.
In such cases, it may be necessary to reflash or replace the control board.
Freon leak: partial loss of refrigerant
Although a complete freon leak leads to a stop in cooling everywhere, a partial leak or blockage in the system can give paradoxical effects.
In double-circuit systems systems or systems with a single circuit and complex wiring, when the refrigerant level is low, the fridge compartment is often the first to stop cooling.
The freezer, being closer to the outlet of the compressor or having priority in the cycle, still retains the ability to freeze, but its resource is no longer sufficient to cool the large volume of the upper chamber.
Signs of a leak may include serve:
- 🔇 The compressor works almost non-stop.
- 🌡️ The condenser (grid at the back) is only partially or unevenly warm.
- ❄️ In the freezer the temperature is below normal (-24...-26°C), and in the refrigerator - higher (+10...+15°C).
Diagnostics of leaks requires special equipment and skills, since freon is colorless and odorless.
Masters use leak detectors or the method of painting the system.
⚠️ Attention: Self-filling the refrigerator with freon without evacuation of the system and searching for leaks is a temporary measure that will lead to repeated failure in a few weeks or months.
Algorithm for self-diagnosis and defrosting
Before calling a technician, try to completely defrost the refrigerator.
This is the most effective way to eliminate problems associated with micro-cracks in the system defrosting or temporary jamming of mechanisms by ice.
To do this, you need to disconnect the refrigerator from the network, empty the chambers of food and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours (days).
Procedure:1. Disconnect from the power supply.
2. Remove all products.
3. Open the doors.
4. Wait 24 hours.
5. Turn on without loading for 2-3 hours.
During this time, all the hidden ice in the channels and on the evaporator will have time to melt and evaporate.
If, after turning on in normal mode, the refrigerator began to work correctly for several days, and then the problem recurred, it means there is a malfunction in the defrosting system (heating element, sensor, timer).
If, even after defrosting, the refrigerator LG did not start to cool in the main compartment, the problem lies deeper: a freon leak, a clogged capillary tube or electronics malfunction.
In this case, you cannot do without the intervention of a specialist and the use of a pressure gauge station.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why, after defrosting, the LG refrigerator stopped cooling again after a week?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the automatic defrost. Most likely, the heating element of the evaporator burned out, the defrost sensor or thermal fuse failed. Ice again accumulates inside the case and blocks the air supply channels.
Can the damper in an LG refrigerator become jammed due to ice?
Yes, this is possible. If there is a gap or a leak at the outlet of the air duct, moist air from the chamber can penetrate to the damper mechanism and freeze there, blocking its movement.
How much does it cost to replace a fan in an LG refrigerator?
The cost consists of the price of the spare part and the work of the technician. Fans for LG are relatively inexpensive, but replacing them often requires partial disassembly of the freezer.
What does the blinking temperature indicator on the LG panel mean?
A flashing indicator usually indicates that the temperature in the chamber is above the set norm. If the blinking does not stop after cooling, this may indicate an error code, which can be read by the nature of the blinking (a combination of blinking of different indicators).